Preparing for Air Force Weapons Training

Preparing for Air Force Weapons Training Preparing for Air Force Weapons Training Okay, okay, we cant teach you how to shoot an M-16 rifle through an online course or article. Youll have to wait until you get to basic training for some hands-on experience. Everyone in Air Force Basic Training fires the M-16 rifle on a standardized Air Force firing course. By standardized, it means it qualifies as a regular Air Force qualification. That means (if you shoot good enough), you can qualify as an expert, and be awarded the Air Force Small Arms Expert Ribbon. In basic training, the M-16 was initially the only weapon you were trained to fire. As of November 2008, recruits in Air Force Basic Training were also required to fire the M-9 pistol. For about 80 percent of you, the M-16 and the M-9 will be the only weapons you will ever fire during your entire Air Force career. Certain career fields (such as Security Forces, Pararescue, Combat Controller), need to qualify on other weapons, as well, such as the M-4 Carbine, or even the M-249 Machine Gun. These folks will initially qualify with these weapons during technical training, and periodically throughout their career. How often you must qualify with the M-16, (and/or the M-9) after basic training, depends primarily on your job, your unit of assignment, and/or your deployment availability status. For most of you, youll shoot the M-16 once per year. Those assigned to specific types of deployment duties (such as classified courier duty), will also periodically re-qualify with the M-9 pistol). Air Force Manual 36-2227 governs the Air Force Small Arms Training Program, Volume 2, Combat Arms Training and Maintenance Training Programs. The M-16 training procedures are contained in Chapter One of this publication. As we said above, there is no way we can teach you how to handle and fire the M-16 Rifle over the Internet. In fact, during AFBMT, youll spend about six hours in the classroom, learning how to do this before you even get to fire one round. What we can do is briefly describe the range procedures, so that everything will be just a little more familiar to you when you get your chance to attend this training. The M-16 Rifle The M-16 rifle is a magazine-fed (box type magazine, 30 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition), gas operated, air-cooled shoulder weapon. It is capable of being fired either semi-automatically or automatic 3-round bursts. It has a maximum effective range of 550 meters. The barrel is surrounded by a heat-resistant, polycarbonate material that serves as a hand and forearm guard. The buttstock is also made of a durable polycarbonate material of high impact strength. The weapon weighs 8.5 pounds unloaded; loaded, it weighs 8.79 pounds. Accessories that can be used with the weapon include the bipod, bayonet, M204 40mm grenade launcher, and night vision devices. The Air Force Qualification Course During the actual firing, you will fire a total of 80 rounds at a man-sized target (upper body only) at ranges from 75 meters to 300 meters (remember a meter is just a tad longer than a yard 1 meter 1.094 yards). The range at Lackland is a short range so that you will be firing from only 25 yards away, however, the target sizes are shrunk to represent the proper sizes at the specified distances (75 meters, 175 meters, and 300 meters). Heres how the shot groups break down: Phase I Battle Sight Grouping and Zero During this phase, you are sighting in the rifle. After each shot group, you (and the instructor) will examine the target. The instructor will give you advice (breathing properly, jerking the trigger) to correct anything that you are doing wrong. Additionally, the instructor will tell you how to adjust your sights, to correct your grouping. All of the shots in Phase I are in the prone, supported position. That means you are lying on the ground, on your stomach at a slight angle to the target, with your rifle supported on top of a sandbag. The targets for this phase are all man-sized targets at 75 meters. 