CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait - Sixteen students from the American School of Kuwait wrapped up their school year with a field trip to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, May 26.
During the trip, the students visited the base's military working dog kennels, climbed aboard a M1A1 Abrams tank and spent time shopping at the Post Exchange for snacks and souvenirs. For many of the children it was their first trip to a military installation.
"Prior to 9/11, I think we were a bigger mystery to the American people. [Now] I think we're less of a mystery, but I still think there is a certain set of the American people that don't really understand what we do," said Col. Christopher L. Eubank, Area Support Group-Kuwait commander. "Any time we can reach out to the community, whether it is here or in the States, to talk to people about what we do - I think it's a good thing."
There are more than 10,000 American expatriates living in Kuwait. Eubank stated that he felt a responsibility to engage with and support that community.
"We're a small American community inside of Kuwait, and we just have to remember there is another small American community in Kuwait. It's important for us to reach out to each other," said Eubank. Eubank credited the expatriates for welcoming service members into their homes during the holidays last year and said the relationship was one that he would continue to cultivate.
The day began with an up-close working dog demonstration. The children spent time with the kennel master, who briefed them on the type of training the dogs undergo, the breeds of dogs used here and the types of services the dogs provide. He also allowed them to try on the padded suit worn during attack/bite training.
After that, Daniel Hayter, a dog handler and his assigned dog, Rex, put on a show for the children. Rex completed an on-site obstacle course and went through the six-phase bite training sequence. Based on his handler's commands and the actions of the assailant, the dog would either attack, attack and release or remain by the handler's side. At Arifjan, drug enforcement and bomb detection dogs must be at least 90 percent accurate to remain certified.
From there, the children traveled to a warehouse to tour a M1A1 tank. The students were able to tour the exterior and interior of the tank while guided by the Soldiers who worked with and maintained the tanks. It was a highlight for many of the children.
"I had no idea what to expect [today], but it was really awesome. My favorite part was the tank. It's something that you haven't really experienced before. I mean, you see them in movies, and then to get to see one in person," said Madeleine Carrigan, an 8th grade student. "It was really cool and a lot larger than I expected it to be."
Carrigan said the tour helped her better understand what a military installation looked like.
"Honestly, I thought it would a lot more scary, but it was pretty neat. Just like a little community," she said.
Throughout the day the Soldiers, who volunteered their time, posed for photographs with the children and answer questions about equipment and military service.
"To be honest, I think Soldiers probably have a better time than the kids sometimes. Soldiers are excited about what they do. Any time that they can talk about the job with someone who doesn't understand it, they respond to that," said Eubank.
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