Military Working Dog Handlers Course

[Fubar5812]

this thread is for for any poolees or Marines interested in becoming a MWD handler. A few of the requirments to become a handler are as follows:


Job Description: A military working dog handler is a military policeman who is additionally trained to properly employ a military working dog to conduct vehicle searches, searches of open areas, buildings, vehicles, etc., for the detection of explosives or illegal drugs and who also has the ability to search for lost or wanted persons.
Job Requirements:
(1) Must currently hold MOS 5811 (http://usmilitary.about.com/library/milinfo/marineenjobs/bl5811.htm).
(2) Possess no fear of dogs.
(3) Must be a volunteer. (4) Complete the Military Working Dog Basic Handler Course and the Detector Dog Handler Course, Lackland Air Force Base.

My story to becoming a MWD Handler started when i decided to join the Marine Corps. I knew without a doubt that i wanted to be a dog handler the first day i stepped into the recruiting office. At the time i thought it was an infantry secondary MOS I told the recruiter " I want infantry and i want to be a dog handler" he told me that it was in fact a Military Police secondary MOS and that he could not gaurntee me MP let alone Dog Handler that it would have to come from me.
After Bootcamp i reported to Camp Geige for MCT.While there near the end of our stay at Camp DevilDog we recieved our MOS and orders, I got lucky and got MP (5811) and was given orders to report to fort leonardwood,MO (an army basic training base). Remember, unless you are a reservist you are not guarnteed to get field MP, we had 9 MP hopefuls in my MCT platoon 2 of them got 5831 (corrections specialist) basically,prison guards.there training is actually at lackland AFB where K9 goes as well.While at MP school we where asked who wanted K9,3/4's of the platoon raised there hands! I was a bit shocked,I thought i was the only one who wanted it and now i had that much more competition. 40 of us applied and where told that we would have to submit an essay about why we think we should be a Working Dog Handler. Some of us didn't even write one,I wrote a 5 page essay and was lucky enough to get help from members of these forums (thank you again guys,it means the world to me) while we out in the field portion of our Mp training we where put in a classroom after doing a 24 hour MOUT operation.Dog tired,hungry and sore i sat down and heard our platoon SGT "ok guys and gals, the moment you have all been waiting for" he then put a powerpoint MC EXCEL thing up on the screen showing a list of east coast,west coast,overseas,HMX-1 and K9. i didn't see my name on the EC or WC list,i didn't apply for OS and i know i didnt get HMX,what the hell is going on?! my plt sgt came up to me "whats the matter walling?" "well SSGT, my name isn't on any of the lists,where am i going?" "you wanted K9 didn't ya? you wouldn't shutup about it!" "yes SSGT" he then told our other SGT to scroll down 1 more on the screen,they had hidden my name which was last on the list of K9.out of 40....... SIX of us where selected. Needless to say i was overjoyed.


Normally you would stand a board with other canditates and they would pick the most qualified based on an inspection and your records. for whatever reason this was not the case with us and we where selected on our personal training record

your rifle score
your pft score (must be 1st class)
reserve status (reservists cannot be dog handlers)
pros/cons
any NJP's or pg 11's
recommendations from your instructors

they won't take just anyone.K9 is a small elite group and they want squared away Marines,not ****bags. I have no NJP's or page 11's and i always put out 110% in everything I did bootcamp,MCT and MP school. This has to come from YOU it's all in how hard your willing to work to get it.


to be an MP you must be physically fit, it is not uncommon to run 6,8,12 miles while at school and by the end of MP training i had legs like a horse!

I reported to Lackland AFB San Antonio TX after graduation. I went home on recruiters assistance while waiting for my class to pickup. I just picked up yesterday and started training.

your class is a interservice class.meaning it's not just Marines.your instructors and fellow students can be Navy,Army and Airforce. I have a Navy chief as my chief instructor and 2 Airforce SGT's. the other services do not pick there dog handlers out of Mp school,you must prove yourself as an Mp first before getting this chance. The Marine Corps does it different and picks it's handlers our of Mp school, though Marine Corps NCO's can still do SSD (specialized search dog) or K9 from the fleet if chosen.

Today we got our "buckets". Basically your given an ammo can and that is your "dog". you have to name it,give it commands,correct it and put a leash and collar on it. it sounds ridicilous and trust me,it is. but it is a valuable training tool,if they just gave us dogs off the bat we would probably get bit. you need to establish raporte with the dog,a relationship and bond that proves that you two can work together.these dogs know the commands and are trained,it's all in if they respect you and are willing to listen to YOU and you have to establish that dominance.

we practiced our "praise voices" today. This is the most high pitched,stupid sounding voice you can come up with.think of how women talk to babies,kinda like that. your dog LIVES for this voice,it's what he works for,hearing that voice and getting a pat on the head or scratch behind the ear makes it all worthwhile for him/her. your command voice and correction voice are short crisp and loud and dominant respectfully. this helps the dog distinguish between "ok i ****ed up" and "ok i did it right".