4 rounds (one magazine with 4 rounds loaded) at 75 meters. Check target and make sight adjustments.3 rounds (one magazine with 3 rounds loaded) at 75 meters. Check target and make sight adjustments.3 rounds (one magazine with 3 rounds loaded) at 75 meters. Check target and make sight adjustments.3 rounds (one magazine with 3 rounds loaded) at 75 meters. Check target and make sight adjustments.3 rounds (one magazine with 3 rounds loaded) at 75 meters. Check target and make sight adjustments.16 Total Rounds Phase II - Practice During the practice phase, you fire a total of 24 rounds from 4 different positions. A couple of twists are thrown in here first of all, each round is timed, and youll have to reload a fresh magazine during the round. Keep your head and dont rush, as there is plenty of time to make your shots count and still change the magazine and shoot again within the prescribed time limit. During the practice round, you fire at a man-sized target at 175 meters. Prone Supported - 6 rounds (two magazines with 3 rounds loaded in each), at 175 meters. 50 second time limit.Prone Supported - 6 rounds (two magazines with 3 rounds loaded in each), at 175 meters. 50 second time limit.Kneeling Supported - 6 rounds (two magazines with 3 rounds loaded in each), at 175 meters. 50 second time limit.Over Barricade Supported - 6 rounds (two magazines with 3 rounds loaded in each), at 175 meters. 50 second time limit.24 Total Rounds Phase III - Qualification It is the phase that counts. You will fire a total of 40 rounds at a man-sized target at 300 meters. To pass  the qualification course, you must hit the target at least 20 times. Those who hit the target at least 35 times qualify for the Small Arms Expert Ribbon. Prone Supported - 10 rounds (one 4-round magazine, two 3-round magazines), at 300 meters. 90 second time limit.Prone Unsupported - 10 rounds (one 4-round magazine, two 3-round magazines), at 300 meters. 90 second time limit.Kneeling Supported - 10 rounds (one 4-round magazine, two 3-round magazines), at 300 meters. 90 second time limit.Over Barricade Supported - 10 rounds (one 4-round magazine, two 3-round magazines), at 300 meters. 90 second time limit.40 Total Round Some Firing Tips Sight Alignment Sight alignment is accomplished by aligning the front and rear sight. The front sight post will be aligned directly in the center of the rear sight. Once this is accomplished, the shooter will then need to concentrate on the front sight until it is crystal clear. It is accomplished by placing your face on the stock of the rifle approximately 2 to 3 fingers away from the charging handle. If your face is farther away, proper sight alignment will be difficult. Sight Picture   The sight picture is simply the addition of the target to the sight alignment. Once the front and rear sights are aligned, place them on the target. The front sight post will cover up the bottom half of the target. You will not cover the entire target with the front sight post. The front sight must remain crystal clear when aiming at the target, and the target will remain blurry. Wobble Area When you aim at the target, notice your front sight wobbles back and forth. It is caused by heartbeat and muscle fatigue - It cant be stopped, ignore it. Breath Control Hold your breath while firing any shot. Take a deep breath, let it out until you reach your natural respiratory pause, and then hold it. Relax all muscles in your body, and begin your trigger squeeze. Trigger Control Accomplished by applying slow, steady pressure to the trigger. There should be a 4 to 6 second period from the time you start applying pressure to the time the weapon fires. Do not take your finger off the trigger completely when releasing the pressure on the trigger. Anticipation Concentrate on the front sight. Keep it aligned as your finger eases the trigger back. Do not anticipate the weapon going off let it surprise you. Follow Through Keep your face on the stock and your firing and support hands in place throughout the movement of your weapon.

