Combat dogs take to the skies for secret missions in Afghanistan

[Robb]

Combat dogs take to the skies for secret missions in Afghanistan



Two members of the Austrian special forces join Nato’s Operation Cold Response, one of Europe’s biggest military exercises, in Narvik, Norway.

Dropping from 10,000ft, they glide in order to land unnoticed. The dogs often carry cameras and are trained to attack anyone carrying a weapon.

“Dogs don’t perceive height difference, so that doesn’t worry them. They’re more likely to be bothered by the roar of the engines, but once we’re on the way down, that doesn’t matter and they just enjoy the view,” said the dog handler. “It’s something he does a lot. He has a much cooler head than most recruits.”

Commandos from 14 countries, including British special forces and Royal Marines, took part in the Nato exercise. The use of dogs in High Altitude High Opening missions was pioneered by America’s Delta Force, which trained the animals to breathe through oxygen masks during the jump....(Read More)

Whoa. :wow:

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

1. Neat.

I like the goggles.

[Brickbat]

2. HA! Awesome. That photo is fracking outstanding.

[Robb]

5. I'm not at all ashamed to admit

...I posted this mostly for the photo. Ten kinds of outstanding.

[Brickbat]

6. You can tell the dog is just like, "WTF? Oh yeah, jumping out of airplanes."

Here I goooooo....

[demosincebirth]

3. Hot Dog!!

[KittyWampus]

4. Scuba Cat- just so the felines are represented.

[intheflow]

8. Oh yeah.

That cat looks happy to be there. :rofl:

[KittyWampus]

10. you know kitty is sitting there plotting her revenge.

[Robb]

11. With her new SEAL training

...revenge will come quickly and quietly. :D

[intheflow]

7. "Dogs don’t perceive height difference..."

Really? That must be why there are so many stories about dogs chasing birds and squirrels off balconies across the globe. Oh wait.

On edit: Reading upthread, I have to agree. That photo is pretty amazing.

[MicaelS]

9. Wow!, Dog was probably thinking.....

"Wind in my face, oh yeah!"