Military Military Dog Handlers
Military Career
General Information
Description
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.
Explore this career outside the MilitaryWork Environment
Military dog handlers in the military work both indoors and outdoors depending on their assignment. They may work outdoors while conducting investigations or patrolling facilities.
Workplace at a Glance
What you can expect to experience while on the job
- Responsibility
- Exposure to job hazards
- Physical activity
- Decision making
- Repetitiveness
- Level of competition
- Time pressure
Comparable Industries
- Hospitality & Tourism
Related Military Careers
Military Outlook
Service Branches
Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.
Army
Marine Corps
Navy
Air Force
Coast Guard
Space ForceMilitary Status
- Enlisted
- Hands-on/specialized
- High school diploma required
Military Workforce
Military Dog Handlers in the Military
29,579
Salary
Salary Information
Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.
$55,703
Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location. Learn more about Military benefits.
$22,690 - $238,756
What makes up a Military salary?
Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.
They also offer:
- Housing allowances
- Subsistence allowances
- Special and incentive pays
- Cost-of-living allowances
- Hazardous-duty pay
- Bonuses
Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator
Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits
Education
Most Common Education Levels
People in this career achieve this level of education.
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High school 44%
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Less than high school 22%
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Some college 16%
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Post-secondary certificate 7%
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Associate's degree 6%
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Bachelor's degree 1%
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Master's degree 0%
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Doctoral degree 0%
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Post baccalaureate 0%
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Post-doctoral training 0%
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Post-master's certificate 0%
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First professional degree 0%
Military training
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. Military dog handlers will gain skills through classroom study and on-the-job experience. Job-specific training content may include: Military/civil laws and jurisdictionInvestigation and evidence collection procedures and techniquesArrest and physical restraint techniquesSelf-defense and use of firearmsCrime scene processingInterpersonal communications skillsSearch/restraint and custody/control procedures Crime preventionSpecialized dog handling techniques
Read MoreSkills at a Glance
Skills helpful in this career
- Verbal skills
- Critical thinking & problem solving
- Equipment operation & maintenance
- Math & science skills
- Technology design & control
- Leadership
Knowledge
- Education and Training
- Customer and Personal Service
- Psychology
- Administrative
- English Language
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