Accession Number:

ADA048748

Title:

Mine-Detecting Canines

Descriptive Note:

Summary rept. 1975-1976

Corporate Author:

ARMY MOBILITY EQUIPMENT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COMMAND FORT BELVOIR VA

Personal Author(s):

• Nolan, R. V.
• Gravitte, D. L.

Report Date:

1977-09-01

Pagination or Media Count:

84.0

Abstract:

This report describes the rationale, protocol, and results of a series of four field tests designed to determine the merits of canines as mine booby-trapexplosives detection systems. The report begins with a discussion of the factors which led to selection of the dog as the optimum choice for detection service. This is followed by discussion of factors pertinent to an understanding of the results i. e., the use of the full-reinforcement and partial-reinforcement operant conditioning regimens used to train the animals the anticipated tactical operational environments and the choice of test site analogs to these areas the nature of the test lanes and of the test protocol. Results are presented in several formats so that every significant finding will be evident to the reader. The report concludes with the general statement that, based upon the most objective test and data analysis possible at this time, canines are the most effective and versatile minebooby-trapexplosives detection systems available for immediate use in either military or civilian applications. Author

Descriptors:

• *MINE DETECTION
• *DOGS
• *EXPLOSIVES DETECTION
• TRAINING
• MINEFIELDS
• FIELD TESTS
• SNOW
• WINTER
• VERTEBRATES
• LAND MINES
• DESERT TESTS
• CONDITIONING(LEARNING)
• BOOBY TRAPS
• CONDITIONED RESPONSE
• SMELL

Subject Categories:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Ammunition and Explosives

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE