YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Koku Jieitai (Japan Air Self-Defense Force) Maj. General Shizuo Kashiwase, 7th Airlift Wing commander recognized members of the 374th Security Forces Squadron for their help in training Japanese military working dogs and their handlers.
With Yokota Air Base located in the heart of Japan, training is often conducted side-by-side with their Japanese counterparts. The 374 SFS military working dog section plays an important role in this bilateral partnership by performing explosive and narcotics detection training with the Koku Jieitai, Japan Customs and Japanese National Police Agency.
Their hard work and long hours ensure that no dangerous or illegal substances come into Japan; they regularly train by performing foot patrols, perimeter checks and on anti-terrorism measurements.
“We are the focal point for training MWDs in Japan,” said Tech. Sgt. Jordan Gunterman, 374th Security Forces Squadron kennel master. “We constantly train alongside our dogs for real-world scenarios to ensure safety.”
While their Kennel is small, Gunterman and his team voluntarily train 5 JASDF bases, 6 government of Japan customs agencies and 2 JNP offices.
“If anything is coming in or out of Japan that needs any kind of explosive or narcotics detection or sweep, you can be sure it was done by a dog team that we trained,” Gunterman added.
All the MWD’s and their handlers train weekly to ensure they can accurately detect any substances they come across and react properly in the event of a real-world threat.
For their hand work and dedication to the safety of Japan and its borders, the members of Team Yokota received an appreciation letter and a tour of Hyakuri Air Base.
“You've been acknowledging how important our country's defense and JASDF mission are, and contributing to JASDF's development. Especially, at the preparation for JASDF Air Power Review 2017, you supported to train JASDF's military working dog with your passion and great experience. We sincerely appreciate your dedication for Hyakuri Air Base to complete our mission,” said Kashiwase.