The program deals with the Department of Defense Military working dog program in the United States Air Force. Air Force Dog handlers work with their canines to train and detect explosives or find drugs in a number of different situations. There are over 1300 working Dog handler teams worldwide, and the working dogs from the other services; Army, Navy, and Marine Corps have been through the Air Force Dog Handler Team program. The 341st Squadron is responsible for training Dog Handler Teams, and it is located at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.
Do You Like Working With Dogs?
Working as an Air Force K9 Dog handler involves working together with your assigned dog to train and learn how to perform the detection mission. On a single day, as many as 108 different dogs may be working and training, with their handlers at the Air Force Base. Dogs are exposed to training regimes that teach both the dog and handler how to deal with different types of situations. There are two different types of Dog handler missions:
Drug Interdiction: This is the mission where the K9 handler and dog work as a team to learn to detect and reveal hidden supplies of drugs. Part of the training mission for these dog handler teams is handled along the border with Mexico, because of the sheer availability of drugs and the need for the odor of drugs, training is conducted in both the classroom and in live actual field training exercises, using real supplies of drugs and illegal narcotics to train and reward the dogs’ efforts.
Bomb Sniffing: This is the mission where the Air Force handler and his dog work to learn how to recognize and detect the presence of bombs and explosives hidden in luggage, packages, and other materials. This is an intensive program, and the dogs and handlers work hard in learning the specific methods that are used to try and slip explosives by. All military dog-handling teams, both in the Air Force and in the other services are trained at the 341st Squadron facility, which is known as the Dog School. Each year the dog school trains about 300 detector dogs a year. A trained dog will be either a bomb detection dog or a drug dog.
Personnel, who are headed for training for handlers complete basic training, then are assigned to the dog school for their technical school training. They are paired with a dog and work to become a trained detection team.
I just wanted to say loved the article but had one issue. I’m in security forces for the Air Force and I know that you have to go to basic then to Security Forces tech school complete it then you have to cross-train into the school for MWD handler. (K-9)
I would like to know the Training required to be a dog handler for the Air Force.
I am former special forces and am a veterinarian by trade. I would like to inquire if there is an opportunity to volunteer to go service the K-9 forces in Iraq/Afghanistan. Please contact me at —– or email should there be any information you could provide.
Thanks ever so much.
Dr Matthew Toia
As far as I know, if you’re not a SrA you’ll need a waiver and a commander’s recommendation. Aside from that, you’ll need to be finished with your CDC’s and have 2 years on station before you can apply. Requirements to get into the school change quite often, so check before you put in your package to go to school because if you’re denied you can’t apply again for a couple of years.
i was considering going into the air force when i graduate and was wondering how boot camp was and if i did become a dog handler is there any chance of keeping the dog after training?
You can’t keep the dog and it can’t leave base either
I wanted info on becoming a dog handler. if anyone has info you can email me at [email protected]
Thanks
I have 13 year experience Mine Dog Handler 1996 – 2009 but this is very interesting to me .
I would be happy to complete any of these courses ,but unfortunately I”m not from USA :(:(
Already have a great job working with K9’s. I’m looking to expand my training. Does the Air Force invite civilian police officers to participate in training seminars. Interested in man-tracking and tactical tracking/trailing K9 operations. Thx, LL
I,m very intrested in various types of dog training, however,I,m too old to go back into the military.Can you give an old Viet Nam Vet any advise
Does the Air Force have other K-9 jobs, such as Search & Rescue?
If someone is already in the AF, can they re-train for a K-9 job (if they’re up for reenlistment)?
Thank you.
yes, my son is a marine and is going to MP school and wants to be a dog handler for the us marines, he has proven himself so far, he finished as Honor Grad. out of boot camp and then, top marine at MCT and now he starts his school in Missouri, and i was wanting to know just what’s his chances or what he might need to do, if he is wanting to be a dog handler, his recruiters want him to go for the SRT team, or the dog handler. This is a great marine and wants to go far in severing the marines and the United States Of America. If anyone has any advice for me or our marine please respond back. Thank you for your time.
