Krzysztof Puwalski (former operator of JW Grom) from SOF Project was one of the organizers of the second international Special Operations Forces K9 Conference (SOFK9C), which took place on 17-21 June near Warsaw.
The theme of this year's event was: "How can we help you and your dog achieve and maintain a full operational readiness".
The conference was attended by SOF operators, dog handlers, trainers, dog guides and scientists from the USA, Canada, Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, Italy, Austria, Germany, Sweden and Poland. The main emphasis during this year's conference was put on the operational preparation of both a guide and a military dog.
The conference was full of interesting lectures, informal conversations and people establishing relationships, but most importantly, offered practical exercises conducted by leading special forces instructors. The special guest of the conference was James Hatch, a longtime operator and leader of the Navy SEALs K9 unit.
James told the conference participants about his battle experience and the extraordinary relationship between a guide and a dog. He also addressed the important issue of coping in everyday life after leaving the military.
The next conference is planned for 2021.
Sources: soldiersystems.net, facebook.com/PolishSpecialForces,specialforcesnews.com, facebook.com/sof.project.krzysztof.puwalski/,stripes.com
