MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- The 23rd Security Forces Squadron recently received a new simulator to help it better prepare its seven military working dogs for deployed environments.

The simulator is a training tool used to help the MWDs become familiarized with the noise associated with an AK-47 rifle.

"This particular assault rifle is the common weapon used by our enemies in Afghanistan and Iraq," said Tech. Sgt. Randy Dauzat, 23rd SFS MWD section NCO in-charge. "Considering what they use, we want to train our dogs to get used to the sound to prevent them from becoming aggressive or frightened if the enemy starts firing. They need to be able to continue the mission without having to worry about the sound of distracting gunfire from an unrecognized weapon."

The simulator is operated by an oxygen and propane bottle as well as a battery, but does not have the capability to fire ammunition.

"The oxygen and propane gases create the sound and flash of a real AK-47 rifle," said Sergeant Dauzat. "We don't need to use ammunition, so it's simple and safe to use. The bottles are small enough to be placed in a backpack, which means we can train in any type of scenario."

The portability of the simulator allows the squadron to conduct training weekly and as needed to help condition the dogs.

"Our dogs are fairly new to the simulator, so we train them for shorter amounts of time and more frequently," said Tech. Sgt. Timothy Kaluza, 23rd SFS MWD trainer. "We also fire the weapon starting at 50 to 100 yards away from the dogs, and then move in from there."

The handlers are taught to take certain actions to help their MWDs progress in training and adjust to the noise.

"We talk to them calmly and use toys so they don't become frightened," said Senior Airman Ryan Frederick, 23rd SFS MWD handler. "We are responsible for helping them work through the noise which will ensure they are listening to our commands.

"If they are able to hear and understand our commands and do their job, then we move them closer to the simulator," he added. "The closer they are trained to the simulator, the better they are prepared for when we deploy downrange."

When MWDs successfully accomplish AK-47 rifle simulator training, they move one step closer to a skill level upgrade.

"Once they complete our checklist, a dog becomes AK-47 rifle-certified," said Sergeant Kaluza. "The simulator provides us with a very useful tool to help our dogs learn an extremely important skill that they will use while deployed."