Following the scent: An explosive detector dog and his handler protect Marines
I found this terrific story that I thought you all would like. So instead of doing a picture or video of the week I’m changing it up! Of course the pictures in the article are fabulous.
Story by Staff Sgt. Brian Buckwalter
Maxx, an improvised explosive device detector dog, licks the face of his handler, Lance Cpl. Stephen Mader, during a convoy in southern Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 26, 2012. Mader, an IDD handler with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 6, volunteered for the job. He’s an infantry mortarman by trade, but deployed to use Maxx to help sniff out IEDs and other explosive before they can damage vehicles or Marines.
HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Riding in an armored truck over Afghanistan’s rutted dirt roads is scarcely a smooth or comfortable experience.
Each bump is felt as leaf springs groan and creak under the weight of the mine resistant, ambush-protected vehicle. The air conditioner circulates dusty air, and unless you’re right next to the vents, you’re drenched in sweat. Body armor weighs down on shoulders and compounds the pain of sitting in one spot for hours on end.
For Lance Cpl. Stephen Mader and his dog Maxx, this experience is routine. Mader is an improvised explosive device detector dog handler with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 6.
Their MRAP hits a large bump. Water in a metal dish near the truck’s back entrance splashes onto the floor. Maxx, who was dozing, stands up, puts his front paws on Mader’s lap and nuzzles his head against Mader’s body armor.
Mader wraps his arms around Maxx, gives him a pat on the side, a scratch behind the ears and reassures him everything is alright.
Maxx, settles back down, his chin across Mader’s boots – his spot – and closes his eyes again.
“It’s basically like having a 3-year-old in Afghanistan,” Mader, who is responsible for every aspect of Maxx’s care, said. He feeds him, cleans him and even monitors Maxx’s behavior for signs of stress or fatigue.
And like a 3-year-old, Maxx, a yellow Labrador, always wants attention.
“Otherwise, he’ll start licking me,” Mader said.
Mader and Maxx have been together for seven months since they met at the 5-week IDD handler school in Southern Pines, S.C. The dogs come to the school pre-trained to obey commands and track explosive scents. Human students go to learn how to handle the dogs.
School instructors interviewed Mader about his demeanor and personality and asked questions like, “Are you laid back or a hard-charger?” to get an idea of which dog to assign him (Mader said he’s a mix of both).
Mader, who joined the Marine Corps in 2009, said the dog needs a good rapport with their handler. If there is a personality clash, the dog won’t perform. Maxx is a perfect match, he said.
“If I want to be playful and active, he will be. But, if I want to relax, he’ll lay down next to me,” Mader said.
Overall, Maxx, who is actually 4-years-old, is “pretty chill,” and will sleep when he’s not working, Mader said. But, Maxx does have his wild streaks like when he breaks out of his kennel. He also likes to try to swim in the canals in the southern Helmand River Valley where the battalion’s PSD often travels.
“He’ll try, and I’ll have to stop him,” said Mader.
Unlike some military working dogs, IDDs are not trained to be aggressive. Because of this, IDD handlers have the discretion to allow other Marines to approach or pet their dogs. Maxx is popular with the Marines and gets a lot of attention. But, when it comes time to work, he’s ready to go.
“In the truck, he’s like a pet, but whenever we’re out there, he’s like a tool,” said Mader. And, “they’re a great tool to have if you use them correctly.”
The duo spends a lot of time on the road. Maxx can sense where they are.
“It’s weird, but he’ll know what (forward operating base) we’re going to,” said Mader. When they’re getting close to FOB Geronimo, a larger, more built-up base, Maxx will get excited and start pacing. When they approach a smaller, more desolate place like Combat Outpost Rankle, “he’ll just lay there.”
When Mader and Maxx aren’t on the road or working, they’re training. After missions, while other Marines are relaxing, Mader is making sure Maxx’s tracking skills stay sharp.
Maxx isn’t trained with food, rather, with a rubber bouncy toy called a “bumper.” The bumper is used as a reward for performing a task – either in training or a real scenario – successfully. When the bumper comes out, it’s a morale boost for the dog, Mader said.
Even with the long hours and the extra responsibilities of being a dog handler, Mader said it’s “the best thing to happen to me in the Marine Corps.”
After this deployment, if there is a need and an opportunity, Mader said he would volunteer to be a handler again.
“I love being with the dogs,” he said.
As the Afghan National Army continues to take over more of the security responsibilities in Helmand province, officials at Marine Corps Systems Command said they anticipate the number of dogs currently serving to be reduced in the near future, correlating with the reduction in Marine forces in the region.
If Maxx is no longer needed, Mader said he wants to adopt him.
“I don’t want to give him up,” Mader said. “I’ve bonded too much to give him up.”
Mader looks down at Maxx, who is still asleep across Mader’s boots, unaware of the potential dangers outside of their MRAP. The occasional hard bump in the road is the only thing that stirs him from his nap on this ride.
However, if needed, the pair will be ready to go on a moment’s notice to track down the scent of any explosives on the route, potentially preventing vehicle damage, injuries or worse.
“A local kid asked if he could buy Maxx for 10 dollars,” Mader recalled. “I had to tell him he’s worth a little bit more than that.”
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21 comments on “Following the scent: An explosive detector dog and his handler protect Marines”
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What a nice story Kevin. I so hope he gets to adopt Maxx. I will send out the best wishes for Mader and Maxx so they may be able to make a team forever! Thanks for bringing these stories to us.
P.S. Hope Sgt Nolan arrives somewhere soon so I can get the vest to Hunza Bear.
