Dogs are known as man’s best friend. They’re loyal, smart, and agile, which is why they stand alongside our Soldiers and serve our Nation. Behind every fearless working dog, is an equally dedicated handler, and as a Military Working Dog Handler in the Army National Guard, you will be responsible for the training, welfare, and use of your assigned K9.
Job Duties
• Patrol Drug Detector Dog (PDDD) handler
• Patrol Explosive Detector Dog (PEDD) handler
• Health and welfare searches
• Law and order operations
• Installation force protection
• VIP support
• Customs support
Some of the Skills You’ll Learn
• Basic use of firearms
• Military/civil laws and jurisdiction
• Arrest and restraint of suspects
• Specialized dog handling techniques
Helpful Skills
• Ability to understand conditioning behaviors in training dogs
• Ability to make quick decisions
• Patience
• Ability to interact with people
Through your training, you will develop the skills and experience to enjoy a civilian career with federal, State and local law enforcement. Many of the jobs skills you learn will also help you perform jobs that involve working with animals.
Earn While You Learn
Instead of paying to learn these skills, get paid to train. In the Army National Guard, you will learn these valuable job skills while earning a regular paycheck and qualifying for tuition assistance.
Job training for Military Working Dog Handlers consists of 10 weeks of Basic Training, where you'll learn basic Soldiering skills, and 17 weeks of Advanced Individual Training (AIT) on how to care for, handle, and train a Military Working Dog (MWD). The training is in two phases. The first phase covers on-the-job instruction and teaches police methods and techniques for dog handling. The second phase of instruction provides basic instructions on the application of MWD utilization and employment capabilities. Phase II instructs in basic obedience, controlled aggression, first aid, principles of conditioning, building searches, scouting, detection, and daily care and grooming of assigned MWD.
Benefits
Requires military enlistment. Programs and benefits are subject to change. Ask your Army National Guard recruiter for the most up-to-date information. Actual MOS assignment may depend on MOS availability.
The National Guard is a unique element of the U.S. military that serves both community and country. The Guard responds to domestic emergencies, overseas combat missions, counterdrug efforts, reconstruction missions and more. Any state governor or the President of the United States can call on the Guard in a moment’s notice. Guard Soldiers hold civilian jobs or attend college while maintaining their military training part time. Guard Soldiers’ primary area of operation is their home state.
The Guard dates back to 1636, when Citizen-Soldiers formed militias to defend community and country. And for 377 years, the Guard has stayed true to its roots. Enlisting in the National Guard means more time at home. Training typically requires one weekend each month, with a two-week training period once each year. Get a degree with money for school, learn job skills that translate to the civilian world, make bonds that last a lifetime and earn pride for life. When you become a Guard Soldier, your family will thank you, your country will thank you and your future will owe you. Contact a recruiter to find more specifics about your opportunities in the Army National Guard.
