Unit History: Army Dog Unit

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Added on 21/10/2008

The Army Dog Unit Northern Ireland Royal Army Veterinary Corps (ADU NI RAVC) was formed on 1st May 1973 to provide dogs and handlers to enhance the security forces.  In 1980 the Headquarters were moved from Long Kesh to Shackleton Barracks.
 
The ADU NI RAVC was made up of RAVC personnel and volunteer E2 dog handlers, which consisted of 22 different cap badges.  The unique special role and composition of the unit was recognised in 1974 when the CLF Major General PJH Leng MC MBE granted the ADU NI RAVC personnel the right to wear a red paw, measuring 1/4 of an inch, in their berets to the left of their regimental cap badge.
 
In April 1997, the GOC NI Lieutenant General Sir Rupert Smith KCB DSO OBE QGM gave the authority for ADU NI RAVC personnel to wear a Red Paw shoulder flash, as a battle recognition symbol, on the left should of their combat clothing.  In 2001 the unit was directed to wear HQ NI shoulder flashes on their left shoulder and the ADU NI RAVC flash was moved to the right shoulder.