Two teams, one MP from the 92nd MP Battalion, one MP from the 212th MP Company (Sentry Dog), and one K9 per team, alternate patrol duties in assigned areas of the Saigon Docks from 1800 hours [6:00 PM], to 0600 hours [6:00 AM]. The areas patrolled are traversed in an irregular pattern, concentrating on places where military cargo susceptible to theft is stored.

   The Saigon Docks presented problems which required dogs with characteristics of both sentry and scout dogs. K9’s King and Waco were the two dogs chosen for the demanding assignment because they were trained as Scout Dogs and also maintained the aggressive nature of a Sentry Dog.

  CPL Monte H. Eggers was assigned as the detachment Noncommissioned Officer in charge [NCOIC], of the unit. SP/4 Robert W. Felcher, and others yet identified, were assigned as dog handlers.

   During the first forty-eight days of operation, not a single theft was reported in areas where dogs were patrolling. One apprehension had occurred and three theft attempts were broken up since the program began.

Right: CPL Monte Eggers and his Scout Dog Waco, both members of the 212th MP Company (Sentry Dog), 720th MP Battalion on patrol in the Saigon Docks. Courtesy of The 18th MP Brigade Newspaper, The Roundup, March 1969.

January Three separate attempts of thefts were thwarted with a total of approximately twenty-one thieves apprehended as a direct result of the joint K9 patrols on the docks.

   It was estimated that the theft rate from the docks was cut by 75% since the addition of the detachment K9’s and handlers paired with the MPs of the 92nd MP Battalion.

February-April The 212th MP Company continued to provide handlers and K9’s for physical security at the Saigon Docks.