LEVEL 1 – AIR SCENTING

Area problem: An area of approximately 30 acres. Handler should evaluate information provided regarding missing subjects, determine search strategy, and search the area for the subjects. One subject will be placed at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the search. The subject will be well-hidden, wearing dark clothing, and will remain stationary until found. Handler should direct search activity according to wind, terrain and cover. Handler must identify canine's alert and should follow the canine in to the subject. The canine should make a clear alert, and should eagerly move in to the subject. The handler should assess the subject, accurately place the subject on the map, and call this information into command. Candidate handler and canine partner must complete this scenario and report that the area has been cleared within the maximum time limit of 90 minutes.

Area problem: An area of approximately 40 acres. Handler should evaluate information provided regarding missing subjects, determine search strategy, and search the area for the subjects. Two to four subjects (actual number not known to the handler) will be placed at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the search. The subjects will be well-hidden, wearing camouflage, and will remain stationary until found. Handler should direct search activity according to wind, terrain and cover. Handler must identify canine's alert and should follow the canine in to the subjects. The canine should make a clear alert and should eagerly move in to subjects. The handler should assess each subject, accurately place the subject on the map, and call this information into command. Candidate handler and canine partner must complete this scenario and report that the area has been cleared within the maximum time limit of 3 hours.

Semi-Rural Trail: A trail that is at least 4 to 8 hours old, approximately ¾ of a mile in length, over varied terrain, in a semi-rural environment. It should cross at least one road (paved or gravel) or stream. It may or may not follow a wood's trail and shall have at least 3 turns. The canine should make a clear alert on the subject, provide a re-find if necessary, and should eagerly move in to subject. Handler should assess the subject; identify their location, contact base with location and medical assessment. The handler may attempt one restart at the PLS as long it is still within the time allowed. Handler and canine must complete this scenario within the maximum time limit of 60 minutes.

Wilderness Trail: A trail that is at least 12 to 18 hours old, 1 to 1½ miles in length through varied terrain and vegetation. It should follow a dirt road or trail for part of it, have at least 5 turns and generally meander as a lost person may do. The subject and a second person will start walking together and split apart at some point along the trail. The subject will be concealed and not readily visible from 50 feet. The canine must clearly identify the correct subject, provide a clear alert, and should eagerly move in to subject. Handler should assess the subject; identify their location, contact base with location and medical assessment. Handlers must acquire their own scent article. The handler may attempt one restart at the PLS as long as it is still within the time allowed. Handler and canine partner must complete this scenario within the maximum time limit of 90 minutes.

Urban Trail: A trail that is at least 10 to 12 hours old and .75 to 1 miles in length. It should start in a paved and highly contaminated area, contain a variety of surfaces including pavement, grass (field), foot trails and sidewalks, and follow a meandering course. The subject will be concealed and not readily visible from 50 feet. The canine should make a clear alert, perform a re-find if needed, and should eagerly move in to subject. Handler should assess the subject; identify their location, contact base with location and medical assessment. Handlers must acquire their own scent article. Candidate handler and canine partner must complete this scenario within the maximum time limit of 90 minutes.