Special Forces K9 Handler | Former Green Beret

Special Forces K9 Handler | Former Green Beret
What's up everyone?! In This video, I talk about my experience with SF K9 handlers and how to become one if that is your goal!
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[@FNGACADEMY]

Don't forget to subscribe if Special Forces is in your future, or if you want to use the lessons learned to crush life!

[@pyeitme508]

Ok cool

[@tgreen603]

Already am sir! I hope one day I can be apart of the brotherhood and join the community! Thank you for sharing your experiences with future warriors!🤙💪👊🙏

[@bdan6954]

@@D0C_MAC let the butt hurt flow through you.

[@soonerfrac4611]

As an MP & DACP I worked with a lot of K9’s, and several guys that were assigned to ODA’s. One guy was on one of the MWD documentaries. Im also positive that the Ranger hero dog Layka is a dog I worked with several times before.

[@tgreen603]

@@soonerfrac4611 I just watched a mwd documentary today. Called war dogs. Two rangers and a guy who he couldn't say the unit was bc it was one of the top tier units like cag etc. But I think it was devgru. Anyways, it's interesting. Check it out

[@abnknyte]

I was K9 in the 82nd, and was tasked with 3rd group two times. Once was a last second fill in, second I was requested. I loved my time working with those insane war fighters in 3rd group and was humbled by their knowledge and experience. I got to meet two SF K9 handlers during my holding time while being briefed/set up with the ODA. Those two were on a TOTALLY different level than me, but 10000% were down to teach me as much as they could with the short amount of time we had. I am going back in this summer as a medic and am putting my packet for selection the moment I can. I want to do 18D, but then K9 and eventually 0A. Your channel has helped me focus and prep.

[@tylerlane4587]

Hey man. Just checking in did ya make it?

[@papyrus2998]

Any updates?

[@the_flow19]

update!!??

[@ImAcHoDe44]

This is exactly what I’m wanting to go to SF for thank you for posting this

[@FNGACADEMY]

you got it!

[@kamlasayeen]

The dick slaps? Yeah me too :)

[@jonathanwatson4859]

Same but I want to be a ranger

[@mcbins1993]

@@kamlasayeen lol

[@stampedeofone]

I like that Buck's takeaway is that he didn't want to get hit by the dog or bit by the handler.

[@FNGACADEMY]

fact!

[@swaffy101]

I was a Marine MWD handler/trainer from 2004-2009. You work with every one! I deployed to Iraq in 2007 and worked with army, Marines, Seals, and riverines. When I got out in 2009 I went contracting in Afghanistan for two years as a handler/trainer. I was attached to 7th group. I was so much fun. They treated me just like a team member, however I didn’t just hangout in my room. I did helped with training ANA, load gun trucks, stood watch on missions, medical training, and formations. If I ever tried to come to a team meeting without my female Malinois Tosca the team sergeant would tell me to go get her because she was on the team.

[@newfyguy2000]

Self mutilating dogs are not as uncommon as you might think. Several dogs had their tails docked for this reason. I currently have a retired working dog with flat teeth because he’d chew on his fence and water bucket.

[@VanillaGorilla502]

I’ve seen that where they’re spinners and but their tails open and then nibble the nub off. 😂 We had one named Bob for that reason

[@soonerfrac4611]

We had a dog, for the life of me I can’t remember her name, but her handler was SSG Lack, that knocked out 2 side windows, one windshield, chewed through at least two of cages in the Tahoe. SSG Lack and his partner deployed to Kosovo and prior the K9 was the gentlest dog we had, afterwards she was very protective of her truck, food bowl, & handler.

[@newfyguy2000]

@@soonerfrac4611 I know Lack. Good dude.

[@soonerfrac4611]

Lack used to ride stand up jet skis, first time I ever rode one. I backed him up when I pulled over a suspected DUI @ 0300 that turned out to be the SNCO for one of the Arab countries on Ft Sill. He was driving 15-20mph UNDER the speed limit on a deserted main road. Driver later said he was “sight seeing.” Had seen him before when I had worked the gate, never saw him again afterwards.

[@soonerfrac4611]

This was 2002-2003 time frame.

[@stephensmith5115]

Sounds like the dog handler taught you some focus

[@thelegendarycamel]

Any chance you'd do a more in depth video about 18-D? Maybe some tips to really prepare as much as possible for SOCM?

[@FNGACADEMY]

Will do

[@newfyguy2000]

I was a military working dog handler from 2004 until my retirement in 2017. During that time I supported both conventional and Special Forces units in Iraq and Afghanistan (3rd, 19th, and 20th groups), as well as the United States Secret Service. Several factors play into the quality of handler and dogs that get attached to units. For a long time handlers were selected from the MP corps and given a skill identifier. Most handlers during that time were senior Specialists or NCOs. In 2012 31K MOS was established and many of the unfit NCOs were culled and the career field was flooded with skill levels ones fresh out of AIT. I think the initial loss of experience has been overcome as those young Privates are now seasoned handlers. The next quality issue comes from the dogs themselves. The military dog center, in San Antonio, is responsible for cranking out large numbers of trained dogs. These dogs are prioritized and special operations units typically get the cream of the crop. Mission sets are another factor. Conventional Army handlers have a strong law enforcement focus in addition to combat tasks. This results in a Jack of all trades master of none dog team. Finally I would like to address the “more of a pet” dogs. When IEDs became a major threat, the Army adopted the Specialized Search Dog program from Brits. These dogs were typically of the hunting breed variety. The were intentionally non-aggression trained so that they could be employed for long-distance off-leash explosives detection searches for IEDs and weapons caches. In whole lack of experience, quality of dogs, mission sets, and dog specialization may all have contributed to your impression.

[@iceman11sdm]

Solid response. Some Tier 1&2 dogs come from different kennels other than San Antonio

[@newfyguy2000]

@@iceman11sdm Absolutely true. San Antonio is really just a dog factory for primarily conventional forces dogs of all branches. Many dogs that go to highly specialized units like the Tier 1 units, are far superior dogs regardless of who's at the other end of the leash. I hate to brag on myself, but I would put my dog handling/training skills against several of the less experienced handlers in the SO community. This isn't to say they aren't far more elite than I am when it comes to their mission set.

[@iceman11sdm]

@@newfyguy2000 do you train now? If so where at?

[@newfyguy2000]

@@iceman11sdm I did briefly after retirement. These day I put much of my effort into investing in rental properties and growing my brewing skill set in hopes of opening a brewery.

[@ryanyefimov1367]

I was litteraly researching this yesterday man, thank you for the info

[@FNGACADEMY]

👊👊

[@roguestudios2189]

I didn't know that SF had dog handlers definitely something to consider

[@FNGACADEMY]

Legit ones

[@kloic9334]

Sure they have k9, in the uk they even have a sas heroic dog who lost member but survived.

[@codyleventhal8350]

@@kloic9334 that's incredible. Love to hear the story if anyone knew

[@acewalkerdog]

Preordered your book, can't wait to give it a read 👍

[@FNGACADEMY]

Thanks man! 👊👊👊

[@codyleventhal8350]

Goals! 18D, sniper, k9 handler. Throw in some specialized schools(dive, mountaineering, mobile, etc.) they're all incredible options. Be blessed to achieve

[@johnshipleyjr614]

These war dogs are amazing GSD,BS,DS Been hanging out with these for over 60 years.

[@danielt.3152]

I love hunting with dogs, I have guided upland tons of upland hunting for quail,pheasant and competed in shoot/retrieve competitions. It is absolutely amazing what a well trained,intelligent dog can do and they will work their hearts out for a human handler. They also have an intuitive sense of what I call “the game” its kinda like they know or understand what the objectives are,follow instructions and execute a plan. Because humans have a eye surrounded by white, the dog can look at your eyes and perceive where you are looking and deduce what you are thinking as well. I have never handled a military dog, but I would assume they can smell bad guys well in advance of you knowing they are there, and that would be a huge advantage. If given a choice between hunting with or without a dog, hands down I want that dog with me. Like Buck said, it raises your confidence tremendously especially if you know that dog can kick ass, really knows how to get at it.

[@gameocalypse6040]

Haha.. perfect, I literally just read a story where a SEAL team 6 canine bit Tom Brady. Just thinking to myself "no way in hell I'd let that happen!" Good to see special forces have them too, hopefully with better results.

[@stephenconnors9097]

Can you do a video on 18Ds, your experience with them, and their training?

[@FNGACADEMY]

will do

[@stephenconnors9097]

@@FNGACADEMY Thanks man. Keep up the good work!

[@travisodr6393]

Some of my best experience was as an MP dog handler assigned to a team for 6mo back in the early 90s

[@FNGACADEMY]

Sounds fun!

[@travisodr6393]

@@FNGACADEMY Was with the 10th when they were based out of Bad Toelz Germany. We were treated well and received some great training.

