Military working dog Brock, a member of the U.S. Air Force’s 100th Security Forces Squadron, is no ordinary canine. As the only Giant Schnauzer serving in the Department of Defense, Brock stands out from his peers.
On a recent mission, he provided security for President Donald J. Trump during the G20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany, working closely with Secret Service dog teams.
His unique size and breed often cause people to mistake him for a pet, but Brock is far from a household companion—he’s a highly trained dual-purpose military dog.
At Royal Air Force Mildenhall in England, Brock continues to impress. Weighing in at 98 pounds, he might look different from the typical German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois, but his skills in odor detection and patrol training are exceptional.
His handler, Staff Sgt. Dominick Young, notes that people often do a double-take when they see Brock, but his performance on the job proves his value to the Air Force.
Brock’s Journey to Military Service
Though Giant Schnauzers were once dismissed by the military, Brock is part of a new experiment by the Air Force to see if this breed can once again serve.
At first, Brock faced challenges during his training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, known as the hardest dog to train. Originally slated for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), he was rejected because of his tendency to bite—something that made him a perfect fit for patrol duty in the Air Force.
A Unique Bond
Working with Brock wasn’t easy at first. According to Young, Brock had a strong will and required extra effort to respond to commands.
But with persistence and help from K-9 trainers, the two developed a powerful bond. “He’s playful and loyal, but also strong-willed,” Young said. Over time, Brock has grown into one of the Air Force’s best military working dogs, always eager to perform his duties.
Standardized Training and Teamwork
Like all DoD military working dogs, Brock was trained to detect odors and patrol for potential threats. He gives “high fives” to Young after a successful find, showcasing the close bond between handler and dog.
Staff Sgt. Kelly Webster, kennel master, explained that the key to success in training these dogs lies in the bond between handler and canine.
Webster praised Young and Brock’s teamwork, noting that their rapport is evident in Brock’s stellar performance on missions.
Mission-Ready for Presidential Detail
One of Brock’s most notable assignments was working the presidential security detail in Germany. While the unfamiliar environment initially unsettled him, with support from the Secret Service teams, Brock quickly adapted.
“I couldn’t believe I was standing next to Air Force One with Brock,” said Young, emphasizing the honor of being part of such an important mission.
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Conclusion
Brock’s journey from being a hard-to-train dog to a top-performing military working dog is a testament to the power of perseverance, strong training, and the bond between handler and canine.
As the only Giant Schnauzer in the DoD, Brock’s contributions highlight the unique capabilities and adaptability of different breeds in service to the country.
FAQs
- What makes Brock unique as a military working dog?
Brock is the only Giant Schnauzer currently serving in the Department of Defense, a breed not commonly seen in military roles today. - What kind of missions does Brock perform?
Brock is a dual-purpose dog trained in odor detection and patrol duties, including high-profile missions like securing the G20 Summit and providing protection for Air Force One. - How is Brock different from other military working dogs?
Unlike the typical German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois, Brock’s size and breed often make people mistake him for a pet, but his training makes him a highly effective and capable military dog. - What was Brock’s role during the G20 Summit?
During the G20 Summit in Hamburg, Brock worked alongside Secret Service dogs as part of the presidential security detail, ensuring safety through his patrol and detection abilities. - Why was Brock rejected by the TSA?
Brock was originally slated for the TSA, but his tendency to bite made him unsuitable for their needs. However, this trait made him an ideal fit for Air Force patrol duties. - How does Brock’s handler describe him?
Staff Sgt. Dominick Young describes Brock as playful, loyal, and strong-willed, and credits their close bond for Brock’s impressive success as a military working dog.
