I love dogs and I'm pretty interested in the military. So, I was wondering what military branches actually carry attack dogs or have a K9 unit?
Sure, military working dogs are recognized for their exceptional skills and contributions across various branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. The largest military working dog program is likely run by the U.S. Air Force, which manages the training for most military dogs across branches.
These military dogs are trained at the 341st Military Working Dog Training Squadron at Lackland Air Force Base. From there, they may be assigned to different branches as needed, including the Army, Marine Corps, and Navy. So, while the Air Force is primarily in charge of the training, these specially-trained dogs can end up serving in different branches.
The U.S. Army also uses dogs extensively in roles that include detection, search and rescue, and guarding. The U.S. Marine Corps has a specific program called the "Military Working Dog Program." The U.S. Navy uses dogs too, mainly for law enforcement and force protection, particularly in Naval installations and in the field.
The Coast Guard also employs working dogs, primarily trained for drug and explosive detection.
Each of these branches has specific roles and tasks for these heroic dogs, so where you'd end up would depend on your own preferences and skills, in addition to the needs of the military.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.