Coba: The Army’s Newest Sensation
Story by Sgt. Christopher Gaylord
FORT IRWIN, Calif. – Her tail wagging uncontrollably as passersby brush their hands across her fur, Coba, a 3-year-old chocolate lab, often stands for a lot of things.
She’s the dog troops leave at home before deploying; the one they grew up with. She’s a fond memory, a beacon of happiness – temporarily, if nothing else – in a place far from home.
David Sheffer, a dog trainer with Vohne Liche Kennels in Denver, Ind., leads Coba, a 3-year-old chocolate lab and tactical explosives detector dog, as she sniffs out a sack of explosives residue hidden under a traffic cone June 14 at the National Training Center on Fort Irwin, Calif., during a demonstration of Coba?s abilities for 4th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division Soldiers, role players and government civilians. Sheffer spent 10 days ? from June 5 to 15 ? escorting Coba to various companies and platoons across the brigade, which will soon select 25 handlers for training to lead a similar dog in Afghanistan when they deploy later this fall. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Christopher M. Gaylord)
“I just have to ask. Can I pet her?” a soldier asked Coba’s trainer, who brought Coba to the National Training Center, where soldiers with the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division are making final preparations for a fall deployment to Afghanistan, to demonstrate her capabilities as a bomb-sniffing dog.
“I miss my dog,” the soldier said, kneeling down to stroke Coba’s coat of thick, brown fur, his gentler side clearly getting the best of him.
And the other soldiers who stood gathered in the section of tent shelter where Coba lay on the floor panting from the desert heat all agreed – they missed theirs, too.
Coba serves as a tactical explosives detector dog, or TEDD – a canine trained under a two-year-old program whose job it is to sniff out bombs in combat zones. She’s man’s best friend and also one of his best weapons on today’s battlefield.
Her handler, David Sheffer, who works as a trainer for Vohne Liche Kennels in Denver, Ind., where Coba and the other TEDDs learn their trade, brought her to a mock forward operating base on NTC June 14 so soldiers, civilians and Afghan role players could see her talents.
Fourth Brigade will soon select 25 soldiers from across its ranks and from different career fields to train at Vohne Liche before the brigade’s fall deployment to Afghanistan. Once overseas, their sole jobs will be to care for and escort their issued dogs to regions in need of explosives detection capabilities – to interpret the behaviors of their furry friends and to trust in them.
To find the right soldiers for the demanding two-month course, Sheffer spent June 5 to 15 travelling to various companies and platoons in the brigade spread out across NTC.
Coba, a 3-year-old chocolate lab and tactical explosives detector dog, chews contently on a tennis ball as David Sheffer, her handler and a dog trainer with Vohne Liche Kennels in Denver, Ind., explains the capabilities of the dog June 14 at the National Training Center on Fort Irwin, Calif., during a demonstration of Coba?s abilities for 4th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division Soldiers, role players and government civilians. Sheffer spent 10 days ? from June 5 to 15 ? escorting Coba to various companies and platoons across the brigade, which will soon select 25 handlers for training to lead a similar dog in Afghanistan when they deploy later this fall. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Christopher M. Gaylord)
“We’re trying to show and demonstrate the capabilities of these dogs to build some excitement with the soldiers that are out here to get them exposed to this program and to get the commanders used to working the dogs in this environment,” said Sheffer, a San Antonio native.
“It is definitely a force enhancer and a force multiplier.”
Army observers monitoring training for the soldiers of 4th Brigade, who run, oversee and assess the performance of units at NTC, hid small paper sacks of explosive residue inside the tent for Coba to locate.
A small audience of soldiers watched closely as Coba sought out the scents with ease, stopping briefly to lick the face of a sergeant first class sitting in the room.
Sheffer flicked the fingers of one hand as if to be spritzing water across the floor as he used the other to hold Coba’s leash with absolute grace, allowing her to lead him around the confined area.
“Woo, good girl!” he cheered, praising her success.
Then, he took her outside to show her off to an assembly of soldiers, Afghan role players portraying Afghan army soldiers and government civilians.
For Sheffer, who spent 14 of his 22 years as an Air Force military policeman working with dogs, showcasing the abilities of four-legged secret weapons like Coba is an important mission.
But it tends to be the more dog-like things that ultimately draw troops in.