[@SteamShinobi]

Most important lesson, once you go sof, if you see the K9 ops playing ball with the dogs on off hours, you are often allowed to ask to pet the dogs, and they will let you. It's what's really important in life alright. My knees and spine are temporary, petting dogs is forever.

[@tgreen603]

Wicked. This is narley. I love dogs, I love special forces. This is awesome!

[@codyleventhal8350]

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏YEEEEAAAAHHHHSSSSS this is the type of video I've been craving for and no one has out!!!!🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 thank you🤜🤛

[@tylerreed5132]

Could you make a video on the 160th SOAR and give any information or experience that you have had with them?

[@jefferywilliams4805]

Love the content man! Keep it rolling. Always look forward to your videos 😎

[@FNGACADEMY]

Thanks man 👊

[@markchaires3189]

Couple thoughts, special operators and other forces get dogs from different sources. For example, Mike Ritland used to be under contract for raising/training canines. RE: other military working dogs - some are friendly enough to pet, that doesn't mean they couldn't put a nasty bite on you. I had a mixed bag. Some MWDs are friendly. Some no one but the handler could pet. I think aggressiveness is only one of the metrics you judge a working dog by. Depends on the unit, depends on the mission.

[@mcbins1993]

This is exactly what i needed

[@FNGACADEMY]

👊👊

[@kevinthegrizzly5074]

Thanks 👍🏾 Buck for covering the land sharks from an old 95B K9 handler.

[@FNGACADEMY]

👊👊

[@saragrandma9592]

Thank you for your service. You all so amazing

[@GatFlapper]

dude you might have changed my life course with this one

[@leeshelton8023]

SF k9 was great. K9 rocked.. Hander was great with his k9.

[@philmcaleer6289]

Your videos are getting better every time. You look more comfortable as you do more of theses. Great job!! I’d love to see you interview people too some day.

[@FNGACADEMY]

Thank you! It’s coming!

[@manonfire3339]

Could you talk a little about how the Ranger to Green Beret pipeline looks like? Keep up the good work man. Appreciate you and the time you put into this.

[@exodus9941]

YEAAAAAH

[@brandonjpj1]

loved you on andys podcast man. I was glad you shared your past. I am sure it will help younger dudes realize they can rise above a crappy childhood. I did the same.

[@michaelvarela7931]

Fucking awesome buck!! Can’t wait to go to SFAS.

[@FNGACADEMY]

👊👊

[@bpron836]

Love your videos Buck. This was one of the best ones yet.

[@FNGACADEMY]

Thank you!

[@brandonpike7046]

Cause I saw a SF dog on deployment in Syria and it was the scariest thing I’ve ever seen. They are terrifying

[@GallowsPole805]

I have a retired “patrol” MWD. Combat veteran. Wounded in combat. Reassigned to handler course training aide. Took years of him being used as a training aide in handler courses at Lackland before behaviorist deemed him adoptable. They showed me couple of his evaluation videos before he was slotted for advance training..... I almost said “no f*cking way, I’ll pass on him” after seeing him absolutely wreck the agitator. On a re grip after initial bite he penetrated the sleeve and was stuck to it. TBI, hearing loss, degenerative lumbar, amputated toe, and arthritis took its toll though and although the drive is still there the physical ability is not... he knows it too. Just an old soul now who gets to chew on his sleeve twice a day, hang out with his sister, and enjoy his raw food diet..... but damn he was one scary Malinois in his prime.

[@mvpjordan7584]

this video gave me goosebumps, on top of that, what’s a SF dog handler’s title? 18...?

[@matthewhodges460]

Not SF but I’d guess it’s just another school you get? Hopefully BUCK sees this

[@BlackWhiteboySwagg]

Not a specific MOS. It’s a job you get just like Cadre for SFAS, SUT Cadre, etc.

[@marcsolomon7657]

Keep up the great work! Nothing but love

[@FNGACADEMY]

Thanks brother

[@bittercombatvet7501]

my boy Raph was weapons and eventually SF k9. he came backnto bragg an E8 and just wanted to do dogs and bite cam training

[@tocolee6127]

All I can say is Matt Ritland!

[@danielsullivan7740]

I think his name is Mike though

[@tocolee6127]

@@danielsullivan7740 Yep. Autocorrect. Mike is the Dog whisperer!

[@danielsullivan7740]

@@tocolee6127 I know the struggle. How long to Siri realizes it’s never “ducking” lol

[@tocolee6127]

@@danielsullivan7740 Copy that...I don't allow them voice signature nor devices 🤜🤛

[@VanillaGorilla502]

Yaaasss. Mike is legit.

