Veterinary Corps Officer

Overview

As an Army National Guard Veterinary Corps 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 National Guard Veterinary Corps Officers are also responsible for programs that ensure 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 National Guard 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

• Command and control 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

Training

As an Army Medical Department Officer, you won't participate in Basic Combat Training. Instead, you'll attend the Officer Basic Leadership 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 you have prior military experience. You must also meet height and weight standards, and pass the Army Physical Fitness Test.

Helpful skills

• Self-discipline
• Physical fitness
• Ability to perform under physical and mental pressures
• Ability to make decisions quickly and on your own

Civilian career relevance

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