“Obviously, her ideal mission is to go out and find explosives, but if it will help the soldier, sailor, airman and Marine get through, then I’ll call her a therapy dog also,” said Sheffer as Coba relaxed on the tent floor, a tennis ball laid before her paws next to a pool of water she lapped from a Dixie cup moments before.
“Most of them have pets at home that they miss – and it just brings them closer to their families and pets back home,” he said. “Everywhere we go, people stop and say, ‘oh, I miss my dog. It’s so great to see your dog out here.’ ”
Sheffer travels to installations and training centers across the country seeking out the right soldiers to lead the uniquely trained dogs overseas. This is the second appearance the TEDDs have made at NTC.
But wherever Sheffer goes, the reactions are the same, and the softer side of troops shows through.
“Every time we went out to a platoon or company, the soldiers wanted to come over and pet the animals,” he said.
Coba, a 3-year-old chocolate lab and tactical explosives detector dog, chews contently on a tennis ball as David Sheffer, her handler and a dog trainer with Vohne Liche Kennels in Denver, Ind., explains the capabilities of the dog June 14 at the National Training Center on Fort Irwin, Calif., during a demonstration of Coba?s abilities for 4th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division Soldiers, role players and government civilians. Sheffer spent 10 days ? from June 5 to 15 ? escorting Coba to various companies and platoons across the brigade, which will soon select 25 handlers for training to lead a similar dog in Afghanistan when they deploy later this fall. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Christopher M. Gaylord)
“What it does is lift the doldiers’ spirit,” said Sgt. 1st Class Kelly Pippin, the training observer who followed Sheffer and his dog around for their visit to the training center. “They see something that reminds them of home – that first pet they might have had.”
And to Sheffer, that can be a game changer for not only motivation but job performance.
“It’s just a little piece of home,” he said. “And the happier you are, the better you’re going to function.
“That’s just the psychology of any job – if you’re out there and something made you happy, it’s just going to boost your morale and make you want to go out and perform.”
Pippin, a 21-year Army military policeman who oversaw the deployment of explosives detection dogs to various operating bases across Afghanistan on his most recent deployment, has witnessed that first hand.
“I’ve had soldiers say, ‘hey, sergeant, can I play with your dog?’ And then they’re like, ‘hey, sergeant, I’m ready, let’s go!’ ” he said.
“For some strange reason, petting a dog – whatever anger’s built up goes right away,” he added. “It’s a great stress reliever to play with the dog.”
It’s a proven fact, Pippin said, that the dogs work as successful explosives detection devices.
But this device, trying to cool off in middle of the Mojave Desert, is different. It will lick you; it will love you; it will take you back to a place you miss.
And almost always, it will bring out the best in you.
Coba in action!
Furry force multipliers a big hit at National Training Center
Note:
This isn’t my piece but I think it gives everyone a nice glimpse into how the Army is outfitting units preparing for deployment to Afghanistan with the 4- legged assets they need to safeguard troops.
Of course I love to publicize anything regarding the Tactical Explosive Detector Dog (TEDD) program. It is my baby and I love to watch the program mature and grow. We designed the program to augment the incredibly stressed permanent Military Working Dog Community. The TEDD program is not a program of record so it will most likely go away after the war.
Funny coincidence- the Sergeant First Class mentioned in the article, Kelly Pippin, was one of my squad leaders when I was a Second Lieutenant in Korea.
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22 comments on “Coba: The Army’s Newest Sensation”
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Kevin Hanrahan says:
Thank You Barbara. I thought Coba was the cutest pup!
Thanks for telling us about Coba…another MWD hero! She sure is cute, and I’ve sent her all over my cyber world.
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Hi Jodi! Thanks so much for spreading the word! Coba is a adorable and that name it catchy!
Kevin,
Thank you friend. I enjoy your online connection. I loved the video clip. Great choice in using it. I like how cobra is the main attraction. You can see her smile “everybody is looking at me?” I can see her say. Animals tend to do that bring peoples attention to them. Obviously it was because she was on display showing her work but I like how it brings a smile to the soldiers hearts as you have written. The soldiers are so far from home but a touch of fur can purr the soul. It is the same concept why people bring pictures to work but with the soldiers over seas it is much deeper then that, as you would know. You are right the studies show it lowers the stress levels. Animals bring the humanity and softness out of people. Even my crazy bouncing small dog, lol. Congradulations on all of this being part of your baby, TEDD. It is quite a portfolio you have their soldier. I am in the process of trying to solidify a job. I am going through my own much milder technical tactics myself. Hopefuly the eagle will land and I get the job. In the way you work, value, blog, journey it has been a great encouragment to me even though it is on a different cusp. You relationship with your responses well and keep all of us valuing your cause and relating our lives:). Well Wishes East Coast Kevin Soldier.