[@ChatsWorth_Hobbies]

Book ordered! Can’t wait to read it!

[@FNGACADEMY]

Thank you!!!

[@askimask]

Awesomeeee!!!!! THANK YOUUUU

[@FNGACADEMY]

you bet!

[@Dakahrii]

Hey Sean! Really like your videos! Could you do a video on Air Force Pararescue and Delta Force? Thanks!

[@FNGACADEMY]

Coming have some Delta bros scheduled just need to plan the trip

[@Dakahrii]

@@FNGACADEMY Awesome! That's exciting!

[@imnotsmart99]

Great thumbnail. Punched in the junk. Sums up every OER I got

[@FNGACADEMY]

🤣

[@hunterarmstrong7677]

A video on language school would be cool

[@randalldrew7540]

I wasn't SF; however, I was attached to many teams, and I always saw the dogs as a distraction. I'm not trying to put the job down, but in my experience the dogs were always a distraction and held the mission up.

[@ethanreyes4127]

Hey man can you give some added info ? I was interested in becoming a handler in the Ranger Regiment and wasn’t sure how to get the spot whether going in as MP and become 31k and then try to go Regiment or get option 40 and try to get a handler job already being a Ranger, if you can give me some feedback I’d really appreciate it and thank you for your service

[@newfyguy2000]

For those not able to do the 18X pipeline, going 31K for a few years then doing SFAS and Q course might be an option.

[@austinduncan5065]

You killed it like always big Buck.

[@FNGACADEMY]

Thanks homie

[@diddlethepoodle4812]

Damn, Kahn just looks like a savage.

[@karlschofield1238]

Great Videos! Love the content! My son is half way through the pipeline.

[@FNGACADEMY]

nice!

[@karlschofield1238]

@@FNGACADEMY He is past the 1st Physical test a few weeks back. 299 score.

[@karlschofield1238]

@@FNGACADEMY I’m glad he went in as I am retired 26 yrs USAF REDHORSE, father retired security police, brother retired USN Crypto, cousin just retired USN SEALS. Uncle Airborne, Aunt retired army nurse.

[@hurricane_hg4782]

This is dope! Helping me get through MEPS before I ship

[@KaptainPotato]

When he said the dog chewed his own tail off I thought it had to be pasta. Then I saw the picture at the end...

[@odessa222]

Even in regular Army K9 Handler MOS slots are filled immediately so it's hard to obtain.

[@abeelvago]

2:36 dog chews his own tail off... Cadre: * yup, passes selection and Q-Course in one bite *

[@skoverton5553]

Great stuff man I’d heard about this but didn’t know much on it

[@winfieldagonoy8003]

Awesome videos and channel. Thank you!

[@alex_4trth]

Love this channel keep it up dude I appreciate what you are doing. I personally want to go UK SF as that’s where I live. Got any stories or anything about the UK SF guys?

[@jackk5930]

Hey man, love the videos! Would love to see a video on the 18f mos and the pathway to become an 18f because it is not an entry level sf mos. Keep up the good work, it’s a huge help. 👊👊

[@FNGACADEMY]

on it! a lot of you guys are asking for that one!

[@robbland5088]

What is the selection and schooling like to become a k9 handler. Great video. Keep up the great work.

[@user-vt7zt3is3o]

Great video, thanks for the info. 🤙🏻🤙🏻

[@johnnycatR58]

Great video brother. Just waiting for you book to get here.

[@sethrich5998]

When in doubt, Khan out!

[@markchaires3189]

Have mixed thoughts on K9s and high-speed room clearing.

[@kingstoncharles567]

I want to be a k9 handler in RRC this video is pretty close great vid

[@FNGACADEMY]

get it!

[@camerynk1790]

Can you make a video on 18F if you have can I please be pointed in that direction? I love your videos thank you for all your advice!

[@Solly-ow4od]

That would have to be the most amazing job to have.

[@jacksond2020]

Hey Buck can you make a video about officers in SF that are from West Point?

[@FNGACADEMY]

sure

[@indianajones5037]

Did you know Cribben? He was in 10th group

[@Child0ne]

This shit had me dieing I love you buck. After selection I wanna come and meet you

[@huskyaonecee7568]

Please do Special Forces ( Special Operations) Helicopter Pilots!

