Royal Australian Air Force Police Dog History UNOFFICIAL PAGE

Dogs were first introduced into the RAAF during 1943 when, untrained and extremely savage dogs, were placed loose inside warehouses and compounds; tied to aircraft or fixed to long lines in such a manner that they could run back and forth. The first RAAF Dog Training Centre was inaugurated on 13 September 1954 at No 2 Central Reserve, Ettamogah  NSW. On 19 December 1955, the Centre was moved to No I. Stores Depot, RAAF Tottenham, Victoria. In June 1956 it became established as RAAF Police Dog Training Centre, primarily for the breeding and training of dogs for security duties.  Photo taken 10 August 1957. Kennels at No 1 Stores Depot. In these early stages, no trade mustering had been established for the personnel of various mustering and civilians employed on duties with Police dogs. These dogs, drawn from the  German Shepherd, Labrador and Doberman Pinscher breeds were selected as much for their controllability as for their aggressiveness. During 1958 formal Police Dog/Security Guard training courses were introduced and only dogs of the German Shepherd breed were used. The first such course was conducted from 5th May to 10th July 1958. Eighteen RAAF personnel and one member of the Victorian Police Force commenced the course. Two members failed to complete the course, one on medical grounds and the other requested  reversion to motor transport duties. The second course commenced on 22nd September 1958. Seven RAAF personnel passed the course on 28th November 1958. Three members returned to their units to await conformation of an official mustering. They were Cpl Curry who took charge of the dogs at 2SDD Dubbo. Cpl Stevenson (2SD Regents Park, Sydney) and Cpl Nawrotsky who took charge of the dogs at 7SD Toowoomba. Graduates of these courses were employed on dog handling duties but remained in their original mustering. In August 1962 the trade mustering of 'Security Guard.' (SGuard) was officially introduced and most of the airmen who had been trained in 1958 remustered to the new mustering of 52 posts. In December 1962 No 1 Security Guard Course graduated twenty-two successful Security Guards who were posted to No's 1, 2 and 7 Stores Depots and No 30 Squadron, RAAF Williamtown, New South Wales. During the ensuing years Security Guard Sections were established at most major RAAF establishments including RAAF Butterworth, Malaysia and RAAF Support Unit Tengah, Singapore.

RAAF Police Dog Training Centre Administration Building & Parade ground. No 7SD In early 1969, the Police Dog Training Centre was re-located to 7SD Toowoomba, the first Officer in charge of the new training facilities was Flight Lieutenant Bill Perrett, known as the FATHER of the mustering. The first course to be conducted at the new location, No 14 Security Guard Course, graduated in April 1969.     25 Police Dogs and handlers on CO 7SD Parade. September 1972. In 1972, a Security Guard Advanced course was introduced for personnel who had served for two or more years in the mustering, however this course was subsequently replaced in 1987 by a Section Management Course which provided corporals with the skill and knowledge required to manage a Police Dog Section. In December 1982, the Defence and Security Training School (now RAAF Security and Fire School) was formed at RAAF Amberley. The Police Dog Training Centre was renamed 'Security Guard Training Flight' and became Detachment 'A' of the new school. In January 1986, following completion of purpose built facilities, Security Guard Training Flight moved to RAAF Amberley to become part of the Police and Security Service Training Flight. This combined Security Guard training flight with the RAAF Police training element.  The name Police Dog Training Centre was re-established at the new facility. Since its inception, sponsorship and administration of the Security Guard mustering has rested with the Provost Marshal Air Force. In 1985, the policing role of the mustering was formally recognized and the Security Guard mustering joined with the RAAF Police and Police Investigator mustering to form the RAAF Police and Security Service. Following this in July 1986 Security Guards underwent an official name change to Police Dog Handler (POLDOGH). The end of an era came in 1985 when the first female Police Dog Handler, ACW Josephine Emslie, graduated from Basic Security Guard course and proceeded on posting to RAAF Williamtown, New South Wales. Since then more women have joined the ranks of the Police Dog Handler mustering after attaining the same academic and physical standards as their male counterparts. In 1994 the Police Dog Handler mustering underwent a further change and became incorporated into the RAAF Police mustering with all handlers being renamed RAAF Police. (RAAFPOL) In 1997 Dog Handlers, Police and Police Investigators were mustered under RAAF Security Police. Dog Handlers now became RAAF Security Police with the annotation 'MWDS' for Military Working Dog Specialists. With the advent of modern warfare, the role of the Dog Handler changed to reflect the dog's specialist capability in a new security role. Belgium and German Shepherds were the breeds of choice and their training gives the RAAF the benefit of having man/dog security teams capable of seeking out an enemy before he can damage vital assets. Advanced tracking, combat troop support, tarmac protection and booby trap detection are all part of the MWDS duties. With the training and capability of working in all terrain from heavy scrub to urban areas, these dogs and the new breed of Doggie will lead the Australian Defence Forces into the new millennium. (Click image for larger photo) (l-r)  Military Working Dog Specialists  LAC Peters and Bear - LAC Campbell and Banjo Another milestone was reached on the 15th May 2006 with the graduation of  'Course 100' with twelve successful handler and dog teams passing out at RAAF SFS Amberley. Course 100 Graduation

Drug Detector Dogs. In 1972, following extensive research and evaluation, Drug.Detector Dog teams were introduced into the RAAF to provide investigative search assistance in the detection and investigation of non medical use of drugs. These Drug Detection teams worked with RAAF Police Investigators in Capital City RAAF Police Offices and contributed to the RAAF Police effort in fighting non medical use of drugs. Further, these teams assisted many State and Federal law enforcement agencies involved in the war against drugs.

Scout Dogs. Scout dogs were introduced into the RAAF during the late 1970's with handlers being drawn from the mustering of Airfield Defence Guard (ADG). These dogs and handlers were trained at the RAAF Police Dog Training Centre primarily for ambush detection duties while patrolling in hostile territory usually outside of base perimeters. Their secondary role was as outpost static guards. (l-r) Jim O'Brien and Narvik, Simon Lovelock and Khan, Rick Mortellaro and Sultan, Grant Patchett and Luke, Steve Brasher and Rajah, Wayne Suttie and Ryan. Members of Support Flight,  No 2 Airfield Defence Squadron, RAAF Base Richmond. NSW

Other Services. Throughout the years the RAAF Police Dog Training School has also been involved in the training of  man/dog teams for the Royal Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy, Department of Corrective Services, Federal Police and some state Police Services.

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Research and Construction of these pages  by:  RAAF Police Dog Handler  Warrant Officer Glenn J Andrews  (retired). Page Last Reviewd 19 May 2006.