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Apprenticeship trade for MWD handlers on horizon

  • Published
  • By Darryl Orrell
  • Center for Security Forces Public Affairs
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. --  The Center for Security Forces (CENSECFOR) announced Nov. 1, 2013, the anticipated release of the first apprenticeship trade for military working dog handlers by year's end.

The proposed apprenticeship is currently under review by the Department of Labor, which is the final step in the approval process. Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsman will then be able to enroll and work towards earning this unique and specialized certification.

"This new apprenticeship will apply to personnel performing security and law enforcement duties that work with a MWD. Some of the duties a MWD handler performs include patrol, crowd control, security operations, explosive and drug detection and suspect apprehension," said Jose Bautista, CENSECFOR master-at-arms programs manager.

A handler is also responsible for the daily care, grooming and general well-being of his or her assigned MWD, which also includes the cleaning and care of the dog's kennel.

Pre-registration credits will be given to personnel who have graduated MA initial-training school and/or earned the Navy classification code for dog handler and kennel master. All of the qualifications would count towards the proposed 2,500 hours of practical experience needed to complete the apprenticeship.

"Those who take advantage of these credentialing opportunities will not only enhance their military career and be set apart from their peers, but they will also enhance their marketing potential in the civilian workforce when their military service is complete," said Bautista.

Sailor's serving in the MA rating can select from eight available apprenticeship trades that include police officer I, security specialist, protective security specialist; master homeland security specialist; armory technician; corrections officer and on the horizon, working dog handler.

"It could not be any easier for today's Sailors," said Bautista. "A Sailor enrolled in an apprenticeship simply documents his or her military duties while working in his or her rate or occupational specialty and if it's that easy, what Sailor would not want to enhance his or her career?"

The Center for Security Forces provides specialized training to more than 28,000 students each year and has 14 training locations across the U.S. and around the world where training breeds confidence.

For more information about Navy credentialing opportunities, visit https://www.cool.navy.mil/index.htm.