Dog Handler - Reserve
At a glance
- Soldier
- medical
Train a dog to Army standards. Go on exercises and operations worldwide and enjoy adventure, challenges, sports and an amazing bond with your hound.
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As a Dog Handler, you’ll take Military Working Dogs wherever the Army is deployed. You start by working with protection dogs, making sure that bases and Army sites are safe and secure. Later, you might be chosen to handle specialist dogs that can sniff out arms and explosives. In barracks and on low-level training exercises, you’ll work with colleagues in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps. On operations or large-scale exercises, you’ll support troops from every part of the Army, wherever military dogs are needed. You’ll train your dogs to the highest standard and enjoy an incredible bond. Together, you could save lives.
The Royal Army Veterinary Corps (RAVC) provides the service lead in the development of good animal husbandry, training practice, preventive medicine and care for Military Working Animals (MWAs).
Key Responsibilities
Work in challenging and hostile environments
Work mostly outdoors
Work outside normal hours looking after animals
Use your patience and a consistent approach to work successfully with animals
Carry out other military duties
Have any questions? Talk with us
Reserve (part time)
Entry requirements
Age:
From 18 years & 0 months to 43 years
Qualifications:
No formal qualifications needed; however desire to work outside, with animals and previous kennel or dog handling experience will be looked on favourably.
Basic physical fitness assessment:
Mid Thigh Pull 50kg
Medicine Ball Throw 2.7m
MSFT (beep test) level 6.6 (5.8 for Reserve candidates)
Training for the role
Step 1
You start Basic Training, this consists of two main courses and some online training packages. You can book on the courses to fit around your daily life, so it could take you several months to finish your basic training.
Module 1: Foundation Training. 5 alternate residential weekends Fri - Sun at an Army training centre OR a nine-day residential course.
Module 2: Battlecamp. 15-day residential course at an Army training establishment. You will learn fieldcraft, Skill at Arms, fitness training, qualities of a soldier, military knowledge, Battlefield casualty drills, individual health and education. This will culminate with a Passing Off Parade which your family and friends can attend to celebrate your success.
Step 3
Once your Basic training is complete, you will move on to do trade specific training with your Unit.
Qualifications you could get after training
On successful entry into the Army Medical Services Reserve you will be eligible to apply for consideration in CPD for Professional Qualifications commensurate to Role within with the Army Medical Services.
Pay & benefits
You’ll be paid on a daily rate commensurate to your qualifications. This includes being paid for training weekends. Plus, if you complete all of your annual training days, you’re entitled to a tax-free lump sum called a bounty.
How to Apply
When you decide to apply, your local unit will help you through the process - you don't need to wait until you've finished Army Assessment to get involved.
To join, you have to apply online. The application process will take some time, but you can also ring the unit you're interested in joining - the team there will help often invite you to join them for drill nights, and you'll get support for your application.