On the occasion of World Dog Day, we celebrate the unique bond and strategic value of K9 teams, an asset of excellence that drastically increases the operational effectiveness of the 9th Assault Parachute Regiment "Col Moschin".

Composed of an operator and a specially trained dog, these teams represent an irreplaceable capability, able to combine animal instinct with the highest level of military training to operate in the most complex contexts.

Selection and Training (CEMIVET)

The journey of a military dog of the "Col Moschin" begins long before joining the assault units:

• The Grosseto Center: All dogs come from the Military Veterinary Center of the Army (CEMIVET), an excellence facility equipped with a 600-hectare estate that manages the entire chain, from breeding to operational qualification.
• The Chosen Breeds: The German Shepherd and the Belgian Malinois Shepherd are mainly employed. The latter is particularly appreciated for its targeted aggression, speed, and extraordinary resistance in extreme environmental conditions.
• Team Creation: The training process lasts just over a year. An initial basic phase (36–40 weeks) at CEMIVET is followed by a 20-week block in which the dog is permanently paired with its handler, developing a relationship founded on deep and symbiotic empathy.

Integration into Tactical Deployment

Once initial operational validation is passed, the K9 team is assigned to the Operational Raider Detachments of "Col Moschin", facing a rigorous integration path:

• Multi-Domain Mobility: To maintain the non-conventional nature of Special Forces, dogs are trained to move exploiting all dimensions: terrestrial, mountainous, amphibious, and aerial environments.
• Airborne Operations and "Multi-Mission": Through familiarization modules and under strict veterinary supervision, dogs undergo parachute drop training. To this end, specific parachutes (called "Multi-Mission") and harnesses have been developed to ensure maximum stability of the living load.
• Advanced CQB (Close Quarters Battle): Teams participate in high-intensity simulated scenarios to perfect interaction in confined and urban environments, constantly updating the tactical-technical procedures of the Unit.

Conclusions

The integration of K9 teams in the Operational Raider Detachments of the 9th Regiment "Col Moschin" has revolutionized mission planning and execution, offering greater precision, execution speed, and flexibility. Thanks also to international training exchanges (Joint Combined Exchange Training), the canine component confirms itself as a precious and constantly evolving resource, capable of making a difference where technology and man alone cannot reach.

The capabilities that military dogs bring to combat cannot be replicated by man or machines: the great cooperative attitude makes the team a unique and irreplaceable species.