These dogs are considered assets. "equipment" by the Marine Corps.they have there own serial numbers tattooed in there ears.but to a Handler they are so much more. they are a friend,a comrade in arms and a security blanket. The relationship between a Handler and his dog is like that of brothers. You will eat,sleep,fight and if necessary die for your brother, and he will do the same.


I will update this thread as my training progresses,I want to give poolees/Marines the information that i so desperatly wanted when i was in the DEP but i could never find. Any questions you have please post them here,I check this site everyday after work and will anwser any questions as best I can or refer you to a site or another person if need be.


for stories and some info on MWD's downrange and here in the states visit www.k9pride.wordpress.com (http://www.k9pride.wordpress.com)


Semper Fidelis, PFC Walling

[Wyoming]

Excellent Walling.

All the best.

[Fubar5812]

so i met my dog yesterday.she is a 72 LB german shepard named Fany.she is extremely intelligent and eager to please her handler (myself) this is known as "beta socialization" where the dog learns that the handler is the alpha and develops the motivation to please the handler and recieve praise,so they work hard for it. this is much more effective than working out of fear of discipline.

we practiced basic obdience course today,she performed flawlessly and we work extremely well together.she obeyed all my commands and seemed completely at ease with me.some of the other students have a few problems with there dogs,and i have no doubts that some will probably arise with Fany but for now,where good to go and feeling each other out. i'm excited to start bite work next week,then move onto controlled aggression,thats all those videos you see of those dogs biting the sleeve of a guy running away known as the "decoy".

thats it for now,im off to enjoy libo,i'll update next week.

have a safe weekend all!

[RottnDobe]

That's awesome. Do you know how old she is?

[degenerate138]

Damn Walling, didn't know you were on here dude. Try not to stick your head out any more car windows while it's going 75 mph and it's raining. I heard it doesn't feel too good!

Anywho, good luck at the Dog Handler school man!

[Fubar5812]

of course i'm on here!

and i'll be back home the 22nd to the 3rd..maybe i'll stop by a PT session and make an appearance ;)

she is 5 years old according to her records.

[Achped]

Really? no page 11s or NJPs and you don't even rate a GWOT yet? lol, wait till at least your 1st 96 in the fleet and then brag about it.

However, I do wish you all the best.

[Fubar5812]

well considering half my platoon had one or both by the time they reached MOS school is pretty pathetic. I go out and have fun,I'm just smart about it and who I do it with.

[karrodjeller]

its crazy that you are posting this info right now. i've been looking for info on k-9 school all over the web and haven't been able to find much of anything.

I graduate MP school this friday and im heading to Lackland for k-9 school as well. any info as far as what the detachment at Lackland is like? also, when do the next classes pick up and is there any chance of going home for christmas?

[Fubar5812]

well then i'll see you in a few days.

as it is right now MGYSGT is getting everyone out of here for christmas,leave is dec 22 to jan 4th. PTAD or leave,take your pick.

[Wyoming]

Enjoy your leave, but tell me, your dog, do you have to start over with the training?

[CplGiraffe]

Thanks for all these updates CWalling, I think it is very interesting to hear about this field and how you are training for it as not a lot of people are involved in it. I am not heading into it, but I still enjoy reading your posts.

[Fubar5812]

how do you mean corporal? the dogs are actually already trained,most of these dogs have already been deployed or for whatever reason cannot be fleet dogs.so they bring them to lackland to be used as training aids. you could say she is actually training me. She knows what to do as far as commands and detection,it's just a matter of me using the right commands and telling her where I want her to go and what to do. Thats why rapport is so important,If the dog doesn't respect your position as as an alpha and handler they won't listen to your commands.

[Wyoming]

how do you mean corporal? the dogs are actually already trained,most of these dogs have already been deployed or for whatever reason cannot be fleet dogs.so they bring them to lackland to be used as training aids. you could say she is actually training me. She knows what to do as far as commands and detection,it's just a matter of me using the right commands and telling her where I want her to go and what to do. Thats why rapport is so important,If the dog doesn't respect your position as as an alpha and handler they won't listen to your commands.

OK, I got it now. So when will you be assigned or given you own dog?

