For thousands of years, people have been working with animals. Animals lighten the load, clear the fields, and serve as companions. But these days, service animals are taking it to a higher level—serving the people of the United States in the armed forces. The United States Navy is a prime example—and where there are animals in the service, there are people training them, caring for them and handling them.

If you’re an animal lover, the Navy may have just the perfect career for you. The Navy uses dogs but also other animals that may seem more appropriate for the sea service—primarily dolphins and California sea lions. Learn about these animals in the Navy, and you’ll carve yourself out a unique niche for future careers. Interested? Read on.

Man’s Best Friend Can Also Be A Sailor’s Best Friend

If you’re the kind of person who always has to have a dog, you know the kind of companion the animal can be. In the Navy, dogs can be the best kind of companion for the sailors who serve in law enforcement positions. More than 400,000 sailors strong, the Navy requires its own enforcement arm. Many of these sailors are trained in handling K-9 dogs. Navy K-9 dogs are skilled in sniffing out bombs and narcotics. The people who are familiar with training and handling these special animals find that they have a unique place in the Navy, and after their Navy careers can go several directions. That specialized training is in high-demand with police units but it also translates well in training service animals.

In today’s world, service animals do everything from chase geese from public ponds to sniffing out bed bugs in upscale hotels. Some dogs can even smell different kinds of cancer or predict seizures. Dogs also still serve very traditional purposes like leading the blind and assisting disabled people with simple tasks. Of course, all of these animals need to be prepared for the job—that’s where you come in.

Taking To The Sea

The United States Navy has a very special program called The Navy Marine Mammal Program or (NMMP) based in San Diego, California. This exciting program uses animals in a whole new way. Specifically, bottle nosed dolphins and California Sea Lions are trained in very specific tasks. The Navy picked these two animals to concentrate on for two reasons. First of all, they have the most incredible in-born sonar system known to man. Secondly, they both have incredible diving abilities. The animals are trained to protect ships and harbors, detect mines and help with equipment recovery. The animals have been used as far back as the Vietnam War and more recently in the Iraq War. With such a cutting edge program, you’re specialized knowledge would serve your country in an exceptional way. The NMMP needs people to not only train the animals but to care for them.

If you’re an animal lover, you need to consider a career in the United States Navy. Not only can you have the opportunity to work with animals, you’ll also be doing something else you can feel proud of: serving your country. A career in the Navy also offers job security, health care for you and your family, housing and a strong retirement plan.

If you’re interested in finding out more about animal careers in the Navy, click HERE.

Photo courtesy of John-Morgan