Did you know dogs still serve in the military? Here's how they protect and serve our country
Not just dogs, but also horses, dolphins, and even sea otters!
Yes — animals still actively serve in the military today, especially dogs, and to a lesser extent horses, dolphins, and sea lions in specialized roles. Modern military working animals are highly trained and are considered valuable service members in many operations.
Military Dogs (Most Common Today)
Military working dogs are used by organizations like the United States Department of Defense, police units, and allied militaries worldwide.
Common jobs military dogs perform
Explosive detection
The most important role today. Dogs can detect:
- Bombs
- IEDs
- Ammunition
- Explosives hidden in vehicles or buildings
Breeds commonly used:
- Belgian Malinois
- German Shepherds
- Labrador Retrievers
Patrol and protection
Dogs assist soldiers by:
- Guarding bases
- Apprehending suspects
- Protecting handlers
- Patrolling dangerous areas
Their hearing and smell often detect threats before humans can.
Search and rescue
Military dogs help locate:
- Missing soldiers
- Disaster victims
- Survivors trapped in rubble
Special operations support
Elite units, including teams associated with United States Navy SEALs, sometimes deploy dogs during raids and reconnaissance missions.
These dogs may be trained to:
- Jump from helicopters
- Parachute with handlers
- Track enemy movement
- Clear buildings
Marine Mammals
The United States Navy still operates the Marine Mammal Program.
Dolphins
Used for:
- Detecting underwater mines
- Locating submerged objects
- Marking dangerous areas for divers
Sea lions
Used for:
- Recovering equipment underwater
- Detecting unauthorized divers
- Harbor security
Horses
Horses are no longer used heavily in combat by modern U.S. forces, but they are still occasionally used:
- In mountainous terrain inaccessible to vehicles
- For ceremonial units
- By border or patrol forces in some countries
One famous modern example involved U.S. Special Forces in Afghanistan shortly after 9/11, where soldiers used horses in rugged terrain.
Other animals historically used
Throughout history militaries have also used:
- Carrier pigeons (message delivery)
- Camels (desert transport)
- Mules (equipment hauling)
- Cats (rodent control on ships)
- Rats (mine detection in humanitarian operations, though usually not military)
Do military animals get ranks and honors?
Sometimes, yes.
Some military animals have:
- Received medals
- Been given honorary ranks
- Been buried with honors
Famous examples include:
- Sergeant Stubby
- Chips
Modern military working dogs are often treated as fellow service members by their handlers.
