DVIDS – News – US Army Garrison-Kwajalein Atoll Welcomes New Military Working Dogs

The U.S. Army Garrison on Kwajalein Atoll recently welcomed the latest arrival from the island’s security team: military working dog Lasta, a Belgian Malinois, who, along with his partner, Sgt. Brendan Trapp works hard to detect illegal items and potential contraband at Kwajalein entry and exit points.

There are many things that set Lasta apart from the island’s four-legged residents, Trapp said. The main thing is a high level of training. Lasta has been training for his job in Kwajalein for years.

“Working dogs like Lasta are bred to work and trained from an early age on how to do their job,” Trapp said.

Dogs have augmented police operations for decades. Traditionally touted as “man’s best friend”, their keen sense of smell and eagerness also make dogs ideal for detecting complex scents that a human cannot easily detect. Dogs frequently save lives on search and rescue missions and played an important role at Ground Zero after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Fast and intelligent, dogs like the German Shepherd and Malinois are highly sought after by security forces around the world. Even so, there is a fierce selection process for MWDs, just like their handlers. Trapp brought five years of experience as a US military dog ​​handler to Kwajalein. He remembers passing the rigorous five-day exam designed to test his effectiveness and proficiency in working with a K-9 partner.

At work, Trapp also monitors Lasta’s health and safety, making sure she’s happy, well-hydrated, and not overheated after working on the hot tarmac. In this line of work, it is also useful to love dogs. Trapp grew up in Merritt Island, Florida, in a family with a Boston Terrier and an English Bulldog. On their days off, Trapp and Lasta play fetch and enjoy the shade and being a team.

“I love that every day is different and brings its own challenges,” Trapp said. “On many jobs, you punch the clock and do the same things over and over day to day. In K-9, we are constantly adjusting and adapting to complete the mission as effectively and efficiently as possible. »

Already, Trapp and Lasta have done extensive patrols at Kwajalein Airport. Outside of checkpoints on the island, residents can encounter the duo when conducting inspections in housing areas and near Kwajalein entry and exit points. Trapp reminds them that Lasta is not a pet, he is a working dog. If residents spot Lasta on patrol, they are free to come and ask questions, but pet owners are also advised to stay 10 to 15 feet away to ensure their pets’ safety, he said. -he declares.

“We are here to help keep the community safe and secure,” Trapp said.

Lasta’s team is about to get bigger, chief security officer Chris Ramsey said this week.

“As of January 27, an additional drug dog team and two explosive dog teams have passed their certifications,” Ramsey said. “Afterwards, they are now on their way to Kwajalein to join Sgt. Trapp and Lasta in our important mission for our client.