As an Army Veterinarian 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 Veterinary Corps Officers are also responsible for programs ensuring 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 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.

The responsibilities of a Veterinary Corps Officer may include:

• Commanding and controlling Veterinary Corps units during emergency and non-emergency medical situations
• Coordinate employment of Veterinary Corps Soldiers at all levels of command, from platoon to battalion and higher, in U.S. and multi-national operations.

To be an Officer in the Veterinary Corps, you must be a graduate of an accredited United States School of Veterinary medicine and have a current unrestricted license to practice veterinary medicine in the United States, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico or a territory of the United States.

As an Army Medical Department (AMEDD) Officer, you won't participate in the Basic Training that enlisted Soldiers go through. Instead, you'll attend an Officer Basic Course (OBC), a basic orientation course to the Army Health Care system and the Army way-of-life.

Officer Basic Course for Active Duty Officers is held four times a year at the AMEDD Center and School in Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas and lasts from ten to 14 weeks. Officers in the Army Reserve go to OBC for two weeks.

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.

After completing OBC, AMEDD Officers report to their initial Active Duty assignment. Students return to their academic training following successful completion of OBC.

Being a leader in the Army requires certain qualities. A leader exhibits self-discipline, initiative, confidence and intelligence. They are physically fit and can perform under physical and mental pressures. Leaders make decisions quickly, always focusing on completing the mission successfully, and show respect for their subordinates and other military officers. Leaders lead from the front and adjust to environments that are always changing. They are judged by their ability to make decisions on their own and bear ultimate moral responsibility for those decisions.

Veterinary Officers may continue to specialize and serve in the Veterinary Corps at ever increasing levels of leadership and responsibility.

Responsibilities of a Veterinary Corps Captain may include:

• Commanding and controlling part of a Field Hospital, installation Dental or Medical Activity (DENTAC or MEDDAC), or larger Health Services Command.
• Coordinate employment of Veterinary Corps Soldiers at all levels of command, from company to division level and beyond, in U.S. and multi-national operations.
• Develop doctrine, organizations and equipment for unique veterinary missions.
• Instruct veterinary skills at service schools and veterinary training centers.
• Serve as a Veterinary advisor to other units, including Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve organizations.

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