Customize this Outstanding Staff Accountant Resume Sample

Customize this Outstanding Staff Accountant Resume Sample Customize this Outstanding Staff Accountant Resume Sample If you are embarking upon your job search, you probably figured out the importance of presenting a stellar resume. For many people, knowing their resume can make all the difference creates a lot of stress. Getting good resume advice can help you begin composing your own resume. However, many jobseekers encounter difficulty trying to apply all the guidelines they see.Our staff accountant resume sample paints the proverbial picture that is worth a thousand words. Reviewing an example of good resume writing can lead to a better understanding of what resume writing tips try to tell you. Additionally, our resume builder provides yet another valuable resource as you strive to perfect your resume.Create Resume Jeremy Henderson100 Broadway LaneNew Parkland, CA, 91010Cell: (555) 987-1234j_henderson@example.comProfessional SummaryDetail-oriented Staff Accountant who has a track record of conducting accurate audits and providing reliable spreadsheets. Adept and providing budgeting numbers, wor king on revenue projections and compiling payroll information. Specializes in budget reports and income summaries.Core QualificationsExceptional computer spreadsheet skillsStrong analytical abilitiesAble to translate data from large spreadsheetsWorks well in groups up against tight deadlinesPerforms very well in pressure situationsAlways checks calculations before submitting any workExperienceStaff Accountant, March 2011 February 2015Genes Manufacturing New Cityland, CAAssisted in compiling all monthly payroll spreadsheets and creating a summary for management.Worked closely with departmental managers during budget season.Part of a special team that would develop a quarterly revenue summary for management.Staff Accountant, June 1998 April 2005Bridget Incorporated New Cityland, CADeveloped spreadsheets for departmental managers that tracked budget usage.Worked closely with executive team to help create inventory tracking sheets that were summarized each quarter.Education1998 Bach elor of Science, AccountingGreenwich University New Cityland, CACustomize ResumeWhy Is This a Good Staff Accountant Resume Sample?This resume sample gets off to a strong start with a great professional summary. The applicant follows the formatting convention for a summary, using three sentences without pronouns to deliver a compact message showcasing his qualifications. He includes top skills such as budgeting as well as core deliverables such as accurate audits. The next section should cover essential skills, which some resumes headline as core qualifications. The staff accountant resume sample draws attention to professional skills that help this staff accountant deliver top job performance. In this mix of specialized and general skills, the applicant takes care to relate the general skills to performance in his field. For example, instead of just stating he is organized, he tells employers he works well in groups to complete projects on tight deadlines.The experience section you see here demonstrates proper formatting and use of bullet points to mark each sentence. The applicant includes relevant employer information, including its name, location, his position, and dates of employment.This staff accountant resume sample also presents a great example of enhancing a work history section by leaving something out. This applicant shows a six-year employment gap. In his situation, many jobseekers feel tempted to include an explanation on their resumes, which would be a mistake. If you have an employment gap, resist the desire to fill it with an explanation or a whimsical description of your activities during this time. You may instead choose to include a brief explanation in your cover letter or prepare to address this issue during your interview.In addition to relating major job duties, your work history section should contain any special achievements or projects. The applicant in our sample included selection for a special team; other types of accomplishments could include delivering outstanding results, receiving professional recognition or successfully overcoming an unusual challenge.Why You Need a Strong Staff Accountant ResumeAccountants of all types can expect their field to expand, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. The BLS cites increasing globalization, proliferation of tax regulations, and economic growth as major factors leading to increased demand in this field. Thus, while accountants may see more job openings, they may face employers who look for specific skills they deem necessary for success in this changing environment.Your resume should clearly demonstrate that you have the right qualities to perform your job. Staff accountants must possess organizational skills that include attention to detail and the ability to understand and analyze large quantities of data. Use this staff accountant resume sample to assess your own resume and make necessary changes.Costly Staff Accountant Resume Mistakes To AvoidEven a great resume can fall flat when the jobseeker neglects to get rid of glaring errors. Meticulously review your resume to ensure freedom from substantive and formatting mistakes. This includes typos and sloppy formatting. Remember to check your facts carefully, as any inaccuracy concerning your employment may strike potential employers as an attempt to mislead them.In addition to general resume missteps, consider the demands of your particular field. Staff accountants must possess a heightened attention to detail and an awareness of the importance of compliance with highly complex rules. Your resume should embody these qualities in its neatness and lack of errors. As you do not work in a creative industry, resist any impulse to embellish your resume with fonts, spacing, or illustrations, as any of these tend to project a lack of seriousness. Following the example of our staff accountant resume sample, do include general interpersonal and organizational skills. Some in-demand skills in clude teamwork, communication, and working well under pressure.ConclusionApproaching resume composition methodically and using the right tools can help you come up with an outstanding job application employers will notice. Both formatting and content affect how employers view your application, so using an example such as our staff accountant resume sample can help you perfect both aspects of your own.Staff Accountant Resume Questions  1. Whats the best length for a staff accountant resume?Your resume has to house a lot of information. It may seem daunting to fit all of your professional experiences, skills, and accomplishments on a single page, but often thats exactly what hiring managers want to see. The staff accountant resume sample shows a great use of a single page. Of course, not everyone has to stick to the one-page rule.Remember, you can break certain resume writing rules if it makes sense for your experience. If you have between 10 and 25 years of related experience, you ma y get more out of a two-page document because it gives you adequate space to detail your work history.2. Which skills are the best to list on a staff accountant resume?You can find out which skills the hiring manager most wants to see by reading through the job description. Every company may look for different qualities in an employee, so the skills list for a staff accountant may not be universal. However, you can use the staff accountant resume sample and the following list to get a good idea of skills you could include if theyre applicable to you.Accountants need to be analytical, good with math, organized, and detail oriented to be successful. You may also want to point out your communication, leadership, computer, and teamwork skills.3. What sections should you include in your staff accountant resume?Every resume should point out the specific skills and experiences important to an employer. This means you may have several versions of your resume with different sections. If you look at the staff accountant resume sample, you can see the main areas you may want to include.4. What goes in the header of a staff accountant resume?Most often, hiring managers expect to see professional summary, skills, experience, and education sections. Your document should always include a header full of contact information. Depending on your experience and what the recruiter wants in a candidate, you could also include awards, hobbies and interests, certifications, and professional affiliations and memberships.The header gives you the perfect space to showcase your contact information. The staff accountant resume sample provides a great example of what you should include. The header should always list your full name, the city and state you live in, a good telephone number, and a professional email address. If applicable, you may also include a link to a professional website or online resume.5. Whats the best way to list certifications on your staff accountant resume?As an acc ountant, your certifications, licenses, and trainings can set you apart from the competition. While the staff accountant resume sample doesnt list any certifications, you should include this information if applicable. The best way to emphasize this experience is to create a special certifications section on your document. However, you can also incorporate this education-like experience into your education section. You can effortlessly learn how to list your certifications if you use our resume builder.

Customize this Professional Case Manager Resume Sample

Customize this Professional Case Manager Resume Sample Customize this Professional Case Manager Resume Sample Create Resume Rebekah Murphy100 Broadway LaneNew Parkland, CA, 91010Cell: (555) 987-1234example-email@example.comProfessional SummaryDiversely skilled Case Manager with background of behavioral, drug recovery and veteran-specific therapeutic care supervision. Comfortable with provision of care and caseload management within both home settings and formal treatment facilities. Military hospital experience as civilian nursing care provider to military members and their families.Core QualificationsNextGen EMRHIPAA ComplianceTreatment PlanningPTSD Crisis ManagementDepression ScreeningsSuicide Risk AssessmentExperienceCase Manager, August 2009 â€" May 2015Visiting Friends Veterans Care â€" New Cityland, CAManaged average caseload of 50 disabled veterans, active duty military and their families as part of home provided care for PTSD and combat-associated disorders.Ensured veteran or active duty member well being; provided depression screenings, suicide risk assessments, medications adminis tration, behavioral therapy referrals and other services toward alleviation of post-traumatic stress symptoms.Assisted with compilation, submission and tracking of Veterans Administration benefits paperwork for severely affected combat veterans.Provided routine checks for individual and family well-being, gained status reports regarding therapies and behaviors and responded to suicide risk calls.Case Manager, April 2005 â€" August 2009Fort Cityland Army Hospital â€" New Cityland, CAProvided both clinical and home visit case management of Army patients with PTSD, depression or other behavioral concerns.Collaborated with physicians, psychiatrists, therapists, military supervisors and others to ensure adequate provision of combat veteran care toward timely deployment readiness.Education2005 Bachelors of Science, NursingUniversity of California New Cityland, CA2003 Bachelors of Science, SociologyUniversity of California New Cityland, CACustomize Resume

