Explosive detection dog Flo Joe posthumously awarded for military service in Afghanistan

Published on February 24, 2026

An Australian service dog who located rocket-propelled grenade launchers, ammunition, firearms and explosive devices in Afghanistan has been posthumously recognised for her military service.

In July 2007, explosive detection dog Flo Joe became the first Australian service dog to locate an improvised explosive device (IED) in Afghanistan.

She would go on to serve four deployments in Afghanistan over six years, working at times in one of the most dangerous routes in the Australian operation area, known among military members as IED-alley.

On her fourth deployment, Flo Joe found the most explosive devices in her section.

Her third handler, Sergeant Ian Moss, said Flo Joe was “very intelligent but also affectionate” and saved countless lives.

“She was a very experienced dog,” Sergeant Moss said.