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 

​​

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

• Perform under stress

• Apply critical technical and thinking skills

• Tremendous concentration

​​

Compensation:

​
In addition to your annual salary and the many privileges that come with being an officer on the U.S. Army health care team, you'll be rewarded with:​

​

Active Benefits:​

• May receive pay for continuing education

• Health Professional Signing Bonus of up to $20,000

• Board Certification Pay of $6,000 per year (prorated monthly)

• Health Professional Annual Bonus of up to $5,000 per year (prorated monthly)

• Health Professional Student Loan Repayment of $20,000 per year up to a maximum of $60,000

​