31K Working Dog Handler

The Army Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) 31K is for Military Working Dog Handlers. These handlers are responsible for the care, use, and training of their military dogs. They also develop and implement K9 training scenarios.

The MOS 31K requires a security clearance and two-phase Advanced Individual Training. The first phase is seven weeks long and takes place at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. The second phase is 11 weeks long and takes place at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. The training includes classroom time and field time.

Military Working Dog Handlers are also responsible for: Conducting explosive sweeps of compromised facilities Enhancing the safety and force protection of all personnel on the installation Applicants for this MOS should have: The ability to understand conditioning behaviors in training dogs The patience to train their animal and treat them with respect

Military Working Dogs, also known as K-9s, have a variety of roles. They are used for sniffing out bombs, scouting, patrol work, and can be used in parachute and rappel operations.