Military Working Dog DDuke, the youngest addition to the 75th Security Forces Squadron, is making waves as he embarks on his first deployment with handler Staff Sgt. Daniel Duarte. The duo is currently supporting the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. 

At just 2 years old, DDuke’s deployment is an uncommon feat. 

“It is not typical for a very young dog to deploy since they are learning operational skills early on, however since DDuke is a puppy program dog, he is built from a different cloth,” said Duarte. “Puppy program dogs are known in the K9 world as the best dogs that Lackland trains.”

DDuke’s journey began at the 341st Training Squadron’s Military Working Dog Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, where he was bred and raised. From birth to eight weeks, the center’s puppy development specialists worked to expose him to simulations and activities critical for his future. Afterward, DDuke was fostered in a family environment for about five months before being selected for advanced training.

Duarte highlighted DDuke’s impressive adaptability and keen learning abilities. 

“The squadron received DDuke at Hill on Jan. 24, 2024, and within a few months DDuke was validated and base certified, had his second birthday, became pre-deployment certified, worked two U.S. Secret Service missions and is now on his first deployment,” said Duarte.

Training for deployment included intensive sessions to familiarize DDuke with detecting explosive devices buried in dirt and sand – a critical skill for operations in their current environment. Duarte said DDuke mastered his training and was certified within six weeks.

DDuke’s contributions extend beyond deployment. During protests outside Chicago’s United Center during the Democratic National Convention, DDuke played a key role in ensuring the safety of more than 100 officers.

“The strengths that make DDuke a great MWD is his eagerness to work and his alertness. While walking around, he is constantly on guard, looking for the bad guys,” Duarte said. “DDuke also has an alternate personality of being very sweet and loving. When DDuke isn’t working, he enjoys cuddling up to me and taking a nap on my leg.”

DDuke, a Belgian Malinois trained in explosive detection and patrol, shares the same lineage as another MWD at Hill, SSoto.

“DDuke continues to amaze me the more time we spend together. He is still a puppy trying to carve out his personality, and he is constantly learning every day. I’m glad that DDuke is my partner while deployed and have each other’s back,” Duarte said. λ