U.S. Army Medical Department
Veterinary Corps Opportunities
Welcome...
The US Army Veterinary Corps` mission is to protect the Warfighter and support the National Military Strategy. We accomplish this by providing veterinary public health capabilities through veterinary medical and surgical care, food safety and defense, and biomedical research and development. In addition, Veterinary Corps Officers provide military veterinary expertise in response to natural disasters and other emergencies.
We are an integral part of an Army Medical Department at war, supporting a Nation at war. Everything we do ultimately focuses on the Warfighter- the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines. The US Army Veterinary Corps provides food safety and security inspections for all of the Armed Services. We also are responsible for providing care to Military Working Dogs, ceremonial horses, working animals of many Department of Homeland Security organizations, and pets owned by service members. We are an essential component of the military medical research team, contributing our skills in the development of life saving medical products that protect all service members.
An approximate total of 700 Army veterinarians are serving on Active duty and in the Reserve Components.
For general questions regarding service in the Army Veterinary Corps, contact the Corps Chief`s Office by e-mail or call 210-221-8149.
Basic Eligibility
To Be Eligible for Service in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps You Must:
- Be a Citizen of the United States.
- Be a graduate of an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited school of veterinary medicine, or, if a graduate of a non-accredited foreign veterinary school, successfully complete certification by the Education Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG).
- Be licensed to practice veterinary medicine in at least one state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or a U.S. Territory. New graduates may be allowed up to one year following graduation to acquire a license.
- The maximum age is 42 years at time of accession.
- Meet eligibility requirements, to include a medical fitness examination and background security checks.
For general questions regarding service in the Army Veterinary Corps, contact the Corps Chief`s Office by e-mail or call 210-221-8149.
For Students
Health Professions Scholarship Program
The Army offers one of the most generous and comprehensive scholarships in the health care field. It`s called the F. Edward Hebert Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program, HPSP for short. If you qualify, you could earn a full-tuition scholarship, plus a monthly allowance through the HPSP.
Direct Commissioning
Direct Commissioning is offered to all graduates of American Veterinary Medical Association accredited schools of veterinary medicine in the United States. You must be a U.S. citizen to be commissioned. The maximum age is 42 at time of accession.
ROTC Educational Delay
Students commissioned through the Reserve Officer Training Corps (R.O.T.C) may apply for an Educational Delay to attend veterinary school. Applications should be made through the local R.O.T.C. office.
For general questions regarding service in the Army Veterinary Corps, contact the Corps Chief`s Office by e-mail or call 210-221-8149.
For Graduates
Direct Commissioning
Direct Commissioning is offered to all graduates of accredited schools of veterinary medicine in the United States. You must be a U.S. citizen to be commissioned. The maximum age is 42 at time of accession.
Prior Service
Personnel with prior service in the military, either as an officer or an enlisted member, may receive credit for pay and/or grade upon reentry into the military. The amount of credit depends on individual circumstances.
For general questions regarding service in the Army Veterinary Corps, contact the Corps Chief`s Office by e-mail or call 210-221-8149.
Pay & Benefits
How Much Will I Get Paid?
Pay in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps is very competitive. Pay is determined by rank and time in service. The following table outlines pay for the most common entry level ranks and time in service.
2014 Regular Military Compensation For a Veterinary Corps Officer
Years of Service
|
|
< 2 |
> 2 |
> 3 |
> 4 |
> 6 |
> 8 |
|
Captain |
$51,941.68 |
$58,151.68 |
$62,331.28 |
$67,468.48 |
$70,438.48 |
$73,700.08 |
|
Major |
$58,324.48 |
$66,658.48 |
$70,744.48 |
$71,651.68 |
$75,442.48 |
$79,506.88 |
This figure does not include Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), which is based on geographical location and dependents. For example, a Captain without dependents located in San Antonio, TX would receive an additional $18,000 in BAH annually.
What Other Benefits Will I Receive?
- Full medical and dental coverage for service member
- Low-cost medical and dental coverage for dependents
- Low-cost life insurance
- 30 days paid leave per year plus 10 federal holidays
- Paid continuing education
- Cost-free moves for family and belongings
- Post-DVM educational opportunities
- Retirement plan
- Leadership and practice management opportunities
For general questions regarding service in the Army Veterinary Corps, contact the Corps Chief`s Office by e-mail or call 210-221-8149.
Educational Opportunities
Veterinarians on active duty must maintain a current license to practice veterinary medicine in at least one state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or a U.S. territory. The Veterinary Corps encourages officers to keep current with advances in veterinary practice and improve their professional knowledge and skills through military and civilian education opportunities. Veterinary Corps officers may attend various short courses, workshops, or seminars related to veterinary medicine or professional development. The Army encourages attendance at continuing education conferences, and most units will fund one continuing education meeting each fiscal year.
Advanced Degrees
Veterinary Corps officers may apply for Long Term Health Education and Training programs leading to advanced degrees and board eligibility and certification. Programs run from 1-3 years and include training at either military or civilian institutions. Full pay and allowances continue during training. Programs include:
Residency Programs
- Veterinary Pathology (Armed Forces Institute of Pathology)
- Laboratory Animal Medicine
- Epidemiology Investigative Services (EIS) Fellowship at the CDC
Long Term Training:
- PhD in physiology, pharmacology, toxicology, microbiology, pathology, or public health.
- Master`s Degree in internal medicine, surgery, radiology, food animal/preventive medicine, emergency medicine, public health, food technology, or human animal bond.
For general questions regarding service in the Army Veterinary Corps, contact the Corps Chief`s Office by e-mail or call 210-221-8149.
Assignments
The U.S. Army is the DoD Executive Agent for Veterinary Service. Consequently the Veterinary Corps provides veterinary service to the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines.
Veterinary Corps Officer assignments are available in the United States and overseas. Assignments consider the needs of the Army, the applicant`s training and experience, and the desires of the applicant. Initial assignments are usually to fixed military facilities within the continental United States. In these positions, new officers perform a variety of veterinary and supervisory tasks in support of the local installation. Most new officers will provide clinical veterinary services, supervise a food defense program, perform sanitary audits of food production facilities, and supervise military and civilian employees. Follow-on assignments may include overseas installations, veterinary field units, or Special Forces units. Veterinary Corps officers may serve as branch or section chiefs, unit commanders, or veterinary staff officers and training officers.
Geograhic Opportunities Include:
- Most of the continental United States Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico
- Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom
- Turkey, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the Sinai
- Japan, Korea, Thailand, and Guam
The Health Services Division, Human Resources Command, makes assignments.
For general questions regarding service in the Army Veterinary Corps, contact the Corps Chief`s Office by e-mail or call 210-221-8149.