In commands not assigned a kennel master, who assumes that responsibility?

In commands that do not have a designated kennel master, the responsibility for managing the kennel typically falls to the senior handler. This individual is usually the most experienced and knowledgeable among the handlers and is trusted to ensure that the kennel operations run smoothly, including the care and handling of the military working dogs, training coordination, and overall kennel management.

By defaulting this responsibility to the senior handler, the command ensures that an experienced member is in charge, which helps maintain high standards of care and training for the canines. This arrangement allows for continuity in leadership and expertise, especially in the absence of a formally assigned kennel master.

Other roles, such as a rookie handler, chief of security, or training officer, may have responsibilities within the security or training framework, but these positions do not carry the same level of direct experience or authority in kennel management as that of the senior handler. This structure reinforces the importance of experience and hierarchy within the kennel operations, which are crucial for effective functioning in the context of military working dog programs.