Statistics and data science degrees Overhyped or the real deal

Statistics and data science degrees Overhyped or the real deal Statistics and data science degrees Overhyped or the real deal “Data science” is hot right now. The number of undergraduate degrees in statistics has  tripled  in the past decade, and as a statistics professor, I can tell you that it isn’t because freshmen love statistics.Way back in 2009, economist Hal Varian of Google dubbed statistician the “next sexy job.” Since then, statistician, data scientist and actuary have topped various “best jobs” lists. Not to mention the enthusiastic press coverage of industry applications:  Machine learning!  Big data!  AI!  Deep learning!But is it good advice? I’m going to voice an unpopular opinion for the sake of starting a conversation. Stats is indeed useful, but not in the way that the popular media â€" and all those online data science degree programs â€" seem to suggest.Super-employeesWhile all the press tends to go to the sensationalist applications â€"  computers that watch cat videos, anyone? â€" the data science boom reflects a broad increase in demand for data literacy, as a baseline requirement for modern jobs.The “big data era” doesn’t just mean  large amounts of data; it also means increased ease and ability to collect data of all types, in all walks of life. Although the  big five  tech companies â€" Google, Apple, Amazon, Facebook and Microsoft â€" represent about 10 percent of the U.S. market cap and dominate the public imagination, they employ only one-half of one percent of all employees.Therefore, to be a true revolution, data science will need to infiltrate nontech industries. And it is. The U.S. has seen its impact on  political campaigns. I myself have consulted in the  medical devices sector. A few years back,  Walmart held a data analysis competition  as a recruiting tool. The need for people that can dig into the data and parse it is everywhere.In a speech  at the National Academy of Sciences in 2015, Steven “Freakonomics” Levitt related his insights about the need for data-savvy workers, based on his experience as a sought-after consult ant in fields ranging from the airline industry to fast food. He concluded that the next-generation super-employee is someone with a bit of business sense, a bit of computing know-how and a bit of statistics under his or her belt.Data is increasingly being called on to inform all our decisions. But this broad utility means that it isn’t sexy. The sexy jobs â€" working on  self-driving cars  or  Go-playing computers  â€" are going to  require more  than an undergrad major in statistics or a week-long bootcamp on prediction using  Python. In fact, I was once told by an industry colleague that the term “data scientist” was coined to placate Ph.D. physicists who were tasked with running  linear regressions  all day long.So, the way I see it, there will be egghead types off at the edge of the field, and there will some folks doing the necessary drudge work, and there will be a lot of people in between, looking carefully at the data and trying to glean useful insights. But â€" and t his is the big point â€" everyone had better know how to make  basic graphs  and poke around a  database.So where do I sign up?Five years ago there was no such thing as a data science degree, and now  the list  runs for pages and pages. And that’s not counting the traditional statistics programs, or programs in related subjects like computer science or operations research. LinkedIn’s sidebar strongly feels I should consider an online master’s degree in data analytics, from several different places.The proliferation of these programs speaks to the inadequacy of many people’s undergraduate educations in terms of statistics and data competency. Although stats majors have tripled, there were only 3,000 last year, compared to  370,000 business degrees and 117,000 psych degrees. More of these students should certainly give statistics (or one of the newer data science degrees) a hard look, given that a bachelor’s degree is borderline  compulsory  these days.But I worry that the p remise behind the appeal of these degrees â€" especially at the master’s level â€" is the idea that the technology alone can solve problems. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Statistics is a tool for understanding data, but cannot by itself understand anything. Probably the biggest mistake people make when applying statistical or machine learning methods is not recognizing that the data being analyzed is insufficient to answer the relevant question. A degree that teaches you only about the hottest predictive analytics technology, like  deep learning, is a bit like learning how to drive without knowing the first thing about how to navigate.Setting realistic expectations for the added value of a statistics education is important to me because I’m a true believer. I feel that more people should learn statistics and how to analyze data because it is a powerful way to understand modern life. In addition to boosting one’s job prospects, a statistics education can teach you wh en to  ignore your doctor’s bad advice, help you understand important financial ideas and, in general, help you be  wrong less often. These real virtues are undermined by big data hype.So yes, lots more folks are studying statistics at the college level than in the past and, absolutely, even more people should be. But I think focusing on the surge in data science specialists is misinterpreting the nature of the demand. Everyone should have more of these skills, even if it isn’t their primary job title.P. Richard Hahn, Associate Professor of Statistics, Arizona State UniversityThis article is republished from  The Conversation  under a Creative Commons license. Read the  original article.

