Validation of the Working Dog Advanced Threat Assessment System (WD ATAS)

The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center (Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD)personnel are developing a Working Dog Advanced Threat Assessment System (WD ATAS) to address current and emergingthreats that are not contained within the standard issue Department of Defense canine explosives detection training aid kit. TheWD ATAS would allow for the rapid production of additional canine detection training aids while eliminating many of the issues associated with manufacturing, packaging, transporting, handling, custody, accessing, storing, replacing, and disposing of current canine explosive training aids that contain bulk material. To address these complex issues, the WD ATAS combines two current technologies: (1) the training aid delivery device (TADD) and (2) inkjet-printed coupons. The goal is to provide inkjet-printed explosive coupons safely contained within TADDs to mimic the odor profile of their bulk counterparts despite utilizing significantly less explosive material.