Exploring Military Dog Handling Careers

I've been considering looking into military dog handling jobs as a career option after high school. What kind of training do I need, and how competitive is it to get one of these jobs?

Military dog handling, officially known as Military Working Dog (MWD) handling, is a fascinating field that merges an individual’s passion for serving their country with a love for animals. It's a career path that demands a substantial amount of commitment and discipline, given its rigorous physical and psychological demands.

To become a military dog handler, you'll need to meet a few prerequisites. First, you have to join the military, which typically requires a high school diploma or the equivalent. Each branch of the military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard) has its specific requirements, so you'll need to research those to see what is most aligned with your career goals.

There are specific military occupational specialties (MOS) or Air Force Specialty Codes (AFSC) that deal with dog handling. For instance, for the Army, you’d likely be looking at the 31K MOS (Combat tracker team dog handler). The Air Force offers the Security Forces/K9 Handler position as an AFSC. These positions are available to those already serving, as well as to recruits.

Once you've joined and completed basic training, you can then apply to the Military Working Dog Handler Course, which is conducted at the Department of Defense Military Working Dog School at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. This is an intensive three-month course that includes both classroom and hands-on segments, working with dogs to learn obedience training, detection, and patrol procedures.

In terms of competitiveness, it can be tough to secure a spot in the training program, since these positions are coveted and slots are limited. The application process is competitive, with selection based on applicants' job performance in their current MOS or AFSC, physical fitness, and an aptitude for working with dogs.

One way to stand out as an applicant is to have some previous experience working with dogs, such as volunteering with a local animal shelter or doing work as a dog trainer. It's also helpful to have a strong record of physical fitness and any other specialties that might pertain to the job, such as an understanding of veterinary medicine or experience in security roles.

So, if becoming a military dog handler is your aspiration, start preparing now. Research the required training, get physically fit, and try to get as much experience with dogs as you can. It's a challenging path, no doubt, but also likely to be fulfilling if you have a passion for both the military and for working with dogs.