K9 Equipment Limited User Evaluation

Abstract

The US Coast Guard anti-terrorism mission protects people from maritime-based explosive threats. This mission is supported by the use of 18 explosives detecting K9s uniquely trained to deploy to a seafaring vessel via a small boat or helicopter. K9 handlers are equipped with ample protective gear; the K9s exposed to the same environment and same dangers have very little. Each K9 costs over$100K to train and their value increases indefinitely as they gain experience. Injury leading to early retirement decreases the return on investment. These dogs are important members of the Coast Guard and their preservation is just as important to mission readiness. Because of the unique role the USCG K9s fill including operating on small boats, hoisting in and out of helicopters, and searching hot and cramped vessels, they cannot make effective use of much of the K9 protective gear used by other military branches and law enforcement agencies.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 2020
Accession Number
AD1203689

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Ground and Sea Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Attachment
  • Backpacks
  • Coast Guard
  • Environment
  • Explosives
  • Extraction
  • Eye Protection
  • Helicopters
  • Investments
  • Law Enforcement
  • Lightweight
  • Materials
  • National Security
  • Security
  • Terrorism
  • Training

Readers

  • Educational Psychology
  • Maritime Security/Maritime Homeland Security
  • Materials Science