Overview Military Working Dog (MWD) handlers are responsible for the care and training of his or her service dog, which contributes to combat operations abroad and installation security at home by providing target odor detection (explosive/drug). Service dogs, generally seen as a non-lethal option for neutralizing a threat, also serve as a psychological deterrent during law enforcement operations.



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 and Law and Order support

VIP support

Customs support

Requirements Candidates must first take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), which is a series of tests that helps the Army understand your strengths and identify which Army job(s) fit your talents.



Training Job training for Military Working Dog handlers requires 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 seven-week phase covers on-the-job instruction and teaches police methods and techniques for dog handling. The second phase of instruction is an 11-week course that provides basic instructions on the application of Military Working Dog 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. Handlers will also learn other basic skills, including:

Basic use of firearms



Military/civil laws and jurisdiction

Arrest and restraint of suspects

Other 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

Required ASVAB Score(s) Skilled Technical (ST): 91 Skilled Technical (ST): 91 Learn more about the ASVAB and see what jobs you could qualify for.

Compensation Total compensation includes housing, medical, food, special pay, and vacation time. Learn more about total compensation.

Earn Cash For In Demand Jobs You could earn up to $40,000 in cash bonuses just for enlisting under certain Military Occupational Specialties. Visit Jobs in Demand to see if this job qualifies for an enlistment bonus.

Education Benefits In the Army, qualified students can earn full-tuition, merit-based scholarships, allowances for books and fees, plus an annual stipend for living expenses. Learn more about education benefits.

Future Civilian Careers The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career with federal, state and local law enforcement. Many of the jobs skills you learn will also help you to perform civilian jobs that involve working with animals, and general management positions.