The Marines have the Ace of Spades!
The complete IED detection team
Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division
Story by Cpl. Alfred V. Lopez
KHAN NESHIN DISTRICT, Afghanistan – A team of two jumped out of the vehicle as it came to a stop at a chokepoint on the road.
While Ace, an improvised explosive device detection dog, wandered around the vehicle, Cpl. Sean Grady, Ace’s handler and a pointman with Echo Company, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, began preparing his sickle and combat metal detector.
The pair then proceeded with what they do best: clearing a safe path for their fellow Marines.
They moved down the road in a carefully choreographed dance, methodically searching for the disguised and dangerous devices. Grady, a 27-year-old native of Otho, Iowa, launched Ace forward with an array of hand signals and verbal commands, while he swept the path with his CMD.
Grady’s choice to enlist in the Marine Corps was influenced by the loss of a best friend, Sgt. Jon Bonnell, who sacrificed his life in Al Anbar Province, Iraq in 2008 while serving with 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment.
“He was one of my best friends in high school,” said Grady, who graduated with Bonnell from Fort Dodge Senior High School.
Being the pointman for his platoon requires Grady to efficiently utilize all of his tools. With his sickle, CMD, combat experience and Ace’s skills, a complete IED detection team is effectively leading the platoon.
“I volunteered to be a pointman during this deployment,” said Grady. “The only thing I care about is keeping my Marines safe.”
Grady considers their tactical approach atypical. While most dog handlers are usually positioned farther back in a patrol, Grady saw that having Ace at the front of his platoon would greatly enhance their ability to find IEDs. 
“As a dog handler, most of the time we’re in the back of the patrol,” said Grady. “They only call us up when they see suspicious things on the road, or when the pointman needs to confirm something.”
“I was a pointman on my last deployment, and I know the danger that comes with dealing with IEDs, and didn’t want anyone else dealing with that,” explained Grady, who previously served in Afghanistan in 2010.
The team’s unusual method has produced uncanny results, with their 16 IED finds since arriving in southern Helmand in October 2011 being the highest of any IED detection team in the battalion.
“Ace has found five IEDs, and also confirmed three suspicious hits,” said Grady. “I’ve found seven during our time here.”
In addition to the tools of his trade, Grady credits tactical decision games – a basic skill set taught to all infantrymen – for much of his success in Khan Neshin.
“In my head during a patrol, I’ll go through my TDGs,” explained Grady. “I ask myself, ‘If I was the Taliban, where’s the best place to put the IEDs?’”
“I would look around the area and focus my attention where I think the enemy would put the IED,” he added.
Grady recalled an incident, where he found an IED using lessons learned from conducting TDGs. He used his sickle to investigate what he figured was a suspicious spot on the road, and uncovered a bucket filled with 50 pounds of explosives.
Grady and Ace have been teammates since July 2011, after Grady attended the Marine Corp’s dog handling course. He was amazed by Ace’s obedience and the skills he had acquired from training with K2 Solutions Inc., before they were partnered together.
“It blew my mind how disciplined Ace was, the amount of different explosive scents that he could recognized, and how useful his skill can be in the field,” Grady explained.
“He’s a superb dog and he helps me do my job,” he added. “I wasn’t really aware of how amazing the Marine Corps dog handler’s program is until I met Ace.”
Just as he was taught in boot camp and infantry training, Grady keeps his weapons, tools and skills well maintained. He stressed that constantly training Ace is what keeps him sharp and disciplined when they are out on patrol.
“We keep up with his obedience and reset training to make sure he keeps his skills and stays on his game,” explained Grady.
“It’s hard, because I want to love him as a pet but I have to treat him as tool as well, because of the skills he has,” said Grady. “I’m constantly on that fine line of being his friend and master.”
As 1st LAR’s deployment comes to a close, Grady and Ace look to keep their platoon’s path home safe and IED free.
Note: This isn’t my story but I thought it warranted a spot here on my site. Cheers to Cpl Grady and his “Ace” in the hole, improvised explosive dog (IDD), Ace! Not to mention that Ace is adorable. Look at how much fun he is having out there!
Do you have a dog who is your Ace?
Why? Please share.
You all know Sammy is my “Ace”!
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19 comments on “The Marines have the Ace of Spades!”
Leave a Reply
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Kevin Hanrahan says:
Thank you Allison.
Patti Mallett says: Great story!! I loved reading about Sean Grady and Ace!! Thanks for sharing!! Thankful prayers going up now for this very special Team (and for you, Kevin).
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My pleasure Patti. I thought this was an awesome story!
Kevin,
The description of Grady’s and Ace’s day is driven with smiles. I saw the story in my head. The stealth of a careful step don’t trip, don’t connect move. It reminded me of a much lighter visual avoidance I had on a walk with my son Kade, and dog, Lazarus. I was in the park in the open field behind the neighborhood school. I had an Oh no moment! The sprinklers came on in the middle of the field and walk. I thought a quick blink and kept my group close to the sprinkler heads. I dodged us like ping pong and we did not get soaked from the water. I laughed and said we are like soldiers. Completely not as serial; and I have much respect for the realness of your stories and those you share like Grady’s. It is what I paralleled to when I read the post. “Adriana the park soldier!” protecting her family from the sprinklers .
