Real dogs of war ready for possible invasion of Iraq

By MATTHEW GREEN in Camp Coyote

Buster is one of the true dogs of war.

A veteran of British Army missions in Kosovo where he sniffed out hidden explosives, the springer spaniel is now poised to take part in a possible invasion of Iraq.

Buster is only 5 years old, but is the most experienced member of a unit of 12 Army dogs dispatched to help troops massing in the Kuwaiti desert.

"He did find quite a lot of explosives, especially in people's houses," said his handler, Sergeant Danny Morgan, 37, referring to Buster's Kosovo days.

Buster worked with British troops deployed in Kosovo in 1999 as part of an international peacekeeping force when the province came under United Nations-led rule.

Yesterday, he joined a dog parade in Kuwait - the latest glimpse offered by Britain of its preparations for a possible United States-led war in Iraq.

Britain's forces in Kuwait have been showing off the "soft" side of the military, including the dogs from the Royal Army Veterinary Corps.

With names like Tango, Sadie and Holstein, they were meant to appeal to audiences in Britain - known for its love of animals and where there is strong opposition to a war.

Soldiers in the 101 Military Working Dog Support Unit say the animals are on duty patrolling camps and might be used to guard any Iraqi prisoners of war.

Handlers say chemical or biological weapons, might present the biggest threat but expect a protective chemical kennel to arrive.

- REUTERS