The 1st Military Working Dog Regiment’s primary operational role is to support the lead Brigade in Afghanistan with the provision of protection and specialist Military Working Dogs (MWD) and veterinary support to the command.

The Regiment plays a key role in counter insurgency and improvised explosive device (IED) detection; searching and helping to clear routes, buildings and vehicles in Afghanistan and helping to guard and patrol key installations to assist and enhance security.

It also provides a range of other capabilities wherever its skill force is needed in the Rest of the World.

Regimental motto: Vires in Varietate - Strength in Diversity

Five Squadrons of the Regiment

Five Military Working Dog Squadrons form the Regiment, which comprises 284 soldiers and officers and about 200 dogs.

101, 102, 103, 104 and 105 MWD Support Units have supported world-wide operations from their respective bases in Aldershot (101), North Luffenham (104) and Sennelager, Germany (102, 103 and 105).

The dogs and their handlers have a uniquely close relationship both in barracks and when deployed on operations.

Veterinary officers maintain the health of the MWD fleet and offer support both to deployed troops and to families at the home base. The Regimental Headquarters are at Chiron Barracks in Sennelager.