[Fubar5812]

once i get to my unit i'll be assigned a dog,then it's just up to the needs of the Marine Corps whether I stay with just that dog or move around and work with other dogs.

[syxx2003]

All of the dogs you'll work with in the fleet will be trained right, like you won't be training them from scratch right?

[Fubar5812]

yes.All dogs regardless if there training dogs or fleet dogs go to DTS (dog training school) and certified before being used by the military.

[Books]

Outstanding, Marine! You definitely have one of the coolest MOS's in the military. I'm jealous!

[Fubar5812]

your not the first to tell me that.my grunt buddy the other day was telling me he was jealous,In some ways i'm jealous of him.but I really am living a dream here,I gotta pinch myself sometimes to remind me it's real hehe.

[Fubar5812]

we just finished aggression training in block 1. this is the training that i really looked forward and what drew me to be a MWD handler. Those high speed videos you see of dogs chasing down a guy and biting? yea I just spend 3 days doing that. when i pulled my dog out of the kennel she was excited to see me,just like any other day.we hooked up and i brought her out to the training area where we do aggression and once she saw where we where going she became a COMPLETELY different animal.she is usually a sweetheart but the second you show the dog that wrap (the big padded arm the decoy wears) they become EXTREMELY aggressive.this is where repore with your dog comes into play,if your dog doesn't respect you and like you they WILL bite you during this training.we had a navy girl on my team get bit by another handlers dog while she was critquing him during the OB course.
My instructor had me decoy for my dog to prove the point that no matter how loyal your dog is,if your wearing that wrap there gonna come at you.it's not that they want to bite YOU per say,it's that they really really enjoy biting that wrap.During this training the handler and decoy are about 6-8 feet apart,the handler tells the suspect to approach him and gives his dog a firm "stay" command. the decoy walks up,pretends to hand the handler an ID,they make chit chat then the decoy walks off. they reset then repeat the excerise,except this time the decoy makes it halfway to the handler then turns and bolts the other direction as fast as he can,as the decoy turns the handler tells his dog "watch em!" this tells the dog to begin becoming aggressive and he knows he'se going to get a bite,so he becomes very vocal and starts pulling,the handler yells "halt! halt! halt! or i'll release my dog!" on the instructors command the handler releases the collar "get em!" and the dog bolts after the suspect. let me make it clear,YOU CANNOT OUTRUN THESE DOGS no way,no how. my dog came at me freakin; fast and i barely had time to turn and catch her on the wrap she latched on and started pulling and shaking me hard, I kept aggitating her and making noise to keep her on the wrap,the instructor (who was acting as handler for my dog) came up and pulled her off.
We did it again with me as handler this time,after i released her and she went after the suspect I caught up to her and pulled the leash to its to full length and yelled "OUT!" this is the command to tell the dog to stop biting and release.alot of dogs have alot of troublr with this,especially training dogs.but to my pleasant surprise my dog obeyed! she let go,i gave her "SIT!" praised her a bit "stay!" and told the decoy to back up 3 feet and prepare for a search.this ends the excerise. We had alot of fun with this training,I would NEVER want to have a police officer release a dog on me,there vicious as hell!

well i'm off,we got released for christmas break yesterday i have to pack and then my flight leaves tommorrow,I'll be back on the 3rd so i won't see my dog for 2 whole weeks,which sucks.I have a test when i get back so i gotta study hard,the academics on this course are tough,all about dog behavior,training aids and first aid. Have a safe and merry christmas all!

[Fubar5812]

some pictures of my dog during training. I'lkl get better ones when i get my digital camera for christmas.

http://img126.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1216080945oq7.jpg

http://img126.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1212081029fq1.jpg

http://img126.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1216080943vg9.jpg

[Fubar5812]

i uploaded some pics of my dog into my profile photo album,for whatever reason they won't showup when i put them in a post.

[ChrisS]

hey PFC Walling, I enlisted on December 1 2008 and am going to be an MP and hopefully a dog handler. I was wondering, is there any way i can get dog handling, or at least field MP requested in my contract? Because i really really don't want to end in corrections at a prison all day....

[Fubar5812]

PM sent.

[Fubar5812]

I know I haven't updated this in a while,frankly we have been busy trying to catch up after christmas exodus and my internet was out for a bit. <br />
<br />
<br />
so i'm on my last week of block 1 (patrol/sentry...

[Achped]

You're hoping for Lejeune? What? Have you ever been there?

