When we think of heroes, we often conjure images of valiant soldiers and daring feats, but there’s a silent hero among us, one with four legs and a wagging tail. Yes, we’re talking about the courageous Indian Army dogs, the unsung heroes of the Indian armed forces. These furry warriors, trained to perfection, are not just loyal companions; they are the frontline defenders, the silent watchers, and the fearless seekers of danger.
In this article, we dive deep into the world of these remarkable canines, uncovering their training, duties, and incredible contributions to our nation’s security. Through the tales of Rex, Rocket, Manasi, Rock, Rudali, and the ‘Langar’ dogs, we understand these four-legged heroes’ pivotal role in keeping us safe.
Indian Army Dogs: Why Are They Important?
Indian Army dogs play a vital role in serving the nation. Dogs have fought along with humans since ancient times. During World War II, the first K-9 Corps was created. It has become a significant part of the Indian Army’s armed forces. They specifically train for their work and are so good at their job that no one can beat them. Those dogs are mainly trained from foreign countries, making them a pro in this field.
Indian Army Dogs Breed
Generally, to serve in the military, everyone wants ‘A German Shepherd,’ ‘A Great Swiss Mountain,’ ‘A Belgian Balinois,’ and ‘A Labrador family. Unlike other breeds, they are brilliant and advanced in their work. They are more reliable to believe as they come to know many secret points of Indian soldiers. But as the first Desi dog breed, Mudhol Hound from Karnataka is joining the Indian Army.
Indian Army Dog’s Duties
- Drugs, weapons, and explosive detections
- Detection and tracking
- Attack the enemies if ordered.
- Medical researchers
- Patrolling
- Scouting
- Give guard or protection to the soldiers.
Look at some Indian Army dogs who prove their nationalism without uniforms.
Rex
Rex was a golden Labrador posted on Delta Post, Bhaderwah, in 14 army dog units. He did an incredible job for our nation.
In 1995, he helped find an AK-47 and a bag containing 92 rounds, chasing for almost 4 hours. He was also able to track an injured militant encountered in a thick fire over 3 km. In 1998, he helped to find dreaded militants 2 km away in mountainous terrain.
Moreover, the dog also helped our military officers find three militants’ bodies under six feet of snow. He found the chambers of their ammunition, wireless sets, an assortment of arms and ration stores under the snow. In the year 1999, the unsung hero died due to severe intestinal injuries in an Army hospital.
Rocket
Indian Army had an encounter near Banihal in Kashmir on June 9, 1998. After sniffing the scarf of the militants, Rocket discovered three AK-47s, one sniper rifle, one universal machine gun, two AK-56s, two 9 mm pistols and seven radio sets along with 26 hand grenades, over 1500 rounds of ammunition, 11 IEDs and 37 electric detonators. Without him, this is going to be impossible for the Indian Army.
Manasi
In the list of Indian Army Dogs, Manasi, a four-year-old Army Labrador, sensed some militant’ movement near LoC in Kupwara’s Tangdhar sector in August 2015. She indicates her handler towards them and starts the operation. In this search operation, both of them lost their precious life due to gunshots by opponents. They also helped to track and kill a terrorist on Kaisuri Ridge in the same year. That is why the Indian Army can thwart the terrorist attack in July.
Rock
Rock, an Army labrador, helps to find four foreign militants from a tough, snow-bound 4-km stretch across the highlands. They found some radio sets, four AK-47 rifles, 170 rounds of ammunition, and one improvised explosive device (IED) from Fatehpur near Kashmir. Without Rock, this is going to be tough for the Indian Army.
Rudali
Another young labrador named Rudali discovered an IED on the roadside of the Surankote area On September 16, 1998. It saves lots of lives. His sniffing power can help detect explosives and mines. Rudali is mainly used in conference halls, helipads, and the VIP routes.
‘Langar’ dogs
The elite dog squad mainly trains this breed, which gives extra support to our armed forces. They live away from the Army so that they prevent entry into the border.
In their presence, the Indian Army feels so secure. They give early warning when trespassers want to Illegal intrusion. It is challenging to fool their eyes. They also help to send messages from one station to another.
Alex
In 1965, a golden labrador named Alex can smell the killer from the grenade lever and run a few miles across a forested hill, finally catching him in a temple. He saved the life of Bhutanese King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in Paro, so the king gave him worth Rs 1000 and his ring as a reward.
Indian Army dogs facts
There are some unknown facts that we should know about Indian Army dogs. That proves that they are essential in our Indian Army.
- They get special training in bomb, drug and weapon detection tracking and also catch the enemy.
- Like other soldiers, they also need to go through very tough training. Some of them pass, and others get rejected from the training.
- They also get special training in military-specific hand gestures and verbal orders from their handler. That’s why it has become easier to give commands in emergencies.
- During their training, they practice how to hold the bark in emergencies and to scout without revealing their positions.
- Their services last from 8-10 years. After that, they retire like other Army officers.
- The preferable Army dog species are German Shepherds and Labradors. They are straightforward to train, and also they adapt to training very naturally. They can efficiently perform any task as instructed.
- Indian Army has over 1000 trained dogs in their inventory.
- The Army dogs get a Shaurya Chakra and over 150 commendation cards from the Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) to prove their bravery.
- They also participate in the Republic Day parade. The RVC Centre and College in Meerut Cantt are responsible for preparing them for the train.
- After retirement, the only sad part is that they don’t get any post-military care from the Indian government like other Army officers.
Conclusion
In a world where bravery is often synonymous with human feats, we acknowledge our four-legged warriors’ valor. The Indian Army dogs, with their unwavering loyalty, relentless training, and unmatched courage, stand tall as unsung heroes of our armed forces. From detecting explosives to patrolling borders, from tracking militants to saving lives, these canine warriors do it all without a second thought. Their contributions to national security are immeasurable, and their sacrifices are profound. It’s time we honor them, not just in words but in deeds.
Let’s ensure that they receive the care and respect they deserve, for they are more than just dogs; they are our partners in safeguarding our nation’s integrity. So, here’s to our brave paws, the silent guardians of our freedom, the Indian Army dogs.
