The Raiders of Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command are some of the world’s greatest warrior-athletes, specializing in taking the fight to America’s enemies across the globe. But not all fighting members of MARSOC are the human Raiders. Some are specially trained canines who deploy across the world and support Marines wherever they’re called upon.
Here they are, in 14 photos:
1. MARSOC dogs are highly-trained animals who work with their multipurpose canine handlers to execute missions around the world.
2. The dogs train to accompany their handlers on a variety of missions and can enter the battlefield via Zodiac boat.
3. When necessary, they can also swim stealthily to shore.
4. The canines and handlers will then make their way through the surf and toward their objective.
5. When the target is far from shore, the dogs and their handlers can even insert by parachute.
6. Once they reach the objective, the dogs are capable of completing many missions. Some engage in direct action, helping MARSOC Raiders clear buildings and hunt down bad guys.
7. The dogs have to move tactically with the other operators and perform their tasks as a member of the team.
8. One of their specialties is seeking out enemies who’ve tried to hide or escape.
9. To work well together, the dogs and handlers have to train together in all their essential tasks, including range qualifications.
10. They also swim together.
11. They dive together.
12. They even complete obstacle courses together. Here, a U.S. Army soldier navigates the course with a Marine Corps canine.
13. The obstacle courses at Camp Pendleton, California, give the dogs and handlers plenty of realistic barriers to navigate.
14. We’re not sure whether the dogs take the training quite as seriously as their handlers, but they’re pretty darn impressive nonetheless.
