On This Day, March 13, 1942, the Quartermaster Corps (QMC) of the United States Army began training dogs for the newly established War Dog Program, also known as the “K-9 Corps.” This initiative marked the formal introduction of dogs into the military for roles beyond traditional mascots or casual companions. The K-9 Corps was created in response to the need for effective solutions in various military operations during World War II.
The program trained dogs for a variety of tasks, including sentry duty, mine detection, message delivery, and assisting in search and rescue missions. Dogs proved to be invaluable assets on the battlefield, offering their skills in detecting enemy forces, locating mines and booby traps, and delivering critical communications under conditions that would be risky for human soldiers.
The establishment of the K-9 Corps represented a significant advancement in military strategy and recognized the potential of canine abilities to contribute to military efforts. The success of this program paved the way for the continued use of military working dogs in the United States armed forces, showcasing the courage, loyalty, and invaluable service of these animal soldiers alongside their human counterparts.