Taking Ownership of Your Career in 2019

Taking Ownership of Your Career in 2019 Taking Ownership of Your Career in 2019 1If you’ve resolved to take control over your health, your home, or even your finances this year, here’s another smart thing to add to the list: your career. By taking ownership of your career, you’ll set yourself up for success in so many ways, from being more satisfied in your job to even having better work-life balance, as well. At least, that’s the message shared in the Forbes article titled, “Resolve to Take Ownership Of Your Career- Whatever Your Generation.” While the information in the article is broken down according to generations (i.e., boomers, gen Xers, and millennials), anyone at any age and stage in their career can utilize these tips to create their dream career! Stick to the skills. More than ever, employers are looking at the skills that job candidates possess and how they can be applied to the job they’re interested in. So take stock of your skills to see how you can use them to your best professional advantage. If you’re looking for a remote job for the first time, it’s important to highlight those soft skills that can make you more marketable (such as your ability to self-manage, your knack for effortless communication, and your desire to be a team player in a remote work environment). And if you’re planning on a career change, transferable skills (i.e., the skills that you had in your previous job that can apply to the job and career you’re after) are what you need to highlight on your job application. Pay it forward. When it comes to your career, chances are you’ve had some help along the way. Be it a mentor, well-meaning friends who’ve recommended you for jobs, colleagues who were quick to give you a recommendation- even a former boss who vouched for your excellent work ethic- all contributed to the professional you are today. That’s why you need to acknowledge those who have done you a solid by doing something positive for someone else. Maybe you can offer someone who’s just entering your career field some inside tips on how to succeed, or pass along a lead on job that isn’t quite right for you to a fellow job seeker. Assess your career. No matter what point in your career you find yourself, it’s always a good idea to step back and do a career assessment. Are you happy in your industry, or are you feeling more been there, done that? Just because you’ve always worked in one field doesn’t mean that you’re married to it for your entire career. If you find that your field isn’t quite a fit anymore, ask yourself why. Maybe you’re stuck in an inflexible 9-to-5 job (but still love what you do). In that case, you might need to look for a remote job in your industry. Or maybe a part-time position would be better for you at this juncture. Or it might be that you’re looking for something….else. Going over your professional past can help prepare you for a fantastic future. Make your portfolio your priority. In an ideal world, many job seekers would like a full-time job with dreamy benefits. But for some (particularly older workers), landing a full-time job can be challenging. Instead of focusing on full-time employment, think about making a portfolio career instead. Create a portfolio of work that represents all of your skills, education, and experience that will make you more marketable for a wider range of jobs than those just found in your field. Can’t find a full-time job despite your best efforts? You might choose two part-time jobs that equal your desired full-time salary- but give you work-life balance and additional education and experience you might not have gleaned from just one gig. So whether youre searching for full-time work or a side hustle, flexible work options are a must for 2019. After all, being able to work remotely gives you ownership over your career- and allows you to live your best life, too. Wish you could talk through your job search and career questions with someone? SIGN UP FOR CAREER COACHING

How to Prepare With a Mock Job Interview

How to Prepare With a Mock Job Interview How to Prepare With a Mock Job Interview “By failing to prepare, you’re preparing to fail.” One of the most valuable steps a job seeker can do to prepare for an interview is to have a mock interview. A mock interview imitates a real interview as much as possible. Here is a guideline you can follow to make sure your mock interview is a success and ultimately bring you closer to acing your job interview. Ask the right person The key to an effective mock interview is finding the right person to interview you. The person should match as closely as possible to the hiring manager of the job. While interviewing with friends at the same job level can be helpful, choosing someone with the same experience as the hiring manager will be the most valuable because they know what they’re looking for in a candidate. For example, if you’re applying for a business development representative role, a business development manger or higher will be ideal. Colleagues who are business development representatives might be helpful because they know what types of questions the hiring manager will ask, but they might not have the insight on what the best answers might be for the questions. Prepare for the mock interview To get the most out of a mock interview, plan beforehand. Send your mock interviewer a copy of the job description and your resume. Ask them to come up with at least 10 questions an interviewer might ask. On your own, practice with questions you think will most likely be asked during questions with other friends. Prepare for the mock interview as you would prepare for a real interview. Imitate a real interview as much as possible The setup of your mock interview should mimic a real interview as much as possible. Have the interview in a quiet room and wear your professional interview outfit. Although the person mock interviewing you might know you very well, act like the person is someone you just met. If you mess up one of your answers you have to keep going, and you can’t ask your mock interviewer for a re-do. The mock interview is ultimately the same as a real interview. Ask for feedback After your mock interview ask your colleague to go into as much detailed feedback as possible. Did you sound nervous? Was your interview outfit professional? How can you make your answers better? If possible, ask them if they can do another mock interview in a day or two and see how you progressed.

