![]() ![]() Sergeant Reichel made her journey to Lackland in June and upon graduation, she returned to Hanscom and was teamed with Petya. The Air Force K-9 Handler 10-week training course, which is run out of Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, consists of two major parts: patrol and aggression work and detection work with seasoned veterans of the canine force. ![]() After the handler and dog bond is formed the next step is obedience training followed by specialized training in the dog's area of expertise.īut before she could wake up, report to work, and be greeted with Petya's enthusiastic good-morning bark and wagging tail, the sergeant had to prove herself with some doggie veterans. "The dog sits in the kennel all day hoping to see her face around the corner to take him out," Sergeant Gray said. The sergeant and Petya spent hours just walking. One of the first steps in Sergeant Reichel's training was rapport. Lawrence Gray, 66 SFS kennel master, who oversees the entire Hanscom K-9 program, including paperwork and documentation, coordination of training and training aids. was able to pull from her past security forces experience and operational knowledge and progress through the training in about three months," said Tech. "Handlers traditionally have both Air Force and dog handler-specific mentoring when they come out of school at their local units. "They have been patient and guided me through my training.īoth her colleagues and supervisors agree that there are unique challenges facing every new K-9 handler. "This is new to me and I had to get used to a new manner and way of thinking," she said. Humbled by the thought of being a role model for fellow Airmen and younger women, the sergeant credits her accomplishments to the teamwork among the staff at the kennels. ![]() "This team will greatly enhance our security forces mission here, and through their presence, combat and deter crime."Īfter completing a rigorous three-month training program and passing the official certification, Sergeant Reichel and Petya now can be seen patrolling the streets of Hanscom. Robert Boyles, 66th Mission Support Group commander. "Sergeant Reichel is an example of the dedicated, professional people we have in the Air Force and at Hanscom," said Col. Jeanette Reichel, with the assistance of her Military Working Dog Petya, a 6-year-old German Sheppard, tattoo F-028, entered the base history books March 21 as the first certified female dog handler here in two decades. military has utilized the various skills of working dogs since World War II and throughout the years Airman, Sailor, Soldier and Marine K-9 handlers have found solace in knowing their work protects fellow servicemembers.įor one Hanscom staff sergeant this reality has come true as she joined the ranks of the military working dog community. Hanscom AFB - Editor's Note: This is the second article in a series highlighting Hanscom women and their accomplishments during National Women's History Month. ![]()
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