[USAFMP]

Hey I will be heading to the class in June I have Been a MP for 5 years and its very tough to get MWD school in the Air Force. Its even harder when your stationed overseas. But anyone in the military knows theres a waiver for everything so soon I will be on my way. Just want to know what its like and what I need to look out for. Thanks in advance

SSgt Rimmer

[Fubar5812]

You're hoping for Lejeune? What? Have you ever been there?

besides MCT no.obviously I have been on student status my entire career thus far,small price to pay to get my dream MOS. it's closer to home and on the east coast,honestly I don't give a **** where I go.I'll go wherever they need me.

SSGT,you'll be on mixed service teams.I actually have 2 senior airmen and 1 SSGT on mine from the AirForce. You'll be staying in a hotel on base or house off base if your married and have the BAH.

Well I certified on thursday In block1 (sentry/patrol dogs) We did well,gunfire she got really scared (no surprise there) but this was the worst,I had to correct her on almost every shot for barking and coming out of the heel.but other than that no problems.We parted ways,it was pretty sad i'm not gonna lie but thats how it works.these dogs are just training aids and you get a different dog when you get to block 2 (narcotic,explosive detection) since these dogs are not duel certified.

here are some pics from my team on block 1,I got some videos i'll throw up on youtube when i get more time. http://s571.photobucket.com/albums/ss159/Team5/Block%201/

[USAFMP]

hey keep the posts coming the more the better. So they treat you different because you just came in ? I have a wife and daughter so you say I have to stay off base during the school ? Any way let me know how your doing.

[USAFMP]

Hey whats new in school ?

[0231Marine]

Fill out your profile, then ask questions!

[USAFMP]

?

[WesWilcox317]

Just click on the customize profile button, that'll take you to efverything that you need to fix. PFC Cwalling, how long is the whole traing supposed to go? Like how long until you're training is done?

[Fubar5812]

I have 4 weeks left.I am on block 2 doing narcotic/explosive detection.I got a new dog named rocky..he'se a 56 LB black lab longhair.he'se a total spaz but he works great,I barely have to present areas to him to search he does it all on his own.We did barracks and commercial aircraft this past week,looking for explosives. I'm going to make a video for my teams graduation,using the pictures and videos i've got.I'll post that when it's finished.

I'm itching to get to the fleet and start doing my job,student status for a year blows.

[USAFMP]

your so lucky man i've been trying to get in k-9 for years but u have to wait in the air force and my package is finally waiting board approval then i'm back to lackland for 12 weeks. cant wait to go through what ur going through hit us back soon. take care and be safe

[Newski45]

this thread is for for any poolees or Marines interested in becoming a MWD handler. A few of the requirments to become a handler are as follows:


Job Description: A military working dog handler is a military policeman who is additionally trained to properly employ a military working dog to conduct vehicle searches, searches of open areas, buildings, vehicles, etc., for the detection of explosives or illegal drugs and who also has the ability to search for lost or wanted persons.
Job Requirements:
(1) Must currently hold MOS 5811 (http://usmilitary.about.com/library/milinfo/marineenjobs/bl5811.htm).
(2) Possess no fear of dogs.
(3) Must be a volunteer. (4) Complete the Military Working Dog Basic Handler Course and the Detector Dog Handler Course, Lackland Air Force Base.

My story to becoming a MWD Handler started when i decided to join the Marine Corps. I knew without a doubt that i wanted to be a dog handler the first day i stepped into the recruiting office. At the time i thought it was an infantry secondary MOS I told the recruiter " I want infantry and i want to be a dog handler" he told me that it was in fact a Military Police secondary MOS and that he could not gaurntee me MP let alone Dog Handler that it would have to come from me.
After Bootcamp i reported to Camp Geige for MCT.While there near the end of our stay at Camp DevilDog we recieved our MOS and orders, I got lucky and got MP (5811) and was given orders to report to fort leonardwood,MO (an army basic training base). Remember, unless you are a reservist you are not guarnteed to get field MP, we had 9 MP hopefuls in my MCT platoon 2 of them got 5831 (corrections specialist) basically,prison guards.there training is actually at lackland AFB where K9 goes as well.While at MP school we where asked who wanted K9,3/4's of the platoon raised there hands! I was a bit shocked,I thought i was the only one who wanted it and now i had that much more competition. 40 of us applied and where told that we would have to submit an essay about why we think we should be a Working Dog Handler. Some of us didn't even write one,I wrote a 5 page essay and was lucky enough to get help from members of these forums (thank you again guys,it means the world to me) while we out in the field portion of our Mp training we where put in a classroom after doing a 24 hour MOUT operation.Dog tired,hungry and sore i sat down and heard our platoon SGT "ok guys and gals, the moment you have all been waiting for" he then put a powerpoint MC EXCEL thing up on the screen showing a list of east coast,west coast,overseas,HMX-1 and K9. i didn't see my name on the EC or WC list,i didn't apply for OS and i know i didnt get HMX,what the hell is going on?! my plt sgt came up to me "whats the matter walling?" "well SSGT, my name isn't on any of the lists,where am i going?" "you wanted K9 didn't ya? you wouldn't shutup about it!" "yes SSGT" he then told our other SGT to scroll down 1 more on the screen,they had hidden my name which was last on the list of K9.out of 40....... SIX of us where selected. Needless to say i was overjoyed.