PS off the grid I found a great Merlot at a store called Trader Joe’s it is a Hungarian Wine it is superb great vino flavor. My neighbor had given me a glass. Cheers to you and yours.
West Coast Adriana:)
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Thanks Adriana. I spent some time figuring out Your Tube today. If you look in a bit I will have a high resolution in there instead of the current version.
I’m working on adding a video page to the site.
There is just something so familiar about a dog for service member. It is that little touch of home that maybe helps them get through a tough day deployed. Dogs have healing and explosive finding power!
I wish you the very best with your job search. It is a tough time out there for folks. My heart goes out to you and everyone else searching for a job. No wine for me. While I am in Texas I have been cleansing my body of all toxins. Toxins will return this weekend!
Viv Steadman says: Brit fan here, Kevin *waves*
Coba is just so “Got ma ball, want ma ball, where’s ma ball, Oooh, ma ball.”
Cool dog, cool program, cool job, #SOT
Viv (a.k.a. Stedders), RAF Airman’s patiently waiting for end of deployment wife. Articles like this keep me going.
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Hi Viv! I know ……I just love how she seems to be enjoying herself! Most of the dogs really love to be working dogs.
Where is your husband located? When does he return?
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Currently 8000 miles away in that little blip of rock known as Falkland Islands.
Argentina flexing their muscles, want the place back, residents say they are British subjects and citizens, that’s the way they want it to stay.
DUE BACK July 11, slightly excited but you know how the weather can be, winter is pretty vicious down there.
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Getting close now! I went to Argentina a few years ago before my Afghanistan tour. I never made it to the Falkland Islands. It is a lovely country. I would not want to go in the winter though!
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Great post–thanks for sharing these stories. Love your site. I’ve found a new blog to watch!
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Hi Elaine. Thank you. It is great to have you join our family here!
I’m a big dog lover. I think that having bomb sniffing dogs is a great thing. I’ve wondered for years why it wasn’t being done in the war zones.
And the best and maybe most important part is the therapy value. Dogs bring, strangely, humanity, to inhuman conditions.
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Hi Louise. I think we as a military were a little slow to adapt to this one. (my personal opinion) But the military rebounded quickly and had flooded dogs into theater. Hopefully the next war we will be better prepared.
Another awesome post, Kevin. Thanks! Keep them coming.
Hey since the fireworks season just past, I wanted to ask you something: do any of the trainers you’ve worked with (maybe more on the civilian side) use ThunderShirt? I’ve heard some good things about it for calming nervous dogs in situations like thunderstorms and fireworks.
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Thanks Dan. I’ve never heard of a thundershirt before. I will ask some of the guys. My Sammy hates the fireworks…..his sister Stella could care less!
Thanks for the inspiring article. I have to concur with you on the fact he dogs can indeed relieve one’s stress. As a dog lover, I’m delighted to see you guys having a fun time with Coba. Sniff ‘em up Coba!
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Hi Charles. Coba certainly is a double threat. An adorable and loving bomb sniffer!
Coba certainly know her stuff. It’s wonderful that an animal’s natural talents can be honed in and put to use. I always said my dog would have made a great TEDD (didn’t know the term until now, though) I swear he could sniff out a chicken bone on the sidewalk from blocks away.
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HI Virginia. I think my Stella would make a great TEDD. She has terrific drive!
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My pleasure Scottie!
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Thanks. I always learn something valuable from whatever you post, Kevin. :0)
Thank You Barbara. I thought Coba was the cutest pup!
Thanks for telling us about Coba…another MWD hero! She sure is cute, and I’ve sent her all over my cyber world.
Hi Jodi! Thanks so much for spreading the word! Coba is a adorable and that name it catchy!
