Army MOS · Combat & Infantry
31K Working Dog Handler
Overview
A Working Dog Handler employs military working dogs for explosives or narcotics detection, force protection, controlled aggression, and tracking. These handlers support combat and route clearance operations, screen equipment, baggage, and vehicles, provide perimeter security, and use trained dogs to detect landmines and other explosive hazards.
Minimum clearance: Secret
Core Skills
- security operations and patrol procedures
- threat detection and assessment
- access control and screening
- incident response and reporting
- surveillance and observation
- risk assessment
- communication under stress
- team coordination
- training and handling working animals
- situational awareness
Civilian Software & Tools
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Visio
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
Civilian Career Paths
- Law Enforcement
- Physical Security
- Private Security
- Executive Protection
Training & Development
Getting Started
- Associate Safety Professional (ASP) · Funded · Promotion points
- Certified Behavior Consultant Canine: Knowledge Assessed (CBCC-KA) · Funded · Promotion points
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer: Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) · Funded · Promotion points
- Physical Security Certification (PSC)
- Professional Certified Investigator (PCI) · Funded · Promotion points
Career Growth
- Certified Collection Management Professional: Fundamental (CCMP-F) · Funded · Promotion points
- Certified Department of Defense All-Source Analyst I (CDASA-I)
- Certified Protection Professional (CPP) · Funded · Promotion points
- Certified Safety Professional (CSP) · Funded · Promotion points
- Joint Intelligence Planner-Proficiency Level I (JIP-I)
Also Common
- Associate Protection Professional (APP) · Funded · Promotion points
What the Work Involves
- Identify, pursue, and arrest suspects and perpetrators of criminal acts.
- Provide for public safety by maintaining order, responding to emergencies, protecting people and property, enforcing motor vehicle and criminal laws, and promoting good community relations.
- Record facts to prepare reports that document incidents and activities.
- Render aid to accident survivors and other persons requiring first aid for physical injuries.
- Investigate illegal or suspicious activities.
Related Occupations
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
- Transit and Railroad Police
- Bailiffs
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: vocational training or an associate degree.
Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.
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