[@johnsowa999]

Just found your channel amazing content

[@dmunozkuster]

asked a foreign special ops guy once how they breach. He told me they never breach the front door, everyone’s rifles are pointed at that door. They instead blow a hole in the wall. Let’s discuss

[@kylewheeler6751]

Do you think you could do a video on advice or tips for younger guys to get selected? For example 20 to 21 year old e3s trying to drop a packet.

[@saltycelery2045]

Can you do a series where you do an in depth videos about each 18 series mos?

[@TheFoxygrandpa69]

Dang. That would of been cool. Idk ill settle for 18x program. Still feel luck to have the opportunity.

[@lucash2473]

Great video idea

[@byrontovar4497]

Probably that love tap wasn't for the dog, Buck 🤔

[@smoovequinn5732]

Touching khan🐺 was negatively reinforced 😬😂😂

[@docdolittle8057]

Dogs in that picture are the same ones who’s owners will say “he doesn’t bite”. I’m not touching your dog bro. Hahaha, cool video as always

[@huskyaonecee7568]

Wow cool!

[@harveysanchez6993]

Buck can you do a video about reconnaissance as a green beret.

[@FNGACADEMY]

Sure

[@joejoenavy1244]

Book just arrived!!!!

[@Kingofthewildfrontierr]

Kahn sounds like a fucking beast

[@FNGACADEMY]

Facts!

[@bittercombatvet7501]

first time a handler gets a bite cam on a legit target its a Huge celebration kind of deL

[@erikrodriguez5823]

I loved the story the dog chewed his own tail off Sean 🤷‍♂️ I don't know why maybe it looked at him wrong I fuckin died great video man keep it up I'm glad to see your growth and I hope it continues seen a lot of the podcast you've been on recently good shit man also could you do a video of all the additional training and schools you went to after the Q course

[@FNGACADEMY]

Will do, and thank you!

[@erikrodriguez5823]

@@FNGACADEMY You're the best man thank you honestly an inspiration to me and others I plan to enlist sometime in the coming month's with the goal of getting my green beret at some point how ever trying to go in with a plan of attack I know I'm not nearly as in shape as I need to be or mentally strong enough to pass if I'm being realistic so I want to join in as a 68W and put in a few months to a year before trying out for selection end goal I want to be an 18D and get as much training and be amongst some of the best as long as I can remember I've always wanted to be the elite I know it's no CAG but shit it's all good thank you for all the great info man I wish I could speak a lot more because man you rock and to show my appreciation because of all the work you put into reinvesting your time into people and getting the right guys in the community you love

[@wolfden8979]

Can an army national guard SF become a k9 handler?

[@kacyjohnson9537]

great channel

[@marvinlinker6562]

Can you do a video on the most elite SFGs? The SEALS have SEAL Team 6 so i figured SF has their own Tier 1 unit unless that’s just what delta for

[@d3nnis_lin]

it's Delta

[@jimgood1949]

Delta isn’t SF. It is its own, unique, Tier 1 thing. Seal Team 6 is formed with SEALs who were in other teams, but it does not exist in the typical SEAL community, it is also a Tier 1 unit, working for JSOC, as does Delta.

[@ericlandreth7617]

So I know I’m a little late but what other “branch off” jobs/duties are there for Green berets? Like dog handler isn’t it’s own MOS within the green berets you kind of have to make a lateral move so what other things can u make a “lateral” move to?

[@gutterslut83]

I wonder if you knew my little brother. He was a 18E out of Campbell

[@g_f0rce141]

What is his intro music!! It sounds good.

[@devildeathhell547]

Dude thanks now i can train my dog

[@mattliszewski3223]

You have to be enlisted to be a handler right

[@FNGACADEMY]

Yes

[@TheEastbaycop]

Working dogs are the business

[@liam606]

Hey, I know this isn't my content or any of my audience, but I would really appreciate if you could pray that I pass the meps for sf. I'm ready to serve, death or not, but I need to have the meps clear my heart after surgery. If not, I don't care, I still will pray for all of you, God bless!

[@VanillaGorilla502]

Love my Maligator and trust him with my life. 🐕🐊💣🇺🇸

[@alfreditoab48]

Who in the sf team is normally the handler, Is it the 18c? Can any member be a dog handler? For ex, 18D,18F etc Thank You!

[@Fellow_Daoist]

That story of getting hit in the nuts is so funny, haha.

[@tylerlawlerDEVGRU]

Did someone give up their green beret for further rank beyond Captain?

[@edisonmcdaniel4766]

Is khan's handler available love for you or Mike Ritland interview him