Can you be a dog handler in the RAF?

In the RAF the dog’s main role is to guard aircraft on military bases and in hangars. Entrants have to join the RAF Police to become dog handlers. As a military working dog handler you can specialise on Patrol Dogs, Drug Detection Dogs, Arms & Explosive Dogs and Vehicle Search Dogs.

What powers do RAF Police have?

RAF Police Provide specialist law enforcement, counter-intelligence and security services. To identify and counter threats from terrorism, espionage, sabotage, subversion, extremism and organised crime in the UK and overseas.

Do RAF Police do close protection?

This RAF Police unit’s roles include close protection for senior RAF Officers and other VIPs.

Where do RAF Police get posted?

For your first tour, you are likely to be posted to a RAF unit where you will be responsible for the security of RAF assets and the policing of Service personnel. Although you will lead a team of RAF Police and security personnel from the outset, you will be supervised and supported by a RAF Police Squadron Commander.

How long is RAF police training?

10-week
TRAINING YOU’LL RECEIVE Your career will start with a 10-week Basic Recruit Training Course at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. The course is designed to help you adjust to a military environment. As well as fitness and military training, you’ll also learn about the RAF lifestyle.

How do you become a RAF dog handler?

To be an RAF dog handler, you must be a member of the RAF police. You would complete the necessary police training and then a further 2 weeks training with an RAF dog.

Do you have to stay in the RAF for 12 years?

If you want to leave full-time employment in the RAF within the initial 12 years, it is possible to transfer to the reserves for 3 years, to complete your obligations. Once you have completed your 12 years of service, in most instances, you must give 18 months’ notice of your intention to leave the service.

Can an MP pull you over off base?

No. Their jurisdiction ends at the gates of the base. The military Civilian Law Enforcement Division operates in the same manner. The only way they are permitted to carry out duties off base is with civilian law enforcement agencies present.

Can I buy myself out of the RAF?

In short, no. You can leave the RAF, just like any job. However, it depends on how long you’ve served as to how much notice you will have to give. You can leave within the first six months, but you must give 14 days’ notice in writing, and it’s subject to the requirement to complete 28 days service.

Where do you train to be a RAF dog handler?

Potential RAF Police Dog Handlers first have to complete RAF Recruit Training at RAF Halton followed by an RAF Police Basic Training Course at MOD Southwick Park where they not only learn to become RAF Police but also how to become Non Commissioned Officers, (NCO’s), in the RAF.

When did police dogs join the Royal Air Force?

In 1991, in line with defence reviews, RAF Police dog training merged with the Royal Army Veterinary Corps at Melton Mowbray and the Defence Animal Centre was formed. To some, the life of a RAF Police dog handler may seem glamorous, but in reality the job demands a lot.

Can a dog be a warrant officer in the RAF?

Most dogs will hold the rank of Air Dog but on some units a dog will be chosen as a mascot and may hold any rank up to Warrant Officer meaning that it is possible for a dog to out rank its handler! Handlers may also return to the DAC to conduct advanced and specialist training or to conduct a re-team with a newly qualified dog.

Are there any RAF Police dogs in Afghanistan?

In Afghanistan the RAF Police may deploy on formed joint Military Working Dog Units alongside their RAVC colleagues, or on attachment to various units ranging from Infantry units to the US Marine Corps and US Air Force.