Canine Individual First Aid Kit: Sergeant J, SOTG

Canine Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK) in a multicam 'slot' pouch. Attached by velcro to the opening flap is a patch embroidered in black 'K9' followed by a red cross. On the reverse are MOLLE straps. The first aid equipment includes gloves, bandage, dressings, tourniquet, intravenous access equipment and muzzle which are secured be elastic loops of various sizes in a folding holdall which can be removed intact by pulling on a tab at the front of the pouch.

Canine individual first aid kit carried by Sergeant J and used to treat Military Working Dog Kuga after he was wounded during a Special Operations Task Group patrol near Khaz Uruzgan in Afghanistan in August 2011. Kuga, detecting an enemy presence ahead, swam across a river to expose an insurgent in an ambush position. In apprehending the enemy Kuga was shot five times and badly wounded. Despite a broken leg, Kuga swam back across the river when recalled by his handler, Sergeant J. Kuga was evacuated by helicopter for medical treatment. He died in Australia in 2012, likely as a result of stress and physical trauma associated with his wounds. In 2018 Kuga became the first Australia dog to be awarded the Dickin Medal for animal bravery.