Normally you would stand a board with other canditates and they would pick the most qualified based on an inspection and your records. for whatever reason this was not the case with us and we where selected on our personal training record

your rifle score
your pft score (must be 1st class)
reserve status (reservists cannot be dog handlers)
pros/cons
any NJP's or pg 11's
recommendations from your instructors

they won't take just anyone.K9 is a small elite group and they want squared away Marines,not ****bags. I have no NJP's or page 11's and i always put out 110% in everything I did bootcamp,MCT and MP school. This has to come from YOU it's all in how hard your willing to work to get it.


to be an MP you must be physically fit, it is not uncommon to run 6,8,12 miles while at school and by the end of MP training i had legs like a horse!

I reported to Lackland AFB San Antonio TX after graduation. I went home on recruiters assistance while waiting for my class to pickup. I just picked up yesterday and started training.

your class is a interservice class.meaning it's not just Marines.your instructors and fellow students can be Navy,Army and Airforce. I have a Navy chief as my chief instructor and 2 Airforce SGT's. the other services do not pick there dog handlers out of Mp school,you must prove yourself as an Mp first before getting this chance. The Marine Corps does it different and picks it's handlers our of Mp school, though Marine Corps NCO's can still do SSD (specialized search dog) or K9 from the fleet if chosen.

Today we got our "buckets". Basically your given an ammo can and that is your "dog". you have to name it,give it commands,correct it and put a leash and collar on it. it sounds ridicilous and trust me,it is. but it is a valuable training tool,if they just gave us dogs off the bat we would probably get bit. you need to establish raporte with the dog,a relationship and bond that proves that you two can work together.these dogs know the commands and are trained,it's all in if they respect you and are willing to listen to YOU and you have to establish that dominance.

we practiced our "praise voices" today. This is the most high pitched,stupid sounding voice you can come up with.think of how women talk to babies,kinda like that. your dog LIVES for this voice,it's what he works for,hearing that voice and getting a pat on the head or scratch behind the ear makes it all worthwhile for him/her. your command voice and correction voice are short crisp and loud and dominant respectfully. this helps the dog distinguish between "ok i ****ed up" and "ok i did it right".


These dogs are considered assets. "equipment" by the Marine Corps.they have there own serial numbers tattooed in there ears.but to a Handler they are so much more. they are a friend,a comrade in arms and a security blanket. The relationship between a Handler and his dog is like that of brothers. You will eat,sleep,fight and if necessary die for your brother, and he will do the same.


I will update this thread as my training progresses,I want to give poolees/Marines the information that i so desperatly wanted when i was in the DEP but i could never find. Any questions you have please post them here,I check this site everyday after work and will anwser any questions as best I can or refer you to a site or another person if need be.


for stories and some info on MWD's downrange and here in the states visit www.k9pride.wordpress.com (http://www.k9pride.wordpress.com)


Semper Fidelis, PFC Walling

I just finished MP school, and headed to Lackland this next weekend, is there any advice you have for me? Who were your instructors during MP school? My Ssgt, Ssgt. Mendoza gave me his knowledge from when he went through K-9 school, and is letting me copy it so I can get a head start while I'm in MATT.

[USAFMP]

A DOGS PRAYER

Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no
heart in all the world is more grateful
for kindness than the loving heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick,
for though I should lick your hand between the
blows, your patience and understanding will
more quickly teach me the things you would
have me do.
Speak to me often, for your voice is the
world's sweetest music, as you must know by
the fierce wagging of my tail when your
footstep falls upon my waiting ear.
When it is cold and wet, please take me
inside, for I am now a domesticated animal,
no longer used to bitter elements.
And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of
sitting at your feet beside the hearth.
Though had you no home, I would rather
follow you through ice and snow than rest
upon the softest pillow in the warmest home
in all the land, for you are my god and I am
your devoted worshiper.
Keep my pan filled with fresh water,
for although I should not reproach you were it dry,
I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.
Feed me clean food, that I may stay well,
to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk
by your side, and stand ready, willing and
able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.
And, beloved master, should the great Master
see fit to deprive me of my health or sight,
do not turn me away from you. Rather,
hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands
grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest -
and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew,
my fate was ever safest in
your hands.

