The DODMWDVS is the proponent for veterinary medical training of Military Working Dog (MWD) handlers. The new edition of the MWD Handler Training Manual, “Medical Care and Management of Military Working Dogs by Handlers”, supersedes all previous training material and medical care guidance. A brief overview follows but ALL leaders (VCO, 68T, Program Managers and Kennel Masters) are encouraged to read the first 18 pages of the new manual for greater insight into the goals, objectives and proper use of the new training guidance. This is the recommended MWD “first responder” training for handlers, and contains very useful information for combat medics and corpsmen working directly with MWD detachments. Medics and other health care providers should also refer to the updated Health Care Provider MWD Clinical Practice Guidelines, “Clinical Management of Military Working Dogs” 
, posted by the Joint Trauma System in March 2012.
This revision of training for MOS/AFSC/NEC-qualified MWD handlers redirects the focus of medical care provided by handlers to 3 specific areas of concentration: Tactical Combat Casualty Care, non-combat emergency care, and preventive medical care. The tasks have been revised to reflect current practices based on experience with MWDs injured in combat operations. The tasks reflect the most current scope of practice for medical care of MWDs by handlers, and focuses on tasks that are most critical to preservation of life, limb, and eyesight of working dogs. The focus for handlers is to provide the most effective immediate care to prevent further injury, reduce effects of trauma and illness, and stabilize the patient while coordinating rapid evacuation. In conjunction with revised tasks and training focus, the MWD Handler First Aid Kit has been compartmentalized to ensure the exact medical supplies needed to perform every task are available to the handler, but in a format that maximizes flexibility in meeting mission requirements. The MWD handler tasks are directly linked to the components of the MWD Handler First Aid Kit which will become available as a supply item in early CY 2013.
This manual, and the conduct of handler training, is prioritized such that tactical combat casualty care (TCCC) is addressed first, followed by management of non-combat emergency situations, followed by routine preventive care tasks. This reorientation of training priorities emphasizes key tasks by need for emergent care.
• Section 1 addresses Canine Tactical Combat Casualty Care (C-TCCC).
• Section 2 addresses non-combat emergency care.
• Section 3 addresses routine preventive medicine care.
• Section 4 contains all MWD handler task performance measures.
• Section 5 lists the components of the revised MWD Handler First Aid Kit.
The downloadable training manual and PowerPoint® presentations covering 36 individual tasks will be distributed as follows:
1. Direct email to all 64F Veterinary Clinical Specialists.
2. Posted on the DODMWDVS webpage MWD Handler Medical Care 2012 (AKO, password protected)
3. Posted on the Working Dog Management System (WDMS).
a) Logon to the WDMS website.
b) Select the “Library” link (Top Center of Page).
c) Under Categories, click on the “View” link for the “MWD Handler Training”.
d) Select the desired document name link to download the training files.
4. On CDs distributed from DODMWDVS during the MWD Basic Handler Course, the Basic Officer Leadership Course for Veterinary Corps Officers (VCO), the Animal Care Specialist (68T) Basic Course, and the VCO/68T Clinical Proficiency Courses.
The DODMWDVS Director has the responsibility and authority to update the “Medical Care of MWDs by Handlers” Training Manual and associated materials. Send specific questions, comments and recommendations for future updates to the attention of "MWD Handler Medical Care Training" at dog.consult@us.af.mil.