I agree, you can see how enlightened Ace is to work. Dogs and humans enjoy a good role, work it keeps us alert happy and not just sappy. Ace was at attention with his tail straight and pointed, enjoying work and finding a target. Humans are integrated with so much I can see how soldiers have to continuously renew their minds to keep things in their box, the dogs are tools but not fools. What can soldiers do but at least allow some admiration for these tools have character not just on and off switches.
My dog Lazarus is my Ace he does not annoy me as much anymore we all have adjusted well. He is a spark. He is part miniature pincher and Chiwawa mix with spindly spider thin legs. We took him in when my sister lost her house. My son chases him (which he enjoys) and he cuddles with me when Steve is gone on his 24 to 48, 72 hour shifts. Lazarus curls up in a ball and puts his head right underneath me burrowing like all will be well…..:)
Prayers and thoughts to all…
Sincerely,
Adriana Villafane-Johnson
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Hi Adriana. That is a tale you see in the movies! I’ve only ever been drenched by my home sprinklers when i was trying to repair them.
I love how happy Ace looks. He doesn’t care that he is in Afghanistan. He doesn’t care that he could blow up at any time. He is ecstatic to be with his buddies on patrol! How cool is that?
It sounds like Lazarus gives you that comfort when Steve is at the station. Now that is an Ace of a pooch!
Kevin,
Yip sometimes things happen in my life like they should be in the movies. Klutzy moments and such I tend to drop things a lot too but I have been better, thoughtful before I move. One of my friends introduces me as accident prone and to be careful bahah. I married a Fireman too, how ironic.:)
It is very cool those dogs are so happy in drastic situations. Their stories and other stories of being content in such peril reminds me to be grateful in all situations for so much. To be content in all seasons. The dogs can teach us a thing or two on diving dog deep in danger, in work with contentment:). Comfort is grand Lazarus is an Ace with funny characteristics. I like the name Ace I don’t play cards much lately but I like to, Ace of Spades is suave.:)
Sincerely,
Adriana Villafane-Johnson
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My wife is a little (a lot) clutzy as well! LOL!
I know Adriana. When I saw that name I was like…..that is the coolest name ever! Especially for a little 4-legged hero saving our troops in Afghanistan.
Thank you for posting this article of Sean and Ace. The websites containing the article of this pair are growing and we are so appreciative of all the warm comments and the caring people. There are fine men, and women who are willing to volunteer to give up their lives to maintain peace for their country and the lives of the innocent. The canines are no exception. You see we are the parents of Cpl. Sean Grady, and, Sean is the middle of three brothers, all who have served in the war of Afghanistan since 2010. We thank you for posting a nice article and recognizing, not just our son, but, all the sons and daughters in the military and their dedicated canine companions. God bless you!
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It is an honor to publish the piece here on the site. I spent some time at Camp Leatherneck last year learning more about the IDD from the Marines. We stated our own program (Tactical Explosive Detector Dogs (TEDD)) for the Army based on dog teams like Sean and Ace. Both these programs, the IDD and TEDD, have been very successful as saving our troops lives.
You must be so proud of your sons. WOW, you guys raised three Marines! We may need to pattern your parenting skills! Thank you for your service to this great nation
Semper Fi!
Julia Hugo Rachel says: I’ve been following Ace for a while now. He stole my heart immediately. His handler Cpl. Grady is brave, courageous and unwaivering in his committment to our Country. Godspeed to Both Cpl. Grady and Ace.
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Hi Julie. I couldn’t agree more!
Thank you for your kind response. While all 3 of our sons chose to serve in the military, Sean is the only Marine. The other 2 are Army National Guard. Sean met Ace last year at Camp LeJeune, NC in July of 2011 to train together and have been together since. We have never met Ace, we hope to soon, however, he will forever be in our hearts and minds no matter what.
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That is wonderful. I spent four year in the Guard. The Guard is how I paid for college. My dad did almost 30 in the Guard. When I was a kid I wanted to be just like him…not sure how I ended up active duty!
I sure hope you get a chance to meet Ace. Hopefully Sean will be able to adopt him if he is able.
You have a great website! We should see many more “Support The Troops” signs on nationally televised shows. Our Freedom comes directly from the work of our Military not the Politicians.
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Thank you very much for your kind words.
[...] I know right… a couple weeks ago I gave you and an Ace and now this week I present to you a [...]
Canine troops have served as scouts, served point rousting the enemy from caves and today we add mine detectors to their accomplishments. I have two poems about canine troops among my poetry honoring Veterans.
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Hi Roger, that is great, thanks for honoring our canine troops!
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Another great story. Thanks Kevin.
Thank you Allison.
Great story!! I loved reading about Sean Grady and Ace!! Thanks for sharing!! Thankful prayers going up now for this very special Team (and for you, Kevin).
My pleasure Patti. I thought this was an awesome story!