[Fubar5812]

yea my advice is,you better be squared away.there have been some problems with underage drinking and stuff lately and we JUST got off cinderella liberty this weekend. I hope you have a 1st class PFT because K9 PT is no joke. you'll probably go home on ptad (recruiting assistance) since the wait to pickup is a month or more.we got 5 on ptad right now that don't pickup until sometime in march. I'm outta here march 5th so i'll only be here for a short time while your here. Can you tell me how many your bringing with you? what day your getting in? ssgt mendoza was in my humvee during the field week,some of the instructors here know him too.

also when you get here,DO NOT STEP ON THE ROCKS OUT FRONT! there is a memorial out front to fallen K9 Marine Sgt Cann and that is hallowed ground.

I had Sgt Clarkin,Ssgt Prather and Ssgt Snyder.

[Fubar5812]

thats cute and all but that prayer doesn't really apply to MWD's since they can endure the hardships of a deployment and don't need a warm fire to sit by.




A K-9 PRAYER

Trust in me, my friend, for I am your comrade.
I will protect you with me last breath.
When all others have left you
and the loneliness of the night closes in,
I will be at your side.

Together we will conquer all obstacles
and search out those whom might wish harm to others.
All I ask of you is compassion,
the caring touch of your hands.

It is for you that I will unselfishly give my life
and spend my nights unrested.
Although our days together
may be marked by the passing of the seasons,
know that each day at your side is my reward.

My days are measured by
the coming and going of your footsteps.
I anticipate them at every opening of the door.
You are the voice of caring when I am ill;
the voice of authority when I’ve done wrong.

Do not chastise me unduly,
for I am your right arm,
the sword at your side.
I attempt to do only what you bid of me.
I seek only to please you and remain in your favor.

Together you and I shall experience
a bond only others like us will understand.
When outsiders see us together
their envy will be measured by their disdain.

I will quietly listen to you
and pass no judgment,
nor will your spoken words be repeated.
I will remain ever silent,
ever vigilant, ever loyal.

And when our time together is done
and you move on in this world,
remember me with kind thoughts and tales,
for a time we were unbeatable.
Nothing passed among us undetected.

If we should meet again on another street
I will gladly take up your fight.
I am a Military Working K-9 and together
We are guardians of the night.

[DocGreek]

Twice, in '68, and '69, our Company had Tracker Dogs, with handlers, who were Sniper trained. SCARY COMBO!! Don't know if that set-up is still going, but....I wouldn't FVCK with those men....or Dogs!!.....DOC

[USAFMP]

good poem much better then my post do you know where ur going to be stationed ?

[Fubar5812]

not yet, I find out next week.we certify march 3rd and graduate march 5th.

[WesWilcox317]

Good luck... How many different types of dogs do the marines work with?

[Fubar5812]

all kinds,mainly german shepards and belgian malinois but labs and other kinds are used for there detection capabilities.

[tripletgirl101]

:mad: I have tried to post this 2 times

Okay, I would LOVE that MOS but I would even be lucky to get into the Marine Corp. If you want details just PM me as I do not want to turn Cwallings thread into my problem story. ;)

Anyways onto my question:
If I become an officer and be a Military Police officer could I still be a dog handler but an officer? If that makes any sense at all.

Thanks!

-Erin

[WesWilcox317]

OK, what would be a good estimite of how many people are chosen for Handler Courses, like if you had ten people that wanted to be handlers' how many would probably get it. And what is the average number of people in a class?

[Newski45]

yea my advice is,you better be squared away.there have been some problems with underage drinking and stuff lately and we JUST got off cinderella liberty this weekend. I hope you have a 1st class PFT because K9 PT is no joke. you'll probably go home on ptad (recruiting assistance) since the wait to pickup is a month or more.we got 5 on ptad right now that don't pickup until sometime in march. I'm outta here march 5th so i'll only be here for a short time while your here. Can you tell me how many your bringing with you? what day your getting in? ssgt mendoza was in my humvee during the field week,some of the instructors here know him too.

also when you get here,DO NOT STEP ON THE ROCKS OUT FRONT! there is a memorial out front to fallen K9 Marine Sgt Cann and that is hallowed ground.

I had Sgt Clarkin,Ssgt Prather and Ssgt Snyder.

