Becoming a dog handler in the Army is an exciting and rewarding career opportunity that provides your service with a valuable asset. From the battlefield to search and rescue missions, military dogs are key to keeping the armed forces safe and effective. However, becoming a dog handler in the Army is not an easy process. It requires dedication, hard work, and a willingness to learn the skills necessary to do the job. In this blog post, we’ll explore the steps required to become a dog handler in the Army and explain the skills and qualifications you’ll need to succeed. We’ll also look at the benefits of working with military dogs and the perks that come with being part of this vital and noble career. Whether you’re looking for a career change or just starting your military journey, this blog post will help you understand if becoming a dog handler in the Army is the right fit for you.
- Take the military aptitude test.
- Complete basic training. …
- Attend advanced individual training. …
- Complete certification. …
- Participate in active duty. …
- Veterinary technician.
- Security guard.
- K-9 law enforcement officer.
What do military dog handlers do?
A military member with specific responsibilities for the upkeep and instruction of their MWD is known as a military dog handler. The following are some responsibilities that a military dog handler might have:
What is a dog handler?
A military professional who oversees the upkeep and instruction of their military working dog (MWD) is known as a dog handler. Although there are many uses for service dogs, each dog is trained for just one in order to keep them specialized. Handlers may work with their dogs in the following areas:
The U. S. K-9 units are deployed across all military branches to serve a variety of purposes depending on the environment the dog is working in. A dog handler collaborates closely with their companion, participating in missions, sharing training drills, and completing training specifically for dogs. An excellent career for someone who loves working with animals is as a dog handler.
How to become a dog handler in the Army
Army dog handlers must complete a few essential steps. Heres a typical career pathway for a military dog handler:
1. Take the military aptitude test
2. Complete basic training
After being accepted into the Army, you must complete ten weeks of basic training, also known as “boot camp.” This 10-week training course reinforces self-discipline, physical fitness, and instructs the recruit on how to cooperate with other platoon members. The boot camp training includes instruction in shooting and fundamental survival techniques. Additionally, soldiers receive detailed instructions on how to respond to biological, radiological, and nuclear threats.
3. Attend advanced individual training
The following stage is 17 weeks of advanced individual training after a potential dog handler has finished basic training. The dog handler learns specific abilities related to handling dogs, caring for animals, and other technical abilities here. These abilities could improve the relationship between the handler and service animal.
4. Complete certification
Before beginning work, a handler and dog team must pass certification exams. They must also recertify annually. A variety of tests appropriate to the dog’s specialty may be required for certification.
5. Participate in active duty
A dog handler can start active duty as an Army dog handler once they have completed basic and advanced training. From there, a dog handler can advance into higher ranks, but as they do so, they are still in charge of looking after and training the service animal. Some military dog handlers serve alongside their pets their entire careers.
Dog handler skills
A typical dog handler learns valuable skills on the job. These hard skills and other soft skills, such as the following, may be necessary to carry out the duties of this position:
Post-military careers for Army dog handlers
Army dog handlers may be qualified for civilian jobs after leaving the military. Here are some post-military careers a dog handler can pursue:
Veterinary technicians’ main responsibilities are to look after animals and help with veterinary procedures. They converse with pet owners and support vets in their work. It is beneficial and can ease the transition to this job to gain experience with animal handling in the military.
Security guards’ main responsibilities include protecting both private and public property, looking out for threats, and occasionally working with dogs to help with these tasks. A military background can give you an advantage when applying.
A K-9 police officer’s primary responsibilities include managing criminal investigation and patrolling while upholding local, state, and federal laws. They are in charge of the upkeep, instruction, and deployment of the canine officer as a canine handler.
Dog trainers’ main responsibilities include handling and training dogs. They could prepare them for work that entails service animal training, threat detection, drug detection, explosives detection, and more.
Please note that Indeed is not affiliated with any of the businesses mentioned in this article.
K-9 Unit | How To Become a Military Working Dog Handler
FAQ
How much does a dog handler in the Army make?
Job Summary As a Military Working Dog Handler, you will work with K-9 units and be in charge of training and caring for dogs at home and abroad in order to support missions and regular law enforcement.
Can you be a dog trainer in the military?
What are the Relevant Jobs Available Post-Military. After serving in the military, you can work as a veterinary technician, security guard, dog trainer in the private sector, or K-9 police (also known as a K-9 law enforcement officer). These are all prestigious positions for which you already meet the requirements.
How long does it take to become a military dog trainer?
Training Information Advanced Individual Training (AIT) is a 18-week course that teaches students how to train, handle, and care for Military Working Dogs (MWD).
