dannieboyuk
Full Registered User
Any RAVC Dog handlers out there that I could pm and ask few questions?
RAVC Dog Handlers
- Thread starter dannieboyuk
- Start date
In whos opinion OH prob RAFPOLIt is a well known fact that RAFPOL dog handlers are better
dannieboyuk
Full Registered User
I am considering joining the Amy and the trade I am most interested in is the RAVC - Dog handler. There is limited information on the net about the DG role and the bumf I have been sent says very little about the RAVC.
I was wondering if there is any Ex or serving RAVC DH’s on here that I could ask some questions regarding this role. There is nothing like get information from some one that’s done or doing the job, any information or views would greatly be appreciated.
Kind regards
Danny
I was wondering if there is any Ex or serving RAVC DH’s on here that I could ask some questions regarding this role. There is nothing like get information from some one that’s done or doing the job, any information or views would greatly be appreciated.
Kind regards
Danny
dannieboyuk
Full Registered User
aes69 - i will PM you
It is a well known fact that RAFPOL dog handlers are better
Yeah I heard that rumour too.... Again it was RAFPOL. Funny that I was his RAVC Instructor eh....
SCT
Security Directors
I’ll try to offer a balanced view to HM Forces canine operations. I’m sure those with biased views will add their opinions, but it will eventually boil down to what you want out of the whole experience, not just the trade!
RAVC are the premier professional handler/trainers within the armed forces. I use the word premier, as they are the lead unit with a whole infrastructure dedicated to canine services and support. As the Corps is small, promotion is very quick (18 months -3 year’s approx between ranks) and the courses are generally all completed within the first 3-5 years in. Quals available are Class 3 Dog Handler – basic handling of patrol dogs (approx 9 weeks long). Class 2 is a workbook-based qual, and Class 1 is a 6-week course, (1-week instructor trg, 1-week theory and 4 weeks vehicle search course). In addition, there are tracker courses (4 weeks); Arms & Explosives search courses AES (15 weeks) and one or two other specialist courses that aren’t for web publication.
You will without doubt rotate through Afghan on a very regular basis, completing a minimum of 6 months per tour. Ops tours are where you will learn your trade, and fast! You will be at the cutting edge and be under no illusion, the job is dangerous! You will be deployed in hostile environments and when you have your spec (specialist courses); you will be the one out the front looking for things that go pop!
As a Spec handler, you will save lives!
When not on tour, you will be a road sweep, a dog walker, a general dog’s body with SOME opportunity for further courses & education.
You may have the chance to come back to the DAC as a trainer or instructor. This is where you’ll complete the circle so to speak! Many people can handle a dog, but not many can train them! You’ll be able to use your Ops experience to train the dogs & students for the real job rather than from the manual.
In broad terms, the Army is a great place to learn your trade. Does it treat its people the way the other 2 Services do, not even close.
In summary, quick promotion, quicker courses, vast exposure to Ops, poorly treated (compared to other branches) and as is demonstrated on these types of forums, not held in the highest of regard.
RAF Police is you second best chance of handling dogs. Their quals are basic patrol dogs (3-weeks now possibly moving to 9-weeks), vehicle search VS (4-weeks) drugs detection DD (9-weeks), police dog PD (9-weeks), AES (15-weeks), kennel manager (1-week) and if you’re lucky enough, Force dog inspector PMDI (1-week). However, you HAVE to become a Service Police NCO first (24-weeks).
The RAF Police don’t deploy on Ops (with dogs) as often as the RAVC, and some of their roles are more limited in theatre. However, you will be employed 365 days a year as a dog handler.
Promotion is slower (although getting better and you start at Corporal), getting a spec qual is slower, but you will be training your dog every week to standards that are far higher than the basic dog the RAVC handle.
The RAF in general treats their troops better, and there’s more chance to diversify in the police. Special Investigations, Counter Intelligence, Tactical Policing, Computer Security, Forensics etc. In essence, within the RAF Police, their trade specialisations cover the RAF for what the Royal Military Police, RAVC, Intelligence Corps and one or two others provide the army.
As I asked earlier, what do you want out of your job? You don’t work 24hrs a day, and you have to be able to enjoy your down time. Are you looking at 2 years ahead, or 22 years ahead? The army promotion system is quicker, because after 22 years they’re out! The RAF is slower, but then you can complete 34 years service with them!
When you leave whatever branch you opt for, what will you have in your back pocket to sell yourself to your next employer? There are respected ex RAVC & RAF Police handlers who run K9 companies within the UK, but look at the bigger ones.