There are 3 other coming along with me, ones a female. Were all pretty squared away, I don't drink or anything. I have a 295 PFT score, my last run time was a 18:45. I remember and pass word about the rocks, thanks for the advice by the way

[Fubar5812]

put it this way,40 guys in my class wanted K9 and 6 of us got picked.

yes triplet,you are still an MP you are just trained to work with a dog rather than by yourself,alot of your duties will revolve around your expertise with the dog though as there are few K9 handlers in the Marine Corps.

[WesWilcox317]

Ok...that's not very reassuring....15% of 40 is 6...that tells me Im screwed...any advice on how to convice them to put me in that course?

[Fubar5812]

read my thread dude.

always do the right thing,don't get any NJP's,be respectful and be squared away.I would worry about earning the title THEN worry about dog handler school.

[Fubar5812]

so i just got my orders...i'm going to hawaii.

the g/f is ****ed,but she'se hanging in there. I get 5 days of leave then i report in on the 11th,i certify tommorow then graduate thursday,can't wait to get get out of here! anyone got any info on hawaii?

[Wyoming]

so i just got my orders...i'm going to hawaii.

the g/f is ****ed,but she'se hanging in there. I get 5 days of leave then i report in on the 11th,i certify tommorow then graduate thursday,can't wait to get get out of here! anyone got any info on hawaii?

West of California, and a BIG change from San Antone.


Also, congrats on finishing up and getting on with your dream.

[Achped]

so i just got my orders...i'm going to hawaii.

the g/f is ****ed,but she'se hanging in there. I get 5 days of leave then i report in on the 11th,i certify tommorow then graduate thursday,can't wait to get get out of here! anyone got any info on hawaii?

Yeah, I'm stationed in Hawaii. When I get back next month I'll meet up with you and show you and JoeInVille around the island if you like. This is a courtesy, and I'm still a corporal so don't think we're home boys ;)

You'll live right near the front gate, near all the air wingers. If you get a top floor in the barracks your view will be absolutely amazing, google kaneohe bay, your room will look out over the mountains and the bay. ****er, I get to look at KT...

Speaking of KT, KT is a mountain, which you will run up quite frequently. Enjoy that.

I dont see K9 handlers much, so I can't tell you what they do except for them doing this little o-course thats setup for them and their dogs. Ive seen them go on little jogs in boots, utes and flaks with their dogs too, but thats not as a group, just one Marine and his dog every once in a while.

Kaneohe Bay is a small ass base, and there's 1 regiment of grunts and 1 battalion of arty, the rest is a few Air wing units and CLB-3. I hope you don't like female Marines because there aren't any, although there is this cute corporal that works at the front gate every once in a while ;)

[USAFMP]

Hey man I leave for dog school soon but I have been training for a while with K-Bays K-9. I know everyone in the kennels and i can get you in contact with a CPL Walton and the Kennel Master overthere. Shoot me a post and I can help you out.

SrA Rimmer

[USAFMP]

matter of fact contact me at 808-259-4200 it is the Bellows AFB PMO office (bellows is a place you will spend a lot of your time at lol) Ask for a SrA Rimmer

[Fubar5812]

thanks for the help man but I already have contact with the kennel master there,thank you for the help though! my old roommate is there now in the kennels and is gonna show me around and get me all setup there. i'm east coast,mountains are not something i'm used too hehe.

i'm bringing a female Marine with me,I've been with her since MP school and we are getting sick of each other,now we gotta be in the same kennels for 2 years! i guess theres no female Marines in the kennels either.

how do the locals feel about us corporal? I've been told it depends on which island your on...which one am I going to be on anyway?

[Achped]

USAFMP, Waimanalo?!?! Lucky SOB! I love that damn place, so down home and the beach is bangin. I love goin to the beach park and throwing BBQs with my boy Ikaika's family. Hawaiians are awesome people, but only if the haole has Kama'aina friends!!!

You'll be on Oahu, the same island as Pearl Harbor and Waikiki and Honolulu, the populated one. You may go to PTA on the big island, but I dunno as an MP. The locals aren't bad if you don't act like you're a brand new Marine that's God's gift to earth. If you do, they will put you in your place real quick. Also, alot of the older Hawaiian's are prior military. And if you see a Hawaiian flag, don't ****ing ask why the British are there.

Hmm, female huh? Hmmmmmm

[Fubar5812]

this should be a culture shock,I am pretty excited about it though.i'm told the unit itself (H/S Co.) is not deployable but the handlers in K-9 are,we deploy by ourselves not as units. I take it theres alot to do around the islands corporal? and did you know a cpl gorman by any chance? he'se at P.I now.