Bert Patick
Bert, I am a dog handler at Lejeune. Your son getting a seat in k9 school depends on the slots open and if he does well on the board for the school. He sounds like a squared away marine. I competed against 28 marines for my spot and was honor grad. Just tell him to keep talking to his instructors about it. If he doesnt get it through mp school there is an option to do on the job training and then get sent from there to school. OJT is better in terms of going to the school because you are TAD and dont have to live in the barracks and make more money. if he has any questions email me at [email protected]
hey im interested in doing this when im older but what all do we have to do to get there i mean like what kind of training just so i know so i can get started now
Just get in shape and be prepared to do your best in training. If you work hard and do the right thing, you will get noticed and be more apt to be selected for a specialized field like k-9. Keep your nose clean until then and work out physically as much as possible to ensure you will be the best candidate.
I was wondering if you know anything about the civilian positions at Lackland AFB that involve DTS and where to apply for the civilian dog trainers at the 341st?
check their website, that should give you a start. Most civilian positions are prior dog handlers/trainers from each of the branches…
would love to get back in, and training dogs is my calling. i have been at petsmart training dogs for a while and its the best job i have ever had. even better the MI job i had in the army. i use to work with JSTARS and a few other people. i have been in 3rd corps in iraq. But I really love training dogs. to see the dogs excitment when they do something right is awsome. please write back with more info of how i can get back in to serve with the k-9’s!
Hi all,
I am interested in working with military working dogs when I’m older. If anyone has any information on requirements or other details, please contact me at [email protected]. Thank you for your time!
I’m a handler at USAG Yongsan in Korea on a Command Sponsored tour, my DEROS is July 201, and I’m very interested in becoming a Dog Trainer/Instructor at Lackland Airforce base. I’ve already notified my NCOIC, but whom else should I notify, and what’s the best way to go about this? I will be with my wife and baby girl visiting home in the summer, and I’d like to meet with someone at Lackland to discuss possibilities if at all possible.
Very Respectfully,
SGT Smith, Kevin N.
[email protected]
MWD MP
I am interesting in working with military working dogs when i graduate high school. I have always been very good with dogs and dedicated to the ones i have owned. If anyone has any information for me it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.
I
Hey does anyone know a Natalie Metzger dog trainer here in san antonio supposedly she was offered top pay from the armed forces because she is a top dog trainer but she turned it down because she doesnt like athority figures????
I can’t believe I’m about to be asking a question on this site. Anyways, I am in the USAF and recently got accepted into the MWD program and I was inquiring about the specifics of the course and what one can expect upon arrival, TDY pay (decent?), well an overall general feel of the program. My DEROS is in the spring, so I’m expecting to be attending the school next summer and I’m currently serving at a GSU with no K9 handlers here for me to ask questions. Any information would be appreciative.
What I want to know is if you want to do this kind of job do you have to go through boot camp?
I would like to respond to the 1st post. Sometimes they will take trainees straight from BMT, to TECH SCHOOL, then STRAIGHT to K-9. In special cases when they are in great NEED of handlers, you can enlist as a handler instead of having to cross train.
And to also respond to MBowling…to do any job in the USAF, you MUST go through Basic Training
Ok here is the deal. You can not go through Basic then to tech school then straight to tech school. It hasn’t been that way in 20 years and it will never be that way again. Get through basic then go to tech school. Get to your first base and ensure you stand out (in a good way). At your two year mark you can request a retrain as long as you have your 5-level (CDC’s done). There are links on the AFPC website to guide you through this process. They need handlers very bad, but they will never take some dumb airman right out of tech school.
Does anybody know the answer to this — I am currently in Air Force ROTC, and I was wondering, do AF officers get to handle and train a dog? I am extremely interested in dog handling but I would like to know whether or not I would actually have a dog that I train and am partnered with. Thank you!
What are the procedures for donating or selling your puppies into this field for the K9 dog ddetection service? Can a breed averaging 20 ibs as adults be as worthy as a shepherd or lab. I have 5 beautiful cocker spaniel puppies 3 months old needing a home and a life. Sales are slow.
I would like to know the Training required to be a dog handler for the Air Force. However im based in the UK so if anyone knows anything i can do to point me in the right direction pls say
wow dog handling career!!!!!! sounds an interesting career for the dog lover………..
