Service dogs that rescued Lang Nu performed at the International Defense Exhibition

First time performing at the exhibition

The Vietnam International Defense Exhibition 2024 is a gathering place for the best of the defense industry, with the participation of modern military equipment and special forces. Among those special forces, the performance of the dog team is highly anticipated.

Military dog ​​performance jumping through fire hoop at exhibition

As the person directly training the dog team participating in the exhibition, Lieutenant Colonel Tran Quoc Huong, Head of Mobile Group 4, Border Guard Intermediate School 24, said this was the first time the dog force participated in a performance at the Vietnam International Defense Exhibition.

The number of participating military dogs was 120 (2 reserve service dogs), 158 training officers in 3 categories: performing basic disciplinary movements in block formation, performing fire hoops and jumping over obstacles.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Huong, after receiving orders from the Ministry of National Defense and the Border Guard Command, the school summoned trainers to organize training for 120 service dogs to participate in the opening ceremony. The unit determined that this was an especially important and difficult task, but it was an honor and pride, so it was determined to bring the best performance at the exhibition.

"At first, we were also very worried because the mission required the participating dogs to be trained in many complex external conditions such as the noise of airplanes, drums, people's voices... Therefore, during the training process, we found a method to help the dogs get used to the sound conditions, noise as well as crowded environments," said Lieutenant Colonel Huong.

Trainers practice techniques on military dogs

Lieutenant Colonel Huong said that the sound of the Su30-MK2 aircraft at the exhibition was a "fear" for the service dogs. To overcome this fear, the unit dispatched a specialized vehicle with a loudspeaker installed on the vehicle that played fake aircraft sounds every day so that the dogs could gradually adapt.

"At first, the dogs were very panicked, but we persistently increased the distance and volume for training. By the opening day, the dogs were basically no longer afraid of airplanes. During the rehearsal, the Su30-MK2 flew overhead, but the service dogs were not affected and performed normally," Lieutenant Colonel Huong revealed.

Many military dogs have participated in disaster rescue.

The trainer also added that to participate in this exhibition, Border Guard Intermediate School 24 chose two dog breeds including purebred German Shepherd and Belgian Shepherd (Malinois) - two fighting dog breeds with good health, endurance and uniform formation. These are purebred German Shepherd breeds that are very suitable for professional training, listening to commands, good endurance...

Of the 120 military dogs participating in the exhibition, 6 were dispatched to Turkey to perform rescue missions after the earthquake, and 26 were involved in searching for missing people in the landslide disaster in Lang Nu (Bao Yen District, Lao Cai ) in September.

Minutes of rest during training

"The process of searching for the missing victims in the landslide in Lao Cai was very difficult, especially when going into the muddy areas, the mud was up to the dogs' bellies. In addition, the working time was very high, continuously, so there were times when these dogs were tired, could not walk, and collapsed. At that time, we had to directly pour water for the dogs to drink to recover and continue working," Lieutenant Colonel Huong revealed.

During the days of witnessing the tragic disaster, the lieutenant colonel felt all the pain of those who remained. From their eyes, he realized that the people were waiting for him every second and minute. Therefore, he always encouraged his teammates to be determined and try to command the sniffer dogs to search for the missing people.

"In fact, the affection between the army and the people has always been very warm, but in times of difficulty and hardship, that affection grows stronger and more warm than ever. I cannot forget the hot bowls of soup and quick meals from the people of Lang Nu. Even though they were just simple actions, they urged us to be determined to contribute and quickly find relatives for those who stayed behind," Lieutenant Colonel Huong was moved.

As the exhibition opening day approaches, the officers and trainers are determined to increase the training time so that the dogs can get used to the environment and stimulate the outside world. According to Lieutenant Colonel Huong, to prepare for the exhibition, many officers have not taken leave all year to complete special tasks.

Military dogs on security duty at Vietnam International Defense Exhibition 2024

"This is an event taking place in Vietnam but with the participation of many countries. Therefore, we will try to bring the image of the force in particular and the image of Vietnam in general to the world," the lieutenant colonel emphasized.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/cho-nghiep-vu-tung-cuu-ho-lang-nu-trinh-dien-tai-trien-lam-quoc-phong-quoc-te-185241219040447611.htm