Kevin,
Thank you friend. I enjoy your online connection. I loved the video clip. Great choice in using it. I like how cobra is the main attraction. You can see her smile “everybody is looking at me?” I can see her say. Animals tend to do that bring peoples attention to them. Obviously it was because she was on display showing her work but I like how it brings a smile to the soldiers hearts as you have written. The soldiers are so far from home but a touch of fur can purr the soul. It is the same concept why people bring pictures to work but with the soldiers over seas it is much deeper then that, as you would know. You are right the studies show it lowers the stress levels. Animals bring the humanity and softness out of people. Even my crazy bouncing small dog, lol. Congradulations on all of this being part of your baby, TEDD. It is quite a portfolio you have their soldier. I am in the process of trying to solidify a job. I am going through my own much milder technical tactics myself. Hopefuly the eagle will land and I get the job. In the way you work, value, blog, journey it has been a great encouragment to me even though it is on a different cusp. You relationship with your responses well and keep all of us valuing your cause and relating our lives:). Well Wishes East Coast Kevin Soldier.
PS off the grid I found a great Merlot at a store called Trader Joe’s it is a Hungarian Wine it is superb great vino flavor. My neighbor had given me a glass. Cheers to you and yours.
West Coast Adriana:)
Thanks Adriana. I spent some time figuring out Your Tube today. If you look in a bit I will have a high resolution in there instead of the current version.
I’m working on adding a video page to the site.
There is just something so familiar about a dog for service member. It is that little touch of home that maybe helps them get through a tough day deployed. Dogs have healing and explosive finding power!
I wish you the very best with your job search. It is a tough time out there for folks. My heart goes out to you and everyone else searching for a job. No wine for me. While I am in Texas I have been cleansing my body of all toxins. Toxins will return this weekend!
Brit fan here, Kevin *waves*
Coba is just so “Got ma ball, want ma ball, where’s ma ball, Oooh, ma ball.”
Cool dog, cool program, cool job, #SOT
Viv (a.k.a. Stedders), RAF Airman’s patiently waiting for end of deployment wife. Articles like this keep me going.
Hi Viv! I know ……I just love how she seems to be enjoying herself! Most of the dogs really love to be working dogs.
Where is your husband located? When does he return?
Currently 8000 miles away in that little blip of rock known as Falkland Islands.
Argentina flexing their muscles, want the place back, residents say they are British subjects and citizens, that’s the way they want it to stay.
DUE BACK July 11, slightly excited but you know how the weather can be, winter is pretty vicious down there.
Getting close now! I went to Argentina a few years ago before my Afghanistan tour. I never made it to the Falkland Islands. It is a lovely country. I would not want to go in the winter though!
Great post–thanks for sharing these stories. Love your site. I’ve found a new blog to watch!
Hi Elaine. Thank you. It is great to have you join our family here!
I’m a big dog lover. I think that having bomb sniffing dogs is a great thing. I’ve wondered for years why it wasn’t being done in the war zones.
And the best and maybe most important part is the therapy value. Dogs bring, strangely, humanity, to inhuman conditions.
Hi Louise. I think we as a military were a little slow to adapt to this one. (my personal opinion) But the military rebounded quickly and had flooded dogs into theater. Hopefully the next war we will be better prepared.
Another awesome post, Kevin. Thanks! Keep them coming.
Hey since the fireworks season just past, I wanted to ask you something: do any of the trainers you’ve worked with (maybe more on the civilian side) use ThunderShirt? I’ve heard some good things about it for calming nervous dogs in situations like thunderstorms and fireworks.
Thanks Dan. I’ve never heard of a thundershirt before. I will ask some of the guys. My Sammy hates the fireworks…..his sister Stella could care less!
Thanks for the inspiring article. I have to concur with you on the fact he dogs can indeed relieve one’s stress. As a dog lover, I’m delighted to see you guys having a fun time with Coba. Sniff ‘em up Coba!
Hi Charles. Coba certainly is a double threat. An adorable and loving bomb sniffer!
Coba certainly know her stuff. It’s wonderful that an animal’s natural talents can be honed in and put to use. I always said my dog would have made a great TEDD (didn’t know the term until now, though) I swear he could sniff out a chicken bone on the sidewalk from blocks away.
HI Virginia. I think my Stella would make a great TEDD. She has terrific drive!
Brilliant post. Thanks for letting us all know about this wonderful story.
My pleasure Scottie!