I should add that officially today I am a certified dog handler,we had certification today and everyone passed thursday we graduate then i'm taking leave for 5 days and i'll be in hawaii on the 11th.

[Wyoming]

this should be a culture shock,I am pretty excited about it though.i'm told the unit itself (H/S Co.) is not deployable but the handlers in K-9 are,we deploy by ourselves not as units. I take it theres alot to do around the islands corporal? and did you know a cpl gorman by any chance? he'se at P.I now.

I should add that officially today I am a certified dog handler,we had certification today and everyone passed thursday we graduate then i'm taking leave for 5 days and i'll be in hawaii on the 11th.

Congrats again Walling. Live your dream!

[Fubar5812]

thank you corporal! you've been damn supportive,don't think i haven't noticed.

[Fubar5812]

well here i am at MCB Kanoehe Bay,hawaii.the weather here is nuts,one minute it's raining the next its sunny.I'm still a fresh boot so I haven't gotten my dog yet...haven't done anything job related yet besides field day the kennels....a boots best is not enough :) I'll be recieving a narcotics dog and working the road in about a month,I'll keep ya all updated.keep those questions comin! just had to clear out my inbox!

[Achped]

If you ever steal my cup at McDonalds I'll beat the **** out of you, especially if you're on duty. Let all your little buddies know that too, especially the one who did it last time. ;)

[Fubar5812]

i doubt i'll be going into mcdonalds with my dog but i'll be sure to let the PMO guys know ;) are you back from deployment corporal?

[Achped]

No not yet. that's right, you're not PMO. So you're okay in my book.

[Fubar5812]

was hoping you knew that corporal,though I do have a narc dog...so tell your pot smokin' friends to take it elsewhere ;)

[Fubar5812]

If it isn't too much trouble could the powers that be make this thread a sticky by any chance?

[Achped]

was hoping you knew that corporal,though I do have a narc dog...so tell your pot smokin' friends to take it elsewhere ;)

Wait till Bayfest, take your narc dog around where the concert is and he will be going crazy.

And why bother making it a sticky? The idiot poolees won't read it anyhow.

[Fubar5812]

i get alot of PM's that start with "I read your thread and......." so obviously people are,i just dont wanna have too keep bumping it.if it's too much trouble no big deal.

[Fubar5812]

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/2072/p1000345d.jpg

trying to instill an appreciation for what an MWD is capable of...and this is with a padded bite suit on.most of the blood dried up before this photo was taken,but those puncture wounds hurt!!!

[Fubar5812]

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/3526/p1000344f.jpg

[ImpatientPoolee]

Hello PFC. Walling and others.

I am 20yrs old and a poolee who leaves for MCRD San Diego in July. I can't say that I have always wanted to be a Marine, or anywhere in the military for that matter- but I can say that since I have enlisted all I want to be is a MP MWD handler. It was a great source of inspiration to see that you were able to become a MWD handler as just a PFC, and I thank you for posting this...this is exactly what I was looking for.

As of now, I am doing 15 pull-ups, 125 crunches, and running a 9:30 1.5 mile. I have improved my strength by 100% since I DEP'd in 4 months ago. I push myself everyday because I know what I want, and I know the best way I can serve the Corps.

If there's anything you want to add PFC. Walling that I can gain some leverage on I would appreciate it.

Thank you very much,
Poolee Gracy.

P.S.- Will eagerness and a damn well-written essay give me a pretty solid chance??

[Ox26]

Hi..I'm currently a poolee. Could you give me some advice ..I too would like to be a mp dog handler..

[linda1945]

Congratulations on becoming a dog handler. Keep living your dream! I graduated from high school in 1963, Kauai High School.
Semper Fi Marine!
Lin

[strongmarine]

Hi, I am Poole Strong. I leave for recruit training on June 19th of 2017. At the moment I am a senior in high school. I have been a Poole since June, and I love it. I have wanted to be a Marine since I was a little kid. The moment I turned 17, I dragged my dad to the office and signed the papers. I am going in as a MP and want more then anything to be a handler. I am dead set on it, but I understand it is super hard to get into. I was just wondering if there is any tips you can give me to make my odds greater? Also, I am a female so my IST scores aren't as high as the males, will that affect my chances? I read what you wrote and it makes me so much more excited. I know I haven't earned my title as a Marine yet, but I bleed the Marine Corp. I want to do it as a career and I have been talking everyone's ear off for the past ten years. I actually skipped a whole school year so that I could join sooner. I give it my 110% at Poole functions that we have twice a week. So anything that you know that can help me, please tell me. I want to be a handler more then anything in this entire world!! Thank you so much for your time.