Overview

As an Army veterinary officer, you can practice in three primary areas: animal medicine, veterinary public health, and research and development. You will be responsible for treating government-owned animals and the valued pets of service members and their families.

Army Veterinary Corps officers are also responsible for programs ensuring the safety and security of Department of Defense food supplies, both here and abroad. Approximately one-third of Veterinary Corps officers are involved in research and development in an incredible range of focus areas, from basic breast cancer research to vaccine development.

Many times, Army veterinarians deliver public health programs around the world such as vaccination programs in Ecuador, teaching Thai veterinary technicians, or supporting foot and mouth disease eradication efforts in Mongolia.

Job Duties

• Commanding and controlling Veterinary Corps units during emergency and nonemergency  medical situations
  
• Coordinate employment of Veterinary Corps officers at all levels of command in U.S. and multinational operations

Requirements

To be an officer in the Army Veterinary Corps, you must be a graduate of an accredited United States School of Veterinary medicine and have a current unrestricted license to practice veterinary medicine in the United States, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico or a territory of the United States.

Training

As an Army Medical Department officer, you won’t participate in the Basic Combat Training.  Instead, you’ll attend an Officer Basic Course, a basic orientation course to the Army Health Care system and the Army way of life. Your training time depends on your chosen specialty and whether or not you have prior military experience. You must also meet height and weight standards, as well as pass the Army Physical Fitness Test.

Helpful Skills

• Self-discipline
  
• Physically fit
  
• Perform under physical and mental pressures
  
• Make decisions quickly and on your own

Learn more about the ASVAB and see what jobs you could qualify for.

Compensation

Total compensation includes housing, medical, food, special pay, and vacation time. Learn more about total compensation.

Education Benefits

In the Army, qualified students can earn full-tuition, merit-based scholarships, allowances for books and fees, plus an annual stipend for living expenses. Learn more about education benefits.

Future Civilian Careers

Being an officer in the Army Veterinary Corps, you will have the same qualifications to practice in your specialty in the civilian world.