How long is a dogs career in something like this? A couple of years? And when they retire are they put up for adoption or who do they go to?
I have always wanted to be a k-9 police officer. I did not want to wait. so i am thinking about the k-9’s in the Air Force. I am in the Air Force ROTC right now. My current rank is Airman. I am very happy with what i am in.
I would like to become an Air Force k-9 dog handler, but I was wondering where you have to start to become one and the procedures of it.
And I would also like to know if Air Force Officers can be dog handlers
you can keep the dog, but only after the dog retires or gets hurt (not able to do the duties anymore). To be honest I’m not sure how many years dogs normally do. Id guess around 5 years. The dogs are put up for adoption after, but I’m sure there are tests done to make sure the dog is adoptable (the dogs go through a lot of training, and are very protective of their handlers and can get snippy with strangers).
No Air Force officers can’t be dog handlers, they handle the administrative side of operations. To be a K9 dog handler you have to go through basic training, have security forces as a job, do the job for so long (at least 2 years) and make sure your job package is good to apply for K9. K9 is part of the security forces career field just a different section. You’re competing for the K9 spots along with other security forces members so you want to have good enlisted performance reviews (EPRs) every year, stay out of trouble, do well on your CDCs and have job knowledge, do volunteer work, and start school. Those are the things that you’re competing against the other security forces members with.
training required after you get accepted to the K9 school is 3 months at Lackland AFB, TX
The majority of K9 dogs I’ve seen are german shephards. Cocker spaniels are more family friendly dogs
And your job as K9 is not to train the dog from scratch. Most of the training is done by a professional before you get a dog assigned to you. Your job is basically to take care of the dog, companion to the dog, assisting with K9 operations. You do training exercises with dogs also, but my point is you aren’t training a dog with absolutely no experience on how to detect bombs and drugs in vehicles.
You do deploy frequently also with this job.
I’d like some more information about being a dog handler. If anyone can give me some more information my email is [email protected]. Thanks =
)
to charles enquiring about selling the puppies;
all the pups that are put through training are bred AT lackland.
what would be the income monthly
I was wondering if there was anyone already in the Airforce doing this that could answer a few questions, thank you.
I contacted Arotec and they hired me on as a MWD handler at lackland
At the present moment I’m working in the K-9 unit in South Africa. I would like to find out how do I go about applying for a job in America. I am trained in Patrol, Decoy and detection with dogs and I have successfully completed all the courses. I am currently in possession of a valid passport and American Visa. Could you kindly advise me as to what requirements are needed. Look forward to your reply.
I want to be a veterinarian does this help you out with that ? Because i love dogs and i really want to go to college to be a veterinarian and people are telling me go to the Air Force ????
What kinds of job training can you receive in the military?
Celine: The Air Force does not have veterinarians, you have to go to the Army for that. Ester: What job do you want to do?? The military itself has an endless supply of jobs. Go talk to a recruiter. Hayley: not ALL dogs are bred at lackland. They do however have a puppy program which breeds the Malinios. The Sheps still come from Europe.
Hi, I an very interested in being a military working dog handler. I was wondering how often do they get to travel (Europe?) and What jobs are available after the air force (what job provides a smooth transition from the air force? Thanks.
Always challenging to get these things right, life is stuffed with learning! thank you for the write-up
I am interested in this program and am in the ANG. I would like to know if this is an option that I have access to or if you have to be active in order to go threw this school. Anyone with factual information please email me. [email protected]
i was wondering, can you be a dog handler in the Marine Corps? because i want to be a United States Marine, and i would very much enjoy being a dog handler
Tremendous issues here. I am very glad to peer your post. Thanks a lot and I am looking ahead to contact you. Will you please drop me a e-mail?
