R. Lee Ermey Plans 'Saving Private K-9'

Our favorite movie Marine (and real-life Vietnam vet) R. Lee Ermey returns to TV this April with Saving Private K-9 on the Sportsman Channel. The show will profile some of the 2,500 dogs that military and law enforcement.

Ermey joined the Sportsman Channel in Las Vegas for the SHOT Show (that's the annual Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade show for our three readers who've never heard of it) to announce the show. (Ermey was also there as a spokesman for Glock to talk about the new Glock 42 .380 pistol. Check out all our SHOT Show coverage on Military.com's Kit Up! blog.)

R. Lee & Sportsman Channel CEO Gavin Harvey make the announcement at SHOT Show.

Here's the PR release on the show:

Each episode of Saving Private K-9 highlights the dogs’ battlefield training, heroic accomplishments, and relationships with their handlers – as well as their impact on those who have worked with them. Viewers will see inspiring accounts of the selfless battlefield service and acts of valor that military dogs perform, as told by those who fought beside them. Additionally, the show will focus on the dogs’ lives post-service, which often involve rigorous rehabilitation and adoption.

Ermey is best-loved for his role as Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in Full Metal Jacket, but he's had a long post-service career as an actor and TV host (remember Mail Call on the History Channel?). “This show is a great opportunity for America to see our four-legged, sometimes forgotten, heroes in action,” said Ermey. “So many of us have no idea of the level of dedication and training it takes to prepare of a dog for a life of service. This show will shed light on that process.”

The show debuts on April 24th at 8:30pm. If you're a satellite customer, you get the Sportsman Channel. Cable carriage is a little more dicey. Find out if you get if or where the channel is on your system here. There are also helpful links to complain if your system isn't yet carrying the channel in HD.

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