31K Military Working Dog Handler

OVERVIEW
A Military Working Dog Handler cares for and trains canines in a variety of roles. Soldier-dog teams support police operations, provide security in detention facilities and support Maneuver Commanders by detecting explosives. 

JOB DUTIES

• Manage the health, welfare and training of an assigned Military Working Dog 
• Develop training plans to ensure Military Working Dog teams remain proficient in their detection capability
• Work in a squad providing support to police operations
• Detect and locate hidden personnel, illicit narcotics and paraphernalia, weapons, ammunition, explosive ordnance, and Improvised Explosive Devices (IED)

TRAINING
Job training for a Military Working Dog Handler requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 18 weeks of Advanced Individual Training completed in two phases. Phase 1 lasts seven weeks and takes place at Fort Leonard Wood, MO; Phase 2, held at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, lasts 11 weeks. Part of this time is spent in the classroom, and part takes place in the field.

Some of the skills you'll learn are:

• Animal care and training
• Detection and identification
• Law enforcement
• Search/restraint and custody/control procedures

HELPFUL SKILLS

• Interest in law enforcement
• Interest in dogs
• Physical and mental fitness
• Ability to make quick decisions
• Ability to remain calm under heavy duress

REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
Skilled Technical (ST): 91

Learn more about the ASVAB. 

FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career with federal, state and local law enforcement.