Military Dog Handlers (Enlisted)
Opportunities
Military dog handlers are in charge of the basic care and training of military working dogs, which are generally used for drug interdiction, locating lost or wanted persons, or bomb-sniffing missions. They perform specialized duties in law enforcement, physical security, anti-terrorism operations, and detection of explosives and/or illicit drugs in the military community, utilizing an assigned military working dog.
Training Provided
Military dog handlers will gain skills through classroom study and on-the-job experience.
- Military/civil laws and jurisdiction
- Investigation and evidence collection procedures and techniques
- Arrest and physical restraint techniques
- Self-defense and use of firearms
- Crime scene processing
- Interpersonal communications skills
- Search/restraint and custody/control procedures
- Crime prevention
- Specialized dog handling techniques
All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training.
Earnings
Military pay and benefits are set by Congress, which normally grants a cost-of-living pay increase once each year. All members of the military receive "basic pay," which is the largest component of a member's pay. A member's grade (usually the same as rank) and years of service determines the amount of basic pay received. Enlisted members can progress through nine enlisted pay grades during their careers. In 2024, most enlisted personnel started as recruits at Grade E-1 ($24,204/year basic pay); however, those with special skills or above average education started as high as Grade E-4 ($31,608/year basic pay). In addition to pay, the military provides many of life's necessities, such as food, clothing, and housing, or pays allowances for them. Other benefits include health care, 30 days paid vacation, legal assistance, recreational programs, education assistance, and military store privileges.
Services offering this occupation
Air Force
Army
Marine Corps
Navy
Space Force