who can i contact about k9 adoption from the air force program. dogs that either didn’t make it through or retiring. i am a k9 with law enforcement training. thanks
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Im a senior in High School, going to be 18 in April. I have been down to MEPS, sworn in and attend DEP meetings with my Air Force recruiter routinely. I am still undecided on a job but i want to expand on my job choices, From the beginning of my research before i enlisted, K-9 Handler in the USAF really caught my eye. After reading multiple pages i am still confused. It seems like i have to sign for security forces and after that just hope i get lucky and get K-9 handler, is this how it works or can I be sure before i go down and just ask fo this job in some way other than just telling my recruiter that i want security forces (3P031), but hope to get dog handler. I have heard that security forces can be a job that sucks and your stand guard, i do not want this and have my mind made up on K-9 handler as an idea. I
Schreffler, I’m in the Air Force and in Security Forces and I leave on the 9th of February for K-9 school. To answer your question, yes you have to go to Security Forces first and you’ll have to complete your five level CDC’s which is basically a set of books for your job knowledge and you’ll take a multiple choice test on them which gives you college credit. Upon completing your CDC’s you will be awarded your 5 level and you are not longer 3P031 but instead 3P051. K-9 school prefers SrA but if you’re on top of your game and can get the eyes of everyone on you as a “high speed” troop and spend some of your off time at the kennels with some handlers and learn all you can, then you can go to your commander and ask if he would sign a waiver for you to go. K-9 is always hurting for people because once you make Tech Sgt or E6 you have to either turn into a kennel master or go back into be “straight leg” security forces which is back to normal security forces. I could talk to you more about security forces in general but in order not to offend people i’ll do it through email if you would like @ [email protected]
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Was a K-9 handler at Da Nang in 1968. Back then almost all the dogs in the Air Force were trained as Sentry Dogs. They were used Stateside for guarding bomb dumps and missile sites. At Da Nang we did perimeter duty with the Marine Bunkers behind us. You can see our web site at http://366thspsk-9.com
i am want to became K9 police officer and i throught it would to be a lot of fun.
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Well i wanted to know if u had a heart tansplant then could u stil go in the airforce K9 UNIT FOR DRUGS….because i love dogs and it dosent say anything about medical conditions so if u could answer my question and it could be a yes then i would join the airforce but idk if i can so….but im still in highschool and i talk to the airforce dudes all the time and i really want to go in their so give me a answer as so as possible….please
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is there any job other than being a k9 officer in the security forces specialist field?
Yes, there is. The other “main shred” is Combat Arms, you train cops and regular air force personnel on weapons marksmanship of everything from pistol, rifle, light and heavy machine guns, as well as grenade launcher, if your base has them. There is a ton of other opportunities such as; Raven, which is security for aircraft when they land in foriegn countries; counter sniper, basicly sniper trained but used mostly for defense roles; SRT (SWAT); corrections; investigations, which is usually the lower felony and misdemeanor range of crimes; office junkies; working security for Special Forcs units and JSOC; foriegn security ambassador; ect. Many of these jobs are specialized and only come around once in a while and you must be in top shape and have not recieved negative performance reports. People who hate our job are the people who never pushed to get into a special job and rot on the flight line watching aicraft fly around.
My sister is currently working on her degree in animal psychology and is interested in working with dogs suffering from PTSD upon their return from deployment — which I heard get treated in San Antonio. Does anyone know if this program uses civilian resources and where to go for more information?
Thanks.
I have heard that unless you become a kennel master when you make TSgt in the AF you can no longer work with K-9’s. Is that right? Do any of you know? Doesn’t make sense to get rid of personel that do the job because they got promoted.
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right now im looking at military jobs with animals, I’m still looking around but what qualifications do i need for being with the USAF K9 unit
Ever since I was 10 i wanted to be a K-9 handler. What are the wages of being a MWD handler? Thanks!
I am interested in learning more about k9…would there be a chance to have a granted scholarship program that is from the Philippines?I am a handler for almost a year now.
