Overview

Army veterinarian officers primarily focus on animal medicine, veterinary public health and research/development. Whether you’re providing treatment to bomb-sniffing dogs or inoculating cattle on a humanitarian mission, you’re making a positive impact on the lives of everyone who depends on animals.

Job Duties

• Command the Veterinary Corps units during medical situations
  
• Treat government-owned animals and pets of service members
  
• Medical research on diseases of military importance
  
• Instruct veterinary skills at service schools and train other personnel
  
• Serve unique duty positions for veterinary command activities
  

Requirements

Active Duty

• Doctorate from an American Veterinary Medical Association – accredited veterinary school in the United States, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico or Canada (foreign graduates may apply if they possess a permanent certificate from the Education Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates)
  
• License to practice in the United States
  
• Must be between 21 and 42 years of age (may request a waiver)

Army Reserve

• In addition to the above qualifications, permanent U.S. residency is required for Reserve duty officers.
  

Training

Job training for an Army Medical Department officer includes completing an Officer Basic Leadership Course, which introduces you to the Army Health Care system, Army doctrine and basic soldier/leader skills.

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

• Ability to make accurate, immediate decisions
  
• Physically and mentally fit to perform under stress
  
• Apply critical technical and thinking skills
  
• Tremendous concentration
  

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

Compensation

Active Duty

• Diplomate Board-Certified Pay for veterinarians who have received a diploma in a specialty recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association
  
• Health Professions Loan Repayment Program for qualifying veterinary school loans
  
• Pay for continuing education, including Master’s degrees and doctorate programs
  
  

Army Reserve

• Health Professional Special Pay
  
• Health Care Professionals Loan Repayment, which may be applied toward qualified veterinary school loans
  
• Pay for continuing education, including master’s degrees and doctorate programs
  

Education Benefits

Active Duty & Reserve
The U.S. Army provides generous education loan-repayment programs, residency programs and continuing education opportunities to support your continued career growth and development. Learn more about education.