Wagtail, Chilport and Watch Dog to name a few are all owned, managed or have in senior positions ex Service personnel.
Don’t look at what you can get quick, look at your future and what suits your needs. Moreover, please ask as many questions as you can, it’s the only way you’ll learn before signing on the dotted line.
RAVC are the premier professional handler/trainers within the armed forces. I use the word premier, as they are the lead unit with a whole infrastructure dedicated to canine services and support. As the Corps is small, promotion is very quick (18 months -3 year’s approx between ranks) and the courses are generally all completed within the first 3-5 years in. Quals available are Class 3 Dog Handler – basic handling of patrol dogs (approx 9 weeks long). Class 2 is a workbook-based qual, and Class 1 is a 6-week course, (1-week instructor trg, 1-week theory and 4 weeks vehicle search course). In addition, there are tracker courses (4 weeks); Arms & Explosives search courses AES (15 weeks) and one or two other specialist courses that aren’t for web publication.
You will without doubt rotate through Afghan on a very regular basis, completing a minimum of 6 months per tour. Ops tours are where you will learn your trade, and fast! You will be at the cutting edge and be under no illusion, the job is dangerous! You will be deployed in hostile environments and when you have your spec (specialist courses); you will be the one out the front looking for things that go pop!
As a Spec handler, you will save lives!
When not on tour, you will be a road sweep, a dog walker, a general dog’s body with SOME opportunity for further courses & education.
You may have the chance to come back to the DAC as a trainer or instructor. This is where you’ll complete the circle so to speak! Many people can handle a dog, but not many can train them! You’ll be able to use your Ops experience to train the dogs & students for the real job rather than from the manual.
In broad terms, the Army is a great place to learn your trade. Does it treat its people the way the other 2 Services do, not even close.
In summary, quick promotion, quicker courses, vast exposure to Ops, poorly treated (compared to other branches) and as is demonstrated on these types of forums, not held in the highest of regard.
RAF Police is you second best chance of handling dogs. Their quals are basic patrol dogs (3-weeks now possibly moving to 9-weeks), vehicle search VS (4-weeks) drugs detection DD (9-weeks), police dog PD (9-weeks), AES (15-weeks), kennel manager (1-week) and if you’re lucky enough, Force dog inspector PMDI (1-week). However, you HAVE to become a Service Police NCO first (24-weeks).
The RAF Police don’t deploy on Ops (with dogs) as often as the RAVC, and some of their roles are more limited in theatre. However, you will be employed 365 days a year as a dog handler.
Promotion is slower (although getting better and you start at Corporal), getting a spec qual is slower, but you will be training your dog every week to standards that are far higher than the basic dog the RAVC handle.
The RAF in general treats their troops better, and there’s more chance to diversify in the police. Special Investigations, Counter Intelligence, Tactical Policing, Computer Security, Forensics etc. In essence, within the RAF Police, their trade specialisations cover the RAF for what the Royal Military Police, RAVC, Intelligence Corps and one or two others provide the army.
As I asked earlier, what do you want out of your job? You don’t work 24hrs a day, and you have to be able to enjoy your down time. Are you looking at 2 years ahead, or 22 years ahead? The army promotion system is quicker, because after 22 years they’re out! The RAF is slower, but then you can complete 34 years service with them!
When you leave whatever branch you opt for, what will you have in your back pocket to sell yourself to your next employer? There are respected ex RAVC & RAF Police handlers who run K9 companies within the UK, but look at the bigger ones.
Wagtail, Chilport and Watch Dog to name a few are all owned, managed or have in senior positions ex Service personnel.
Don’t look at what you can get quick, look at your future and what suits your needs. Moreover, please ask as many questions as you can, it’s the only way you’ll learn before signing on the dotted line.
ha ha I can concur with that one, Brize Norton was a holiday camp for four weeks away from Depot Para!!!
aes69 thanks very informative post and never knew the RAF was 34 years !!!
Thats 'institutionalised' if I ever did see it!!!
Last edited:
dannieboyuk
Full Registered User
Thanks for the information that answers a lot of my questions. In those paragraphs I have lent more about the RAVC and there role than then information they have sent me!
Thanks
Danny
Thanks
Danny
ginsterboy
Full Registered User
Yet again aes69 I agree entirely with your reply. I was attached to RAVC for eight years as a spec handler and think its the worst unit I ever worked for in my 19 years service. If I could do it over again then i would take the RAF route as they seem to have the best postings and were treated well.The other route is RMP but its a bit harder to become a handler not as many posts. Do u know Andy lewis