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Kevin Hanrahan says:
Thanks Cindy. Don’t worry….I haven’t forgotten about you! I know John’s location is in flux. Please give it another week to flush itself out!
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Thanks Lisa!
Doesn’t Maxx always look so chilled?
Julia Hugo Rachel says: Looks like Yellow Labs are redeeming themselves in my eyes! I am noticing an inherent quality in this breed. As you know, some cultures consider the yellow dog to be “special”.
I’ve found they are “characters” and I can picture in my minds eye Maxx sneaking off and swimmning in the canals. AWESOME. I will pray for these two.
As always, I pray for all handlers and K-9′s. Sometimes I don’t think people realize how brave these teams are and that their world is high stress when on point. I am so proud of these teams.
Kevin, the vest is his. Not a problem to wait. I hope I have not given you the opinion that I am being impatient. nothing is more important to me than to see these dogs and handlers come home safe and sound. I have the easy job, waiting; they are putting their lives on the line for us. I will wait as long as necessary. Thanks for you responses. Be well.
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No worries Cindy! I will check with John this week.
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Thanks Dan!
Lisa says: Thanks for sharing. Keep up your great work.
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Hi Lisa. Thank you very much!
What a great story. I give these guys, both handlers and pooches, a lot of credit. The job is not an easy one and they do it so bravely. I’ll pray these two guys stay together as a team. That kind of bond is difficult to let go of. Thanks for sharing.
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Hi Jenny. Thank you. They will remain a team for the entire deployment. Then they will be split up. It is just how the program is designed. Marines go back to training…dogs go back into the ready pool for another deployment.
These guys are going to be in my prayers. For their continued safety, and for their ability to maintain their friendship in the years to come. Thanks for sharing : )
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Thank you Millie!
C Alana Harmony says: Great story Kevin. I’m an animal lover, but dogs hold a special place in my heart. Anyway, I just wanted to tell that I really enjoy reading your stories.
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Thank you!
Mark G. says: All these dogs should receive the canine Medal of Honor! But, like most heroes, they would be humble and give credit to the handler, trainer, and many others. With all that dogs and horses are doing in service to the USA in the military, CBP, ICE, DEA and many others, we owe them all a lifetime of doggy treats and steaks!
Thanks Kevin for all your posts!
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Hi Mark, thank you. I hope in the future the military will be able to award these 4-legged troopers official awards. That fight is still raging!
Cindy R Davis says: Yet another beautiful story. Thank you as always Kevin! Praying Maxx and Stephen can be together as they should be. The best of buddies through more than any of us can fathom. Military dogs cannot be commended enough and the ones that give them their hearts. Bless you Kevin for sharing these inspiring stories and beautiful photos!
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Thnks Cindy. I know they will keep one another safe.
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What a nice story Kevin. I so hope he gets to adopt Maxx. I will send out the best wishes for Mader and Maxx so they may be able to make a team forever! Thanks for bringing these stories to us.
P.S. Hope Sgt Nolan arrives somewhere soon so I can get the vest to Hunza Bear.
Thanks Cindy. Don’t worry….I haven’t forgotten about you! I know John’s location is in flux. Please give it another week to flush itself out!
Another inspiring military dog! Thanks for sharing this story, Kevin.
Thanks Lisa!
Doesn’t Maxx always look so chilled?
Looks like Yellow Labs are redeeming themselves in my eyes! I am noticing an inherent quality in this breed. As you know, some cultures consider the yellow dog to be “special”.
I’ve found they are “characters” and I can picture in my minds eye Maxx sneaking off and swimmning in the canals. AWESOME. I will pray for these two.
As always, I pray for all handlers and K-9′s. Sometimes I don’t think people realize how brave these teams are and that their world is high stress when on point. I am so proud of these teams.
Kevin, the vest is his. Not a problem to wait. I hope I have not given you the opinion that I am being impatient. nothing is more important to me than to see these dogs and handlers come home safe and sound. I have the easy job, waiting; they are putting their lives on the line for us. I will wait as long as necessary. Thanks for you responses. Be well.
No worries Cindy! I will check with John this week.
Great stuff as always, Kevin! Thanks.
Thanks Dan!
Thanks for sharing. Keep up your great work.
Hi Lisa. Thank you very much!
What a great story. I give these guys, both handlers and pooches, a lot of credit. The job is not an easy one and they do it so bravely. I’ll pray these two guys stay together as a team. That kind of bond is difficult to let go of. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Jenny. Thank you. They will remain a team for the entire deployment. Then they will be split up. It is just how the program is designed. Marines go back to training…dogs go back into the ready pool for another deployment.
These guys are going to be in my prayers. For their continued safety, and for their ability to maintain their friendship in the years to come. Thanks for sharing : )
Thank you Millie!
Great story Kevin. I’m an animal lover, but dogs hold a special place in my heart. Anyway, I just wanted to tell that I really enjoy reading your stories.
Thank you!
All these dogs should receive the canine Medal of Honor! But, like most heroes, they would be humble and give credit to the handler, trainer, and many others. With all that dogs and horses are doing in service to the USA in the military, CBP, ICE, DEA and many others, we owe them all a lifetime of doggy treats and steaks!
Thanks Kevin for all your posts!
Hi Mark, thank you. I hope in the future the military will be able to award these 4-legged troopers official awards. That fight is still raging!
Yet another beautiful story. Thank you as always Kevin! Praying Maxx and Stephen can be together as they should be. The best of buddies through more than any of us can fathom. Military dogs cannot be commended enough and the ones that give them their hearts. Bless you Kevin for sharing these inspiring stories and beautiful photos!
Thnks Cindy. I know they will keep one another safe.