Capt. Russell Craig
First published in
SFOR Informer#136, April 11, 2002

Brit A242 serves with Eagle Base's K9 unit as a patrol and explosive detection dog. He is part of a two-person team; the other half (with the leash and opposable thumbs) is Staff Sgt. Roger Goodspeed.
"My main duty is to detect explosives. I do this in many places including incoming flights, all incoming and outgoing baggage, post offices, mail, vehicle check points, suspicious vehicles, buildings, conferences, bomb threats, before VIP visits, and at any large event off post," said Brit. "I'm also trained to protect my handler (Goodspeed), as well."
To achieve this level of skill Brit's training was intense and tough. "I am originally from Czech Republic, but was trained in the US. I went to school for one and a half years before I was assigned to active duty. My training ensured that I can detect even small quantities of explosives," said Brit.
Although Brit gets on well with Goodspeed not all humans receive the same treatment.
"Last week Goodspeed and I were approached, from behind, by an unknown soldier. Thinking that he could be a threat, I bit him wherever I could. In this case, it was the man's groin," said Brit.
Brit stressed that everyone should ask a handler's permission before approaching, especially if they want to touch a dog.
"After all, no two dogs are the same, and in the K9 unit, we're not exactly little perfumed house poodles," said Brit.
In his spare time Brit plays with Goodspeed, relaxes in the playpen, chases a ball, sunbathes, and barks at cyclists.
"Staff' Sgt. Goodspeed needs to give me more food in the evenings, but he does look after me when I'm sick, play with me, ensures that I keep my edge and that I work hard; we make a good team" said Brit.

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Nations of SFOR: US