Please advise:
I have a new neighbor who has a german sheperd about 5-6 months old. He claims the dog is in military training. Since he has moved in, several neighbors have complained about the noise factor. The dog is left out on the terrace all day crying (loudest dog cry i ever heard)on and off at all times of day 5AM, 6AM, midnight you name it. Many times i have seen feces and dog urine on the terrace all day and the dog is stuck out there living in his own waste crying all day. The weather is changing, it is getting hotter out. Aside from the fact that i am not getting enough sleep, i am a dog lover and know everyone has there own way with there own animal. This situation bothers me due to the fact that the guy lives in a small studio apartment. How can you raise a dog in such a small space then limit him to the terrace all day rain or no rain with no shade or shelter. Does anyone know about military dog training that can help clarify wether it is possible for this guy to be telling the truth or is he full of crap like i suspect ? Both the police and ASPCA have been to his apartment but unfortunately either he isn’t home or hides. I am pretty sure The Army would not be happy with the way this dog lives. No room for growth, exercise or stimulation. Please advise.
Thank you for the info. I will reach out and follow through, hopefully this situation will
Be resolved before the poor dog is out there in 90 degree weather….unreal
sir/mam have a good day in your good office.iwould like to apply as a military k9 handler. I’m avilable this month of june 2014
The 341st Squadron is responsible for training Dog Handler Teams, and it is …… obviously I like your website but you need to check the spelling on several of your …. i ever heard)on and off at all times of day 5AM, 6AM, midnight you name it. …
AM FROM Uganda and was trainned as A K9 Handler by Armor Group wokerd in Iraq as a k9 handler, Static guard ,escoting VIPS Searching vehichels, largages compounds ets , did WPPS training in jordan , and from auxilliary forces Uganda.
Do i qualifie to work with Air Force as a k9 handler?
I have read a lot on here & amp; I agree with many people that this is one of the best informational sites. I have 10 years of working as a pack leader w/dogs. I have the passion & amp; drive to be a part of helping/working with dogs, assisting someone or the kennel, anything but I’m a civilian & not looking to be in the Military. I have the most respect; honor those who serve. So combine the 2 (dogs & the men/women who serve of Country) is the area I want to be involved in. Are there any kind of jobs for civilians? I am willing to move. I’m not looking to be a handler. I understand the importance of security this has to have but really want a chance or some kind direction. I am already signed up for Dogs on Deployment (DoD is watching/boarding peoples dogs when they are deployed & have no one to care for them). Please email me. God Bless America!
I apologize if this question has been asked but I work for a local rescue and we think we have a dog that would make a perfect military K-9. How would we go about seeing if the dog would be accepted?
Hey I’m in high school and plan on joining next year but was wondering how I can be a handler like is there any way to improve my chances of getting the job ? And also if you are a handler do you have to stay in Texas? Thanks
I’m about to graduate high school and I want to go to the Airfoce and I been training with dogs since I was little I trained my First German Shepherd at 12 years old I want to know how can I become a MWD handler quick in the military can I get in after BMT I was gonna do NYPD K-9 unit but I dnt want to wait 3 – 4 years I feel like this will be a perfect job for me I love dogs and i love working with them I know how they are and if there any Advice so I can get in please email me at [email protected] please answer my question it would mean everything to me
Thank You
How old you have to be to join I love dogs and I’m a police cadet in new haven I love cops I love to and enforce the law to keep my people safe
What do you have to score on the ASVAB to get this gob ?
Hi my name is Heidi, I’m currently a student enrolled in Phoenix College. I was wondering on being a dog trainer or handler can be possible for me. I love working with animals I plan on becoming a veterinarian assistant when I get older.Do we have to take the asvab even if we know what job I’d like ?
My entire life I wanted to work with dogs and put my all into serving this great country of ares I have many questions about becoming a military dog handler if any one is willing to give me any advice please contact me at 1-(505)-801-5170 Thank you
Yes you have to take the ASVAB regardless of what job you choose in the AF. It actually determines what jobs you can apply for. MWD training falls under Security Forces and you have to complete Basic and Tech School. For a four year enlistee and (not sure as to I am not a 6 year enlistee) I believe its the same for six years you have to hit your 2 year mark in the AF before you can retrain. Also you must not have a UIF and EPR should be completed.
what equipment do air-force k9 units use and are they ever used for security
When you get your dog assigned to you do you get it as a puppy or an adult?
I am having issues understanding here. If i choose this as my C.O.C then will i be able to enlist a dog right next to me. How does this work i am fixing to be 18 in a few months and going to enlist. Would like to know more. You can contact me at (254-644-4382). Thank you.