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Cpl. Dustin K. Campbell walks the perimeter of the area with his military working dog Aug. 28 at Camp Kinser in support of various exercises. Campbell is a military working dog handler with 3rd Law Enforcement Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Henry J. Antenor

Marines ensure security posture with K-9s

6 Sep 2013 | Lance Cpl. Henry J. Antenor Marine Corps Installations Pacific

Military working dog handlers with 3rd Law Enforcement Battalion assisted Combat Logistic Regiment 35 and CLR-37 in conducting security training and exercise support Aug. 28 at Camp Kinser.

The training included establishing a security posture, which is a significant defense to prevent or deter threats, and guarding a high-value area during the exercise.

CLR-35 and 37 are part of 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

“Our job is to assist other units in setting up their security posture, maintaining their security posture, and responding to any crisis,” said Staff Sgt. Keyon S. Spence, a platoon sergeant with 3rd LE Bn., III MEF Headquarters Group, III MEF. “The K-9 units are here to participate in the exercise by strengthening the security measures and representing a show of force with the security posture in place.

“Individuals who might attempt to break the security lines know it will be hard to get through, especially with our K-9 units at hand.”

Cpl. Dustin K. Campbell, a military working dog handler with 3rd LE Bn., and his dog, Sgt. Sydney, a combat-tracking dog with the battalion, patrolled the perimeter and assisted in the training.

The combat-tracking dogs are trained to locate targets by following their targets’ scents, according to 
Campbell.

“If someone manages to get inside or manages to escape, we can pursue the suspect using just their scent,” said Campbell.

Tracking dogs can also be used for search and rescue operations, according to Campbell.

“The Provost Marshal’s Office sometimes calls us to help find missing people,” said Campbell. “We can help find them and bring them back. That is just an example of how well-rounded and capable our dogs are. They can secure a perimeter, search for suspected culprits, and aid other units in finding missing people.”

In addition to providing military working dogs and handlers, the battalion helped the regiments set up their perimeter with concertina wire and engineer stakes to support the compound’s defense. They also taught 3rd MLG Marines how to operate an entry control-point, establish inner and outer perimeter security and staff a quick reaction force with riot control personnel.

“This exercise is a good chance to teach other Marines about security and what it means to be a part of the interior guard,” said Lance Cpl. Derek E. Hayes, a military policeman with the battalion.

The interior guard is a group of Marines charged by a commander to preserve order, protect property and enforce regulations within the jurisdiction of the command.

While Marines like Hayes are experienced with the duties of a security force, Marines who work in other job fields used this opportunity to refresh themselves on the basics of security operations by standing duty and remaining vigilant for threats, according to Lance Cpl. Jesse C. Combs, a warehouse clerk with CLR-35.

“I think our job is essential in supporting exercises because if there isn’t anyone out here to defend the perimeter, who would stop the perpetrators,” said Combs. “This is a good exercise to be a part of because it establishes the fundamentals of being a Marine on watch.”