MCO 5585.5A — Marine Corps Military Working Dog (mwd) Manual

MCO 5585.5A governs the Marine Corps Military Working Dog Program, including its organization, training, operations, facilities, and equipment.

Search MCO 5585.5A

  • Publication number: MCO 5585.5A
  • Title: MARINE CORPS MILITARY WORKING DOG (MWD) MANUAL
  • Date: 7 Apr 2020
  • Proponent: 05000 General Admin & Management
  • Status: Current

View MCO 5585.5A on armypubs.army.mil


The publication addresses MWD team qualifications, validations, certifications, deployment, use of force, searches, medical care, transport, and training aids. It requires documented training and current skill validations for specified MWD utilization, and establishes controls for equipment, facilities, and non-explosive training aid storage.

Applies to: Unless otherwise stated, all provisions of this Order pertain to service members and civilian employees of the United States Marine Corps and are applicable to the Total Force.

Topics covered

  • MWD team validations
  • Deployed MWD teams
  • Use of MWD capability
  • Probable cause searches
  • MWD medical care
  • MWD transport trailers
  • Non-explosive training aid storage
  • WDMS user rights

Questions and answers

What is required during on-the-job training for an MWD handler candidate?

The selected OJT candidate should be assigned to the MWD section for the purposes of familiarization with basic MWD care and an introduction to the requirements of being an MWD handler. (paragraph 1)

Who is responsible for maintaining MWD transport trailers?

The kennel master is responsible to ensure the operator maintenance is conducted on schedule and repairs conducted in accordance with this guide. (paragraph 8)

How long do MWD team validations remain current during deployment?

All of the team validations remain current during a deployment even if the 180 calendar day effective period is exceeded and appears expired in WDMS. (paragraph 6)

When is an MWD team validation immediately revoked?

An MWD team validation will be immediately revoked and annotated in WDMS by the KM when any one of events in table 5-7 occurs. (paragraph 7)

What does probable cause require for an MWD search?

Probable cause requires more than mere suspicion, but does not require evidence beyond a reasonable doubt, which is necessary for conviction of the offense. (paragraph 6)

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