Dear Judith,

Thank you for reaching out with your inquiry about your father's service and his canine companion, "Wolf," during the early 1950s at Fort Carson, Colorado. While specific records about individual military working dogs like Wolf (tattoo E314) are scarce, I can provide some context about the Army Dog Training Center at Fort Carson during that period and the roles these dogs played.

Army Dog Training Center at Fort Carson (1951-1957)

The Army Dog Training Center was established at Camp Carson (later designated Fort Carson) in December 1951 under the direction of the Provost Marshal General. This center became the primary facility for training military working dogs in the United States during that time. The location was chosen due to its varied terrain, which was ideal for comprehensive training exercises.
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The training program consisted of a three-week basic course followed by specialized courses lasting between eight to twelve weeks. Dogs were trained for various roles, including:

Sentry Dogs: Trained to guard installations and detect intruders by scent, sight, or sound. They were conditioned to attack on command, providing a deterrent against unauthorized entry.

Scout Dogs: Specialized in detecting enemy presence silently, making them invaluable for patrols, especially in combat zones. They could alert handlers to ambushes or hidden dangers without revealing their position.

Messenger Dogs: Responsible for carrying messages, ammunition, or medical supplies between units. They were trained to navigate various terrains and conditions to ensure timely delivery.

The center remained active until July 1, 1957, when it was deactivated, and the responsibility for military working dog training transitioned to other branches, notably the Air Force.
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Notable Military Dogs and Handlers

Your father's recollection of other dogs and handlers from that era highlights the close-knit community at the training center:

"York" (Tattoo 011X): York was a distinguished scout dog who served with the 26th Infantry Scout Dog Platoon during the Korean War. He participated in 148 combat patrols between June 12, 1951, and June 26, 1953. In recognition of his outstanding service, York received a Distinguished Service Award from General Samuel T. Williams. After his service in Korea, York returned to the United States in 1957 and was assigned to the demonstration team at the Army Dog Training Center at Fort Carson. Following the center's deactivation, he was transferred to Fort Benning, Georgia, to continue his service with the 26th Infantry Scout Dog Platoon.
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"Boots": While specific records about Boots are not readily available, it's evident that he was part of the community at Fort Carson and was handled by Ken Kamenga.

Sergeant Donahue's Personal Dog: Personal dogs owned by military personnel often played roles in training exercises or served as companions, contributing to the morale and daily life at the training center.

Connecting with the Past

Given the passage of time, detailed records about individual dogs like Wolf may be limited. However, you might consider the following avenues to gather more information:

Military Archives: The National Archives or the U.S. Army Military History Institute may hold records or photographs from the Army Dog Training Center during the 1950s. These institutions occasionally have personnel rosters, training records, or unit histories that could provide insights.

Veteran Associations: Organizations such as the U.S. War Dogs Association or the Military Police Regimental Association might have members who trained or served at Fort Carson during that era. They could offer personal anecdotes or direct you to additional resources.

Fort Carson Museum: The Fort Carson Museum may have archives or exhibits related to the Army Dog Training Center's history. Reaching out to them could provide leads on photographs, documents, or contacts familiar with the center's operations in the 1950s.

While specific information about Wolf remains elusive, the legacy of the Army Dog Training Center at Fort Carson and the dedicated service of handlers like your father, Conrad Bernier, played a pivotal role in the development and success of military working dog programs. Mars Planet