MWD teams expand explosive detection capability

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Airmen from the 66th Security Forces Squadron Military Working Dog section, as well as other federal, state and local law enforcement canine teams, participated in a National Odor Recognition Testing pre-test event here March 2 and 3.

The two-day training was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives National Canine Division as a practice event to evaluate a dog's ability to recognize homemade explosive odors. Teams are scheduled to return next month to be certified.

"Agents provide this pre-test instruction to assist law enforcement canine teams in odor recognition as a way to become proficient in identifying homemade explosive threats," said Staff Sgt. Victor Portes-Garcia, 66 SFS MWD kennel master. "The recognition test is administered by the ATF, and in order to pass the test, the dog must correctly identify all explosive samples."

Maj. Joseph A. Bincarousky, 66 SFS commander, discussed how the event is a good community partnership for SFS Airmen.

"Staff Sgt. Victor Portes-Garcia and his handlers have been working hard at networking for some time to develop relationships, learn from other agencies and establish Hanscom as a world-class Military Working Dog program," he said. 

Portes-Garcia also highlighted the benefits this type of multi-agency training provides for all those participating.

"It offers each of the canine teams attending an opportunity to network with their counterparts on best law enforcement practices and foster relationships with other handlers in an otherwise small career field," he said.

Approximately 70 canine teams from 14 different law enforcement agencies attended the standardized training developed by the ATF. The training also included classroom sessions.

"Each of the teams that are here attending this training is a tremendous asset to their respective law enforcement agencies, as well as local communities," Portes-Garcia said. "At Hanscom Air Force Base, this explosive detection training enhances our effectiveness when we are called on to sweep a select location."

As the only active-duty Air Force base in New England, Hanscom is often called upon to send working dog teams to support Defense Department missions and other government agencies in the Northeast, the kennel master said.

"Our Military Working Dogs are a force multiplier," he said. "Along with their handlers, these specially-trained dog teams are a deterrent for anyone who has ill-advised intentions."

Portes-Garcia added that military canine teams provide a unique capability in securing military installations and the forces assigned whether at home or while deployed.

"Security forces dog teams are generally only provided this type of training during the pre-deployment phase," he said. "For the squadron to have the opportunity to host this event at Hanscom is an excellent opportunity for all of our teams, and really for all of the teams participating."

ATF is the primary U.S. Department of Justice agency for performing this canine training in explosives detection.

According to the ATF website, Congress recognizes the National Odor Recognition Testing Standard as the proficiency standard used by ATF as a benchmark for effective explosives detection.