HESSEN, Germany - They're a special breed - Military Working Dog
teams - the handlers and the hounds.  They're professionals,
subject matter experts who frequently work alone and are
expected to deploy on a moment's notice, often into harm's way.
Their special bond helps ensure the safety of distinguished
visitors, fellow Soldiers and Families.  Twenty-four military
MWD teams from U.S. Army Europe, the stateside-based Army
Training and Doctrine Command, and four civilian teams from the
Pond's Security Service traveled to U.S. Army Garrison Hessen
June 4-8 to compete in the USAREUR Military Working Dog
Competition.  Events in Hanau, Darmstadt and Wackernheim tested
their ability to negotiate obstacles outside in a tactical
setting and inside confined spaces, physical exertion,
explosives detection, subject apprehension and scouting.  "All
of the events are equally challenging," said Staff Sgt. Jeffrey
Passov, kennel master for the 230th Military Police Company in
Wiesbaden and Hanau, adding that the competitio