Army MOS · Combat & Infantry
K9 Combat Engineer Mine Detection Dog Handler
Overview
The Combat Engineer Mine Detection Dog Handler specialty identifies positions requiring soldiers qualified in employing, training, and handling mine detection dogs. These qualifications cover dogs capable of detecting several types of explosives and mines.
Core Skills
- Explosives and mine detection operations
- Canine handling and training
- Route clearance and area search techniques
- Risk assessment and safety procedures
- Radio and tactical communications
- Report writing and incident documentation
- Team coordination with engineers and EOD
- Observation and situational awareness
- Stress management in high-risk environments
- Instruction and on-the-job training of handlers
Civilian Software & Tools
- Atlassian JIRA
- Epic Systems
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
Civilian Career Paths
- Physical Security
- Private Security
- Law Enforcement
- Emergency Management
Training & Development
Getting Started
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer: Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) · Funded · Promotion points
- Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE)
- National Certified Master Groomer
Career Growth
- Certified Behavior Consultant Canine: Knowledge Assessed (CBCC-KA) · Funded · Promotion points
- Fear Free Certified Professional
- Veterinary Technician Specialist in Nutrition (VTS-Nutrition)
What the Work Involves
- Cue or signal animals during performances.
- Talk to or interact with animals to familiarize them to human voices or contact.
- Conduct training programs to develop or maintain desired animal behaviors for competition, entertainment, obedience, security, riding, or related purposes.
- Observe animals' physical conditions to detect illness or unhealthy conditions requiring medical care.
- Feed or exercise animals or provide other general care, such as cleaning or maintaining holding or performance areas.
Related Occupations
- Animal Caretakers
- Animal Breeders
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
- Animal Control Workers
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: a high school diploma and some on-the-job training.
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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