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Navy Certifies First Master Military Working Dog Trainer

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS101102-09
11/2/2010

By Yeoman Seaman Steven Cooney, Center for Security Forces Public Affairs

SAN ANTONIO (NNS) -- The Navy certified the first master military working dog (MWD) trainer (MMWDT) at Naval Technical Training Center Lackland in San Antonio Oct. 22.

The distinguished honor was achieved by Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Luis Reyes.

Reyes is the Navy's first MMWDT and the 23rd MMWDT in the entire Department of Defense.

"The most challenging part?" said Rayes. "Having to prove myself and be the first for the Navy."

A MMWDT, or more commonly known as "Red Patch," is recognized for superior performance, ethics and leadership, while serving as a MWD trainer.

"To be a 'Red Patch' means you are the subject matter expert at training military working dogs,the go to guy," said Reyes. "You're not only an expert with handling and training MWDs, but also at training new MWD handlers just coming into the program."

The MWD handler course is a 77-day course of instruction that is designed to train and qualify personnel in the handling of MWDs for patrol and detection of drugs and/or explosives.

"It's the job itself, going out and detecting bombs to prevent a tragedy or terrorist attack means a lot, and that's why I do it," said Reyes, when asked what he enjoyed the most about becoming a "Red Patch."