US Marines demonstrate working dog capabilities for ROK counterparts

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Alisha M. Vidal, left, releases her military working dog, Dini, on U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Caleb M. Owens June 8 at the 1st Republic of Korea Marine Division base in Pohang, South Korea. A group of ROK Marines received a presentation by U.S. Marine military working dog handlers to demonstrate the different capabilities that the MWDs can offer. One of those capabilities is target biting, where the dog is trained to target different areas of the body as directed. This training builds the handlers confidence in the dog’s ability to proficiently bite specified areas. The presentation was in preparation for Korean Marine Exchange Program 14-8, which is slated to take place June 9-21. KMEPs are regularly scheduled, combined, small-unit training events, which enhance the combat readiness and interoperability of ROK-U.S. Marine Corps forces. Vidal and Owens are military working dog handlers with 3rd Law Enforcement Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF. Dini is a patrol explosive detection dog with the battalion. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Drew Tech/Released)