341st Training Squadron is part of the 37th Training Group, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. It provides trained military working dogs and handlers for the Department of Defense, other government agencies and allies through training, logistical, veterinary support, and research and development for security efforts worldwide.

 To us old-timers, the 341st Training Squadron was once known as the Military Working Dog Studies Branch, Security Police Academy, and before that, as the USAF Sentry Dog School.

The times they are a’ changing…due to changing world conditions the military working dogs of today must adapt and evolve. New training methods, scientific and technological advancements have significantly improved the dog of yesteryear. Just as patrol dogs replaced sentry dogs, it became evident that the plain ole vanilla patrol dog was no longer up-to-date. Today’s dog’s capabilities were enhanced so that it can attack and/or control a whole unit rather than a single individual.

Today’s dogs are so advanced none has to rely any longer upon its sense of smell. Experts now agree that a common head cold can render the dog’s sense of smell useless. No longer will handlers be forced to carry a large supply of Kleenex. The emphasis has now shifted toward the dog’s superior vision, the primary component for the ultimate weapons system. 

However as a dog ages, it’s eyesight can be maintained at the required proficiency levels with corrected contact lenses. The squadron’s motto is, “We have the technology…the dogs can be improved.” Several other improvements have been made also, but these are still classified. Estimated cost of the program will be Six million Dollars per dog.