Becoming a Military Working Dog Handler

I'm really interested in working with animals and heard about military working dog handlers. Can anyone explain what the job entails and what the requirements are to become one? I'm curious about the day-to-day responsibilities.

Of course, the role of a Military Working Dog Handler is an exciting and rewarding career path for people who have a love for animals and a dedication to service. This position tends to be available in most branches of the U.S military, namely the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Navy, although specific roles and responsibilities might vary slightly among them.

These handlers work with trained dogs in carrying out a variety of military operations. Their day-to-day tasks often include the training and care of their assigned dog, as well as using the dog’s abilities to execute tasks such as searching for explosives or drugs, patrolling sensitive areas, and assisting in rescue missions.

Key responsibilities of this job can include:

- Training dogs to obey commands and perform tasks

- Taking care of the dog's health and welfare, which includes feeding, grooming, and exercising

- Using the dogs in operations - this might involve using the dog to search or patrol areas

- Deploying with their dogs to different parts of the world as part of military operations

As for requirements, candidates are typically evaluated for their ability to handle and train dogs. Here's a general overview of the process:

1. Enlistment - To become a Military Working Dog Handler you will first have to enlist in one of the branches of the military. Each branch has its own specific requirements for enlistment, which often include having a high school diploma or GED, passing a physical examination and securing a certain score on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).

2. Military Police Training - Once enlisted, aspiring dog handlers usually have to complete Military Police training.

3. Specialty Training - After completing general military training, you typically need to complete a specialized dog handler course where you learn about dog handling and training strategies, as well as breed characteristics and health issues.

It's crucial to remember that availability of these positions might be competitive in nature as they are often categorized as selective enlistment bonuses, so early preparation and commitment to the job will be advantageous. Hope this information helps in your research about this interesting career!