Lori A. Bultman -- Security Forces on Joint Base San Antonio have a unique force multiplier helping provide security on a whole other level by way of specially trained Military Working Dogs.
Currently, working dogs travel to and from kennels located at JBSA-Lackland to JBSA-Fort Sam Houston to report for duty, which is not exactly ideal for the dogs’ health and wellbeing. But, this will soon change.
The 502nd Security Forces Squadron held a groundbreaking ceremony for the first ever Military Working Dog kennels at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston March 1, 2024. The kennels are expected to be completed by April 2025.
“To date, Military Working Dog coverage at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston has not been ideal due to travel time, rest, and feeding times, which have greatly hindered the team’s ability to provide adequate and continuous support for both locations,” said Curtis Hoosier, chief of plans and programs for the 502nd Security Forces Squadron, referring to supporting two installations from one kennel facility.
The new facility will provide the dogs with a more stable environment and will enhance security on JBSA-Fort Sam Houston as well.
“The new facility and its inhabitant will greatly amplify the security posture of the installation,” Hoosier said. “With Military Working Dog teams on JBSA-Fort Sam Houston 24/7, there will be a continuous presence and a psychological deterrence.”
Hoosier emphasized the importance of Military Working Dogs to JBSA’s overall security.
“Military Working Dogs are highly specialized team members who supplement and enhance the capabilities of Security Forces personnel,” he said. “They are a unique force multiplier and provide Security Forces personnel another level on the ‘use of force’ continuum.”
Look for details on the grand opening of the new kennels in early 2025 on JBSA.mil.