The Marine Dog Handler Course is not easy, and it requires several hours of working with dogs, daily, as well as some classroom time to cover ways to best utilize a working dog, basic K9 first aid, and care and maintenance of a military working dog. Related Article – Marine Corps MOS List and ASVAB Scores: Details Of All 123 Jobs Generally, marines will have up to 30 days to show a significant bonding and ability to work side by side with their new partner. Image: Ĭandidates may be recycled to a different class or sent back to their unit altogether if they fail to build a rapport with any K9.

Military dog handlers are often paired with a dog that matches their personality. Here, marines will be paired with a dog that matches their personality and will begin working daily to develop a strong rapport with that dog. Once chosen, marines can expect to return to Fort Leonard Wood, MO to attend the Military Working Dog Basic Handler Course. Marines that have been doing average tasks, without seeking other opportunities beyond normal duty hours, will struggle to be set apart from their peers and will therefore struggle with being selected for MOS 5812. This will include PFT scores, volunteer work, letters of recommendation, and anything else that show that the marine applicant has been going above and beyond the normal expectations of duty. Marine leadership will review the application of a marine and will pour through the military record of the applicant to look for obvious signs of excellence. How are marines selected to become dog handlers? Therefore, the level of competition is extremely high since there are a limited number of dogs available on a regular basis. However, if this is a goal, then it is advised that marines start showing exemplary leadership, fitness, and discipline from the first day they join the marines.īecoming a military dog handler is highly sought after by a large portion of marines who join the military police. The military working dog handler MOS is exclusively for marines who have completed and are serving as military policemen, or women.Īnyone in this MOS is eligible to apply for the secondary MOS 5812. Related Article: Marine Corps Height And Weight Standards Training and Career Path Military working dog handler at work.

Be healthy and able to fend off any common zoonotic infections that stem from dogs.

Complete the Specialized Search Dog Handler Course or Combat Tracker Dog Handler Course.

Attend and pass the Military Working Dog Basic Handler Course in Fort Leonard Wood, MO.

Apply for the 5812 MOS and be willing to submit to a very competitive selection process where only the most exemplary marines will be chosen to become K9 handlers.

Marine who is currently serving as a 5811, military police

Becoming a canine officer