"In recognition of the role of K9s in combat operations, soldiers have proposed granting them military ranks,” the Polish General Staff said in a post on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter.
“The Chief of the General Staff intends to affirm the initiative by introducing relevant regulations soon,” the statement added.
The planned rank range is from Private Dog to Sergeant Dog, according to the post.
It was also mentioned that the authority to assign military ranks to dogs would be vested in the commanders of units where these canines are in active service.
Poland's military employs service dogs for various purposes including search and rescue, tracking, patrolling, explosive material detection, and combat training, according to PAP.
K9 (canine) units operate within specialised forces such as the Military Commando Unit, with military dogs undergoing thorough testing and rigorous training at the Military Center of Pharmacy and Medical Technology in Celestynów near Warsaw.
(mo/gs)
Source: PAP