Mountain Canine Corps

MC²

Standards

MCC requires that all dog/handler teams satisfactorily pass a mission readiness evaluation (MRE) before they are allowed to deploy on missions. In our experience, all teams require intensive training for a minimum of 1 1/2 to 2 years prior to the evaluation in order to perform satisfactorily.

For the different disciplines, we have different mission readiness standards and the canine's handler and canine together must pass the specific MRE to deploy using those skills. For example, if Mary and Spot pass a tracking/trailing MRE and are current in training, they may deploy on missions using tracking/trailing skills. They may not deploy together as an airscent team or on a cadaver mission. Mary, however, may participate as a support specialist on any mission. Also, the MRE is passed as a team. For example, even if John and Spot have each passed an MRE, they may not deploy as a team on a mission unless they have taken the MRE together.

These standards emphasize the canine search skills; handlers, through team participation, must master all the necessary search and rescue skills, including such skills as map reading, GPS use, and communication protocol, before being granted an evalution.

Airscent MRE (scent specific and scent generic)

Tracking/trailing MRE

Cadaver MRE