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THERE is the human side of the Australian Defence Force but there is also the canine side.
The Townsville Bulletin recently spoke with members of the 1st Military Police Battalion while they were on patrol during Exercise Talisman Sabre in the Shoalwater Bay Training area.
Located within the compound of Battle Group Cannan, there were four dog teams with two canines each.
Private Christopher Penning from the 1st Military Police Battalion, which was attached to 3rd Brigade for the exercise, is one of just 12 qualified military police dog handlers in the country.
He said while having the human element was important for security, having protection with a keen sense of smell was critical in a battle environment.
“Our dogs will indicate if people are approaching the area for attacks or anything, and they’ll let me know so I can pass it on to a higher command,” he said.
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