Personnel train on life-saving K9 tactical combat casualty care

U.S. military personnel train on several medical life-saving procedures during a canine tactical combat casualty care class at Chabelley Airfield, Djibouti, Jan. 29, 2025. (U.S. Army photos by Spc. Michaela Maldonado)



By Spc. Michaela Maldonado Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Djbouti Feb 12, 2025
View Gallery
fallback
Gallery contains 6 images

CJTF-HOA veterinarian and medical staff trained military personnel on several medical life-saving procedures during a military working dog canine (K9) tactical combat casualty care class at Chabelley Airfield, Djibouti, Jan. 29, 2025.

In the event a K9 is injured, any personnel with the training can perform life-saving procedures to aid a K9.

The life-saving tactics were similar procedures performed on human beings such as bleeding control, airway management, IV placement.

However, the training focused on nuances with how to identify and detect problems in the event the K9 is injured. Tactics like finding a pulse, inserting an IV, and tourniquet placement were among the many procedural items that were demonstrated and practiced. 

One important lesson was teaching the personnel to not use a tourniquet due to K9 limbs being thinner and the tourniquet being unstable.

The training used a plush, stuffed 'demo dog' to prevent injuries on real K9s however they performed real pulse checks on a live K9.

The personnel walked away with valuable skills that can be used where a K9 requires immediate medical care due to heat or combat related injuries.

More in Media Room
Cyber, radio exchange deepens US, Djibouti military cooperation
U.S. Africa Command, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, and the Kentucky Army National Guard teamed up with Djiboutian forces for a cybersecurity and radio communications fundamentals skills-sharing initiative that blended instruction, live demonstrations, and practical exercises.
Read more
US, partner nations exercise multinational crisis response to bolster readiness in African theater
The Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Multinational Coordination Cell hosted a tabletop exercise with French, Italian, Japanese, Spanish and South Korean partners June 23-26 at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti.
Read more
Humans of HOA:Vehicle management plays a vital role in CJTF-HOA operations
I joined the U.S. Army at 18 years old, straight out of high school. In fact, I enlisted while I was still a senior. My decision was driven by more than a sense of duty — it was deeply personal. Fast forward to today, I am proudly serving my country overseas with the Arizona Army National Guard. I am in an administrative role for the Transportation Motor Pool unit, which is in charge of managing a large fleet of vehicles, most of which are sourced from local Djiboutian contractors.
Read more
More in Media Room
Cyber, radio exchange deepens US, Djibouti military cooperation
U.S. Africa Command, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, and the Kentucky Army National Guard teamed up with Djiboutian forces for a cybersecurity and radio communications fundamentals skills-sharing initiative that blended instruction, live demonstrations, and practical exercises.
Read more
US, partner nations exercise multinational crisis response to bolster readiness in African theater
The Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Multinational Coordination Cell hosted a tabletop exercise with French, Italian, Japanese, Spanish and South Korean partners June 23-26 at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti.
Read more
Humans of HOA:Vehicle management plays a vital role in CJTF-HOA operations
I joined the U.S. Army at 18 years old, straight out of high school. In fact, I enlisted while I was still a senior. My decision was driven by more than a sense of duty — it was deeply personal. Fast forward to today, I am proudly serving my country overseas with the Arizona Army National Guard. I am in an administrative role for the Transportation Motor Pool unit, which is in charge of managing a large fleet of vehicles, most of which are sourced from local Djiboutian contractors.
Read more
More in Media Room
Cyber, radio exchange deepens US, Djibouti military cooperation
U.S. Africa Command, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, and the Kentucky Army National Guard teamed up with Djiboutian forces for a cybersecurity and radio communications fundamentals skills-sharing initiative that blended instruction, live demonstrations, and practical exercises.
Read more
US, partner nations exercise multinational crisis response to bolster readiness in African theater
The Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Multinational Coordination Cell hosted a tabletop exercise with French, Italian, Japanese, Spanish and South Korean partners June 23-26 at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti.
Read more
Humans of HOA:Vehicle management plays a vital role in CJTF-HOA operations
I joined the U.S. Army at 18 years old, straight out of high school. In fact, I enlisted while I was still a senior. My decision was driven by more than a sense of duty — it was deeply personal. Fast forward to today, I am proudly serving my country overseas with the Arizona Army National Guard. I am in an administrative role for the Transportation Motor Pool unit, which is in charge of managing a large fleet of vehicles, most of which are sourced from local Djiboutian contractors.
Read more