16/10/2026
Rest in Peace Combat Assault Dog ODIN 2010- 2026
ODIN was a RAAF bred malinois pup, out of MWD KAOS & JAG.
He left the RAAF program for the CAD Cell at 12 weeks of age where he was developed internally by the unit.
CPL Napier (M.P. & DLO/Trainer) developed ODIN until it was time to pair up with his future handler, Operator M.
They completed CAD Course together & deployed almost straight away, heading over to Afghanistan where they had a trial by fire, learning the job whilst out on the ground.
To say CAD ODIN not only met expectations but flourished in the environment is an understatement & a testament to how strong he truly was!.
After completing a successful deployment, Operator M & CAD ODIN stayed in location to support a second rotation.This rotation was however, a difficult one for the unit as they lost both CAD DEVIL & QUAKE as well as SGT DIDDAMS MG, KIA.
We were fortunate that CAD ODIN got to return home safe.
Post the 2012 deployment, Operator M & CAD ODIN were able to work, mold & mentor both current & future CAD teams from within the SQN as well as the cell.
CAD ODIN, having a phenomenally stable temperament, was able to complete the retirement process in 2018. He took to his new role as 'family member' with Operator M's wife & children with gusto & the family home became his new work place.
At 16 years of age, CAD ODIN (retired) got to live 2 full careers...the first in Special Operations & the second as a much loved family member.
We gathered around CAD ODIN (retired) yesterday afternoon & honoured him by telling some classic ODIN tales & raised a few whiskeys as he passed over from this side to the next.
He was treated like the warrior soldier he became at a young age & while it was a very emotional time for all of us lucky enough to be there in his presence, it was also exactly right & fitting for it to finish this way.
Vale to the last of the Australian Special Operations War Dogs - Combat Assault Dog ODIN (retired).
Jase Kelly
Working Paws Australia 🇦🇺
