Yes. There are veterinarians in the military. Military veterinarians contribute to veterinary public health by providing veterinary clinical and interventional care, food security as well as defense, or even biomedical study and advancement.
These professionals also care for Military working dogs, ceremonial horses, and working animals used by various Department of Homeland Security organizations. Personnel with advanced degrees in animal care medicine, pathology, microbiology, or even other associated fields undertake studies in the army.
For ages, the military has made use of horses, dogs, and even birds. These creatures actively engage in military exercises.
Horses, for instance, are used for troop transport as well as weapons movements; dogs are used in law enforcement, bomb identification, as well as search and rescue; and birds are used to convey information over lengthy ranges. Animal husbandry, including veterinary care, is provided by the military.
Taking specimens for tests, recommending drugs, carrying out basic health and fitness tests, conducting surgical operations, and x-rays, as well as trying to cater for injuries are pretty standard obligations for this position. They help with animal births as well as other requisite responsibilities.
Military veterinarian pay varies based on rank, number of years of military service, the degree to which they obtain a basic stipend for accommodation, as well as other variables. A major’s salary starts around $58,300, whereas a captain’s salary is around $51,000.
Educational Requirements for Military Veterinarians
A military veterinarian must complete a range of academic criteria. You would be expected to first complete a bachelor’s degree before enrolling in veterinary school. This should enable you to pursue a career as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.
Because there are no equine veterinarian courses particularly at the undergraduate level, studying for a degree in zoology in your undergraduate program might be the necessary foundation. Even though a bachelor’s degree is typically required, several veterinary schools will accept applications from students that have not yet completed their undergraduate degree. Undergraduate courses include the following:
- Nutrition
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Biology
- Genetics
- Math
- Business
- Social science
Admission to veterinary school is extremely fierce since there aren’t sufficient courses to incorporate the increasing number of individuals interested in the field. The Veterinary College Admission Test is required for enrollment to veterinary school (VCAT).
Veterinary school lasts 4 years on average. 2 years are spent in the lecture hall studying basic knowledge, followed by two years of clinical training. Note that each state has its own criteria for becoming licensed. There needs to be evidence of veterinary school graduation as well as the passing of the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam.
Skills Required to Become a Military Veterinarian
To qualify as a military veterinarian, certain abilities are required. These abilities include:
Math and Science
Because this is a clinical specialty, possessing solid expertise in math and science is essential to succeed. This line of work necessitates a substantial amount of scientific and arithmetic courses such as calculus, physics, and zoology. A thorough comprehension of weight-based medicine calculations, blending equations for optimum performance, as well as dietary content, is essential.
Writing Abilities
A military veterinarian’s profession requires a significant amount of documentation and written interaction. This is indeed a highly technical role with numerous safety protocols as well as mechanisms. Each review, analysis, and care should be meticulously documented. Such information is vital for capturing the health and well-being of government animals.
Business Knowledge
A basic understanding of entrepreneurial concepts is also useful. Military veterinarians should be capable of management and should manage budgets. To maintain the records and reports, it is critical to learn all aspects of regular business methodologies. Agreements as well as other paperwork would be required when collaborating with civilian companies.
Ability to Collaborate with Others
Working effectively with others and following instructions are essential for achieving success in this field. Your capacity to interact with other people and build trust will help you gain clients, adhere to guidelines, as well as keep current ones. Even if there is a difference in opinion, managing to stay professional is a great skill.
Compassion
Animals could be involved in a variety of circumstances. It is critical to be attentive to the needs of the communities you serve. It is critical to comprehend their anxieties. Military veterinarians should be aware of particular scenarios and should be capable of paying attention to problems.
Love for animals
A military veterinarian ought to be passionate about working with living creatures as well as keeping them in peak condition for military performance.
Conclusion
People in the military depend on doctors, nurses, as well as other care providers to look after them during their time on the job. Military working dogs require the same attention. Military veterinarians are in charge of this task. Military veterinarians offer clinical as well as surgical care to all types of military animals.
They go through a rigorous professional development program that covers obligations, military hierarchy, medicine, common courtesy, ways of life, as well as capacity building.