DART Army Reserve Training
Animal Science
Donna Patterson
Extension Educator, AG & 4H
Oklahoma State University
Claremore
Abstract
The purpose of this program was to provide hands on training for US Army Reserve Civil Affairs Unit. The OSU Extension Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) was contacted because CPT Jesse MacKenzie, DVM with the 486th Civil Affairs Battalion based in Sapulpa was looking for training focused on large animal handling for her battalion. The Civil Affairs Unit’s function is to engage and partner with communities around the world to increase stability, enable local government, and improve the quality of life for civilians. Our focus for this training was to provide them the knowledge of identifying animals, animal behavior, safety for handlers and animals, animal welfare and biosecurity of foreign animal diseases. This was done through lecture and hands on activities. The biosecurity talk emphasized the risk of bringing foreign diseases back to the US as well as their own animals. The unit learned about the appearance and behavior of sick animals so they could properly identify potential dangers. Reservists were broken into small groups and had the opportunity to gather and move groups of animals (cattle and horses), separate animals into pens, and halter and handle a horse. Safety and fundamentals were emphasized at every stage. All 19 attendees were asked to rank their ability to identify animals, understand of animal welfare issues, and comfortability of handling and moving animals. There was 100% increase in all areas evaluated. Many stated the ability to interact with live animals with paramount to their learning. One Lt. Col. stated that we provided another tool in their tool belt to complete their mission. A version of this program has been adapted to first responders and emergency management volunteers. This was a basic knowledge training but could be adapted to more intricate lessons with a multitude hands-on activities. Our handout can be shared with any group for basic animal information. The Oklahoma DART team has the ability to be very mobile and can provide this training across the state.
Authors: Donna Patterson
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Donna Patterson Extension Educator, AG & 4H, Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma, 74017