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  3. Denise Sorbet

Denise Sorbet

D.V.M., College of Veterinary Medicine Class 2020 alumnus, helps prepare military working dogs.

Real World Mission Training: Veterinary Graduate Helps Prepare Military Working Dogs

Here are just some of my adventures in the Pacific Theater:  

Denise Sorbet and team members sit in the hold of plane with a working military dog.

I organized a K9TCCC and AEROMEDEVAC exercise utilizing a CH-47. This exercise validates VSST II's ability to plan, prepare, execute, and assess evacuation of a simulated MWD emergency across multiple roles of veterinary care in addition to medical regulation with non-organic support assets across the Korean Theater of Operations. Team II Soldiers continue to train and support sister branches within the Korean peninsula. Soldiers were able to expand and sharpen their MOS knowledge and skills in preparation for real world missions.

 

Denise Sorbet stands next to a working military dog.

As part of VSST II, with 8SFS Military Working Dog section, I organized and executed the first ever K9TCCC combined training with the ROKA 2nd Military Working Dog section at Nonsan, ROK. This combined training has resulted in stronger alliance between our two nations and higher standard of care for their MWDs. The 8SFS MWD handlers also received valuable training from our Korean counterparts.

 

Denise Sorbet holds a turtle.

VSST II conducted valuable K9TCCC training for the host nation’s MWD section. Additionally, the team further strengthened relations with the host nation’s MWD Handlers, Kunsan AFB handlers and providers by integrating an interactive and realistic hands-on scenario based training exercise. The FTX further prepared the team’s readiness in using MTOE equipment for real time mission in a field environment

 

Glossary:

  • MED DET (VSS) = Medical Detachment Veterinary Service Support
  • VSST II = Veterinary Service Support Team II
  • 8SFS = 8th Security Forces Squadron
  • K9TCCC = Canine Tactical Combat Casualty Care
  • ROK = Republic of Korea (South Korea)  
  • ROKA = Republic of Korea Army
  • MWD = Military Working Dog  
  • FTX: Field Training Exercise
  • MTOE = Moderate Table of Organization and Equipment
  • AEROMEDEVAC = aero medical evacuation
  • CH-47 = Chinook Helicopter
  • MOS = Military Occupation
  • MWE = Military Working Equine

About Denise Sorbet, D.V.M.

Denise Sorbet, D.V.M., is a 2020 graduate of the College of Veterinary Medicine in Glendale, AZ.  She currently serves in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps at Fort Hood, TX as an Army Veterinarian as part of the Medical Detachment Veterinary Service Support (MED DET VSS).