The Attack Dog


Designation: Combat Talon
Training Headquarters: Algonquin Canine Services, Newark
Trained at: Allied Barracks
Motto: "Grrrrr – ROWF!"

Equipment:

• Keen nose
• Razor-sharp teeth
• WP100 Sonic Disruptor (modified)
• Attractive training collar
• Matching armoured jumper



Renowned for their selflessness, vigilance and loyalty, dogs have been amongst humanity’s closest allies, as our respective species are very similar. Throughout more than fourteen thousand years of human history, domesticated dogs have guarded our homes, lit our way and bravely sacrificed themselves on our battlefields for the ‘greater good’, asking only for a warm fire, a comforting word and a piece of meat in return.

Even today, the surest sign of the Allied Forces is the appearance of an Allied Attack Dog, which has been rigorously trained from German Shepherds, made instantly recognisable by their High Technology training collars, their hybrid ‘Kevlar’ and wool armoured jumpers, and a deep devotion to the Allied cause. This, in turn, has led to these elite dogs being revered as symbols of liberation amongst the oppressed peoples of the world’s least democratic nations – as the old Romanian saying goes, ‘Where the Attack Dogs lead, freedom is sure to follow’, and indeed, that is the case.


Fast, deadly and focused, some believe that if Attack Dogs could talk, there would be no further need for peacekeepers.

Following the enormous success of the Canine Combatant Research (CCR) programme (now in its fiftieth year) in Newark, New Jersey, the Allied Council voted to establish a series of seven identical campuses across the globe, dedicated exclusively to the training of German Shepherds specially bred for the arts of terrain reconnaissance, tracking, guard duty and combat against unarmed wolves. Upon graduation, qualified Attack Dogs are assigned to Allied units across the globe, often within enemy territory, where their keen senses and razor-sharp teeth have thwarted enemy Sleeper Ambushes, saving countless lives.

This is not to say that these four-legged Soldiers are invulnerable, as any visitor to the Memorial to Our Fallen Attack Dogs in Newark will attest. No matter how fast and well-trained an Attack Dog may be, it stands little chance when faced with a fully armed enemy battalion. Despite several disastrous attempts to expand the scope of the RCC programme to include armoured assault and tactical weapons as part of their training – notably the infamous ‘Scent-Activated Smart Bomb’ which went awry four years ago, leaving more than fifty dead and many others wounded – the Attack Dog remains at its best when facing a single opponent, where it can target vital areas.

Alongside their impressive physical attributes, Attack Dogs who have recently graduated from the RCC have gained a new tool for their arsenal – an adapted version of the same WP100 Sonic Disruptor used by the Allies’ controversial Dolphin Talon infantry. Whilst the adaptation process has sacrificed some of the aquatic weapon’s firepower, the effect is still potent enough to allow an Attack Dog to leave its enemies stunned and helpless with a single amplified bark. Following a series of unfortunate and highly publicised incidents in which Allied Peacekeepers were permanently deafened by the barking of their over-enthusiastic canines, it was mandated that all Allied Forces must be equipped with specialised earplugs designed to block the WP100’s frequency.


Battlefield reconnaissance has at least revealed the following facts about Attack Dogs:

• Amplified barking– As demonstrated by last year’s famous photo series ‘Dog vs Bear’ and ‘Dog vs Soviet Infantry Division’, the Attack Dog is a formidable opponent in one-on-one combat, but far less so when facing multiple attackers. Recognising this, the Allies have equipped every willing puppy with a Sonic Disruptor device, which emits a bark at a high decibel level capable of temporarily paralysing an enemy and allowing for a swift escape.

-Enhanced Senses- RCCR training has enhanced the German Shepherd’s already naturally powerful sensory abilities, enabling Attack Dogs to detect the cold, nervous sweat of an enemy infiltrator from a great distance. Rumours that the Soviets attempted to counter this by having the government distribute ‘Trotsky’ brand Eau de Cologne have so far proved to be unfounded.

-Swimming Dogs- Muscular and with long limbs, German Shepherds are natural swimmers, a skill encouraged by their Allied trainers. It is not an uncommon sight to see an Allied Drone Carrier entering the battlefield accompanied by a pack of canine companions.

-No anti-tank weapons - Despite the best efforts of their RCC trainers, Attack Dogs remain less effective against vehicles.