A Conversation with Shannon Krieger, Former Special Operations Operator & Plank Holder of The Combat Assault Dog Program for the 'Unit'.

A story shaped in shadows. A legacy forged in combat.

In the rarely seen world of elite military operations, some stories are lived entirely in the margins, in worlds most will never know. These are the stories born from the shadows. One such story belongs to Shannon Krieger, former Special Operations Operator and one of the original architects of The Combat Assault Dog Program, where working dogs went from just tools of war to indispensable teammates on the frontlines of modern combat. Though Shannon has spoken publicly before, it's rare. When he does, it's worth listening.

In the latest podcast from K9 Solutions Australia's Virtus House Kennel Kast 'Amongst the Shadows: A Conversation with Shannon Krieger, Former Special Operations Operator & Plank Holder of The Combat Assault Dog Program for the 'Unit", Shannon shares his journey and pulls back the curtain on a world few ever see or hear about.

His story is one of service, leadership, and a legacy built not on recognition, but on real-world impact. The conversation isn't just about war dogs or special operations, it's about innovation born in the margins and the man who helped change the way modern warfare is fought.

Throughout Episode 005, Shannon discusses his time in one of the most elite and secretive units within the U.S. Army, and chats about the origins and evolution of The Combat Assault Dog Program, one of the most transformative programs in modern warfare. As one of the original architects, Shannon shares the story of how military working dogs were reimagined as elite tactical partners capable of executing missions alongside the most highly trained human operators.

For millennia, dogs have accompanied humans into battle, but their roles were primarily limited to brute force, tracking, or intimidation. That began to change in the late 1990s and early 2000s when Shannon, along with Steve Zane Stoops and Mike Reaver, laid the foundation for what would become The Combat Assault Dog Program within the U.S. Special Operations Command. What Shannon and his fellow pioneers created was nothing short of revolutionary.

The Combat Assault Dog Program redefined the role of military dogs, transforming them from mere companions or tools into mission-critical assets trained for elite operations. Shannon's role in this transformation was pivotal, and his contributions were instrumental in the program's success. What once required brute force now demanded synchronisation, trust, and tactical intelligence.

Combat Assault Dogs are multi-capable, mission-focused assets trained to enter combat zones, detect explosives, track threats, clear rooms, and conduct silent takedowns. They are an extension of their handler and operate seamlessly with a single handler in high-stakes tactical environments. They're trained with techniques adapted from international methodologies, such as KNPV, Schutzhund, and Ring Sports, but refined through combat-proven tactics developed by Shannon and the team.

Unlike traditional war dogs, Combat Assault Dogs were integrated directly into Tier One missions, outfitted with specialised gear and trained to operate with elite units like SEAL Teams or Delta operators. They became integral members of some of the most dangerous missions in modern warfare. Their success wasn't a matter of luck; it was the result of innovation, deep trust between handler and dog, and an understanding of tactical operations.

Long before his name became known in elite military circles, Shannon was making an impact on the tennis court. A natural athlete with fierce determination, he played competitively at a high level through his youth. His early tennis career revealed the same qualities that would later define him in service — discipline, focus, and a relentless work ethic. While the battlefield would eventually replace the baseline, the foundation of mental toughness and endurance was forged early, racket in hand.