Which regulation directs the Marine Corps MWD program?

• A. MCO 5585.5
• B. MCO 5580.1
• C. MCO 5585.0
• D. MCO 5585.6

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is that the Marine Corps Military Working Dog program is governed by a single Marine Corps Order that lays out all the policy, responsibilities, and standards for running the program. The directive that directs the MWD program is the Marine Corps Order that codifies how the dogs are selected, trained, housed, cared for, deployed, and eventually retired, along with who is responsible for ensuring compliance and readiness.

This specific order provides the detailed requirements for training curricula and certification for both dogs and handlers, kennel operations and veterinary care, welfare standards, and the chain of command for program oversight. Because it directly addresses every aspect of how the MWD program should be organized and operated, it is the document you would reference to understand and apply the program’s guidelines.

The other orders listed concern different Marine Corps topics or programs and do not provide the comprehensive, program-specific guidance for Military Working Dogs, which is why they aren’t the directing regulation for the MWD program.