How to Start a Dog Boarding Business

How to Start a Dog Boarding Business How to Start a Dog Boarding Business The American Pet Products Association reports that the category of “pet services” is one of the fastest-growing segments of the pet industry, and boarding services represent a key component of this growth.  You can start your own profitable dog boarding business by following a few simple steps. Gain Experience If you plan to open a boarding kennel, you should gain experience working for an established operation if possible. You should also have a good knowledge of animal behavior, animal health, and facility maintenance (or hire qualified individuals who have these skills). Prior study in an animal-related field or experience as a veterinary technician, pet sitter, dog walker, or animal shelter volunteer is desirable. There are also membership groups for kennel owners (such as the International Boarding and Pet Services Association) that offer industry-specific training and education programs. Business Considerations Before opening your boarding facility, you must take into consideration business  and legal matters. The first step is to speak with your attorney or accountant about the advantages and disadvantages of forming your business as a sole proprietorship, limited liability company (LLC), or other entity. You should also contact your local government to check on zoning regulations and inquire about any permits or licenses that could be necessary to operate the business legally. Be sure to take out a liability insurance policy, draft official boarding contracts for clients to sign. And make sure to establish a protocol for emergency veterinary care if an animal suffers a medical emergency. Find a Facility It may be necessary to build a facility from scratch if an existing kennel (or similar business) is not available for purchase. Location can be a key factor, as proximity to an airport or densely populated area will bring a greater volume of business. Kennel facilities generally include a mix of cages, runs, and large play areas where the dogs may interact and exercise. Splash pools and agility courses are becoming popular features. Kennel facilities are expected to be heated and air-conditioned to maintain a comfortable temperature, and enclosures must be continually cleaned. Some high-end boarding facilities offer small “suites” with human beds, televisions, and live streaming webcams so owners can check on their animals while traveling. Hire Employees Most boarding kennels have multiple employees. Larger operations may include a kennel manager, kennel attendants, a receptionist, and possibly additional service providers such as a groomer or a trainer. Smaller kennels may have just a few attendants. In any case, all employees should have experience working with animals, administering medication, and providing general care. Most kennels offer 24-hour supervision of the animals, so the facility must be adequately staffed to provide this continual coverage. Define Your Services Most boarding kennels focus primarily on dogs and cats (with the cats being kept in a separate room away from the noise of the dog area). Some kennels also reserve space for birds or small animals. The kennel may offer a variety of services such as bathing, grooming, and obedience training services. Some sell pet products and food in the front office. The kennel may also offer doggie daycare services, where owners may drop their dogs off in the morning and pick them up in the evening. A kennel will normally open for drop off service at 7 a.m. and remain open until 7 p.m. for pickups on weekdays. Weekend hours tend to vary, and some kennels offer pick up and drop off services by appointment or during limited hours. A few kennels even offer a shuttle that will pick up or drop off a pet for an additional fee. Price Your Services The most effective way to determine a pricing structure is to call your competition and see what rates they are currently charging for similar kennel services. The cost varies widely based on what part of the country a daycare is located in, the type of boarding enclosure requested, and the specific services offered as part of the package. Premium services (such as training and professional grooming) tend to be available at an additional cost when requested. You may also consider offering multiple animal discounts, reduced rates for your “frequent flyers” who visit every month, and referral bonus programs (giving established customers a free day of boarding or other incentives when they refer a new client). Advertise There are many advertising options for a boarding kennel, including web pages, social media accounts, phone book ads, newspaper or magazine ads, mass mailings, vehicle decals, local media coverage, and more. It is always smart to leave flyers and business cards at veterinary clinics, pet supply stores, dog parks, office complexes, supermarkets, and other areas where pet owners may congregate.