MWD teams participate in Desert Dog competition

By Master Sgt. Christopher Leblanc, 355th Security Forces Squadron / Published April 20, 2021

A picture of military working dog handlers and their dogs.
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From left to right: U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Keith Retuyan, 355th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler and MWD Max, Staff Sgt. George Saldivar, 355th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler and MWD Ootter, Tech Sgt. Joshua Reid, 355th Security Forces Squadron senior military working dog trainer, Staff Sgt. Travis Bell, 355th Security Forces Squadron military working dog trainer, Staff Sgt. Colton D’Agostino, 355th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler and MWD Caro, SSgt Quinton LeQuieu, 355th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler and MWD Ssilke pose for a photo during the Arizona Law Enforcement Canine Associations Annual Desert Dog Trials in Scottsdale Arizona, April 18, 2021. The competition was a three day event with categories such as detection, patrol and obedience. (Courtesy Photo)

A picture of an Airmen and a military working dog.
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U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Colton, D'Agostino, 355th Security Forces military working dog handler, prepares to send his dog, Caro, over an obstacle to attack a decoy in the patrol event at the Arizona Law Enforcement Canine Associations Annual Desert Dog Trials in Scottsdale, Arizona, April 18, 2021. The 355th SFS teams were able to secure third and fourth place overall in patrol. (Courtesy Photo).

A picture of an Airmen and a military working dog.
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U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. George Saldivar, 355th Security Forces military working dog handler, and his dog, Ootter, are transported to the patrol event during the Arizona Law Enforcement Canine Associations Annual Desert Dog Trials in Scottsdale, Arizona, April 18, 2021. The handlers got to compete alongside their civilian counterparts in a rigorous competition to be the best. (Courtesy Photo)

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SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. --

Military Working Dog Teams from the 355th Security Forces Squadron competed in the Arizona Law Enforcement Canine Association Desert Dog Trials in Scottsdale Arizona, April 17-18, 2021.

The competition consisted of three categories: detection, patrol and obedience.

“The purpose of this event was to bring together the best law enforcement canine programs to share experience, develop tactics and advance their training,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Joshua Reid, 355th SFS MWD trainer. “There is also the friendly competition to see who the best dogs in Arizona are.”

The handlers got the opportunity to compete alongside their counterparts in a rigorous competition to be the best.

“It gives up an opportunity to test the experience and training we have received while competing with some of the best law enforcement organizations in the world,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Quinton Le Quieu, 355th SFS MWD handler. “Bringing home fourth place with my dog Silky really shows how great the team is.”

As the dust settled from the intense scenarios and training exercises, the defenders from the 355th SFS were able to secure third and fourth place overall in patrol and return to Davis-Monthan with the hardware to prove it.

“Competitions such as these continue to affirm the safety and security of the base and it’s most valuable resources; Airmen and their families,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Christopher Leblanc, 355th SFS kennel master.

With training and competition, Airmen from the 355th Security Forces Squadron military working dog team continue to enhance their ability to defend the base and ensure the safety of all service members on the installation.