Kevin,
The description of Grady’s and Ace’s day is driven with smiles. I saw the story in my head. The stealth of a careful step don’t trip, don’t connect move. It reminded me of a much lighter visual avoidance I had on a walk with my son Kade, and dog, Lazarus. I was in the park in the open field behind the neighborhood school. I had an Oh no moment! The sprinklers came on in the middle of the field and walk. I thought a quick blink and kept my group close to the sprinkler heads. I dodged us like ping pong and we did not get soaked from the water. I laughed and said we are like soldiers. Completely not as serial; and I have much respect for the realness of your stories and those you share like Grady’s. It is what I paralleled to when I read the post. “Adriana the park soldier!” protecting her family from the sprinklers
.
I agree, you can see how enlightened Ace is to work. Dogs and humans enjoy a good role, work it keeps us alert happy and not just sappy. Ace was at attention with his tail straight and pointed, enjoying work and finding a target. Humans are integrated with so much I can see how soldiers have to continuously renew their minds to keep things in their box, the dogs are tools but not fools. What can soldiers do but at least allow some admiration for these tools have character not just on and off switches.
My dog Lazarus is my Ace he does not annoy me as much anymore we all have adjusted well. He is a spark. He is part miniature pincher and Chiwawa mix with spindly spider thin legs. We took him in when my sister lost her house. My son chases him (which he enjoys) and he cuddles with me when Steve is gone on his 24 to 48, 72 hour shifts. Lazarus curls up in a ball and puts his head right underneath me burrowing like all will be well…..:)
Prayers and thoughts to all…
Sincerely,
Adriana Villafane-Johnson
Hi Adriana. That is a tale you see in the movies! I’ve only ever been drenched by my home sprinklers when i was trying to repair them.
I love how happy Ace looks. He doesn’t care that he is in Afghanistan. He doesn’t care that he could blow up at any time. He is ecstatic to be with his buddies on patrol! How cool is that?
It sounds like Lazarus gives you that comfort when Steve is at the station. Now that is an Ace of a pooch!
Kevin,
Yip sometimes things happen in my life like they should be in the movies. Klutzy moments and such I tend to drop things a lot too but I have been better, thoughtful before I move. One of my friends introduces me as accident prone and to be careful bahah. I married a Fireman too, how ironic.:)
It is very cool those dogs are so happy in drastic situations. Their stories and other stories of being content in such peril reminds me to be grateful in all situations for so much. To be content in all seasons. The dogs can teach us a thing or two on diving dog deep in danger, in work with contentment:). Comfort is grand Lazarus is an Ace with funny characteristics. I like the name Ace I don’t play cards much lately but I like to, Ace of Spades is suave.:)
Sincerely,
Adriana Villafane-Johnson
My wife is a little (a lot) clutzy as well! LOL!
I know Adriana. When I saw that name I was like…..that is the coolest name ever! Especially for a little 4-legged hero saving our troops in Afghanistan.
Thank you for posting this article of Sean and Ace. The websites containing the article of this pair are growing and we are so appreciative of all the warm comments and the caring people. There are fine men, and women who are willing to volunteer to give up their lives to maintain peace for their country and the lives of the innocent. The canines are no exception. You see we are the parents of Cpl. Sean Grady, and, Sean is the middle of three brothers, all who have served in the war of Afghanistan since 2010. We thank you for posting a nice article and recognizing, not just our son, but, all the sons and daughters in the military and their dedicated canine companions. God bless you!
It is an honor to publish the piece here on the site. I spent some time at Camp Leatherneck last year learning more about the IDD from the Marines. We stated our own program (Tactical Explosive Detector Dogs (TEDD)) for the Army based on dog teams like Sean and Ace. Both these programs, the IDD and TEDD, have been very successful as saving our troops lives.
You must be so proud of your sons. WOW, you guys raised three Marines! We may need to pattern your parenting skills! Thank you for your service to this great nation
Semper Fi!
I’ve been following Ace for a while now. He stole my heart immediately. His handler Cpl. Grady is brave, courageous and unwaivering in his committment to our Country. Godspeed to Both Cpl. Grady and Ace.
Hi Julie. I couldn’t agree more!
Thank you for your kind response. While all 3 of our sons chose to serve in the military, Sean is the only Marine. The other 2 are Army National Guard. Sean met Ace last year at Camp LeJeune, NC in July of 2011 to train together and have been together since. We have never met Ace, we hope to soon, however, he will forever be in our hearts and minds no matter what.
That is wonderful. I spent four year in the Guard. The Guard is how I paid for college. My dad did almost 30 in the Guard. When I was a kid I wanted to be just like him…not sure how I ended up active duty!
I sure hope you get a chance to meet Ace. Hopefully Sean will be able to adopt him if he is able.
You have a great website! We should see many more “Support The Troops” signs on nationally televised shows. Our Freedom comes directly from the work of our Military not the Politicians.
Thank you very much for your kind words.
Pingback: Military Dog Picture of the Week. (May 23th, 2012) Welcome Home Marines! | | Kevin HanrahanKevin Hanrahan
Canine troops have served as scouts, served point rousting the enemy from caves and today we add mine detectors to their accomplishments. I have two poems about canine troops among my poetry honoring Veterans.
Hi Roger, that is great, thanks for honoring our canine troops!