A military working dog who served in the Hunter since 2019 has retired from the RAAF base Williamtown and entered civilian life in the region as the adopted pet of his long-time handler, living with the local couple's chocolate labrador Beau.
The Air Force Malinois, named Drak, served in a "community-facing" career representing the aviation arm at open days, exercises and air shows.
Drak quickly developed a close bond with his handler, leading aircraftman James Reid, with a boundless working drive and social personality, but sustained an injury during recent employment and was retired from service on veterinary orders.
"We balanced each other out," Reid said of the veteran canine. "Drak has always been high energy, high drive and a very powerful Malinois who is always looking for something to do. I am a lot calmer and more patient."
"He's taught me a lot of lessons, not just about training and handling dogs, but also lessons on patience, frustration, self-control and setting expectations."
Military working dogs undertake rigorous training during their service and are assessed by a panel of military and non-military experts to ensure their suitability for civilian life.
"Prior to a planned or unplanned retirement, we cease all tactical training and focus on obedience, socialisation and shaping positive experiences in civilian and home environments," a Defence spokesperson said. "The RSPCA also conduct an independent behavioural assessment to assess the dog's suitability to adapt to home life and provide a detailed report on the dog's temperament and nuances prior to their release from service."
"Military Working Dogs tend to cope well post-service life once they have settled into the home routine."
Defence dogs are tasked with a laundry list of jobs: tracking, undertaking search and rescue missions, crowd control and protecting the ADF's bases. The Williamtown squad operate inside the heavily protected Hunter base where they begin training as pups.
"You definitely form an attachment with them ... you do develop a bit of a bond," Reid told the Newcastle Herald in November during a behind-the-scenes training demonstration with Drak and three other veteran dogs, Effi, Tazy and Merlin.
The dog squad is mostly Malinois since the ADF has shifted away from employing German Shepherds in recent years.
Reid said Drak, who will turn six in November, loves attention and would do anything for someone to throw him a ball, but admitted he also has a rambunctious streak.
"He will steal and destroy items like street cones, fire extinguishers, even the odd office chair. Pretty much anything he can get his mouth around and drag away is fair game, in his eyes," Leading Aircraftman Reid said.
"But when the job was on, he fell back on his years of training and turned into the land shark that won't stop until it's over. He's always been a dependable dog and never let me down when I needed him to do his job."
The veteran is now bound for a quieter life with his ex-handler in the comfort of the family home.
"I have enjoyed every opportunity I have had with him, and I have a lot of great memories and satisfying accomplishments from our time working together," Reid said.
