How to Become a Military Veterinarian

I love animals and am considering a career in veterinary medicine, but I'm also interested in the military. Does anyone know what it's like to work as a veterinarian in the military? What steps should I take after high school?

Becoming a military veterinarian can be an excellent pathway that combines your passion for animals with your interest in serving in the military.

The U.S. Army is the branch of the military primarily responsible for veterinary services through its Veterinary Corps. These veterinarians are not just responsible for service animals like working dogs but also take care of the personal pets of service members. In addition, they take part in research and development activities, food safety, and public health initiatives.

To start your journey, you'll need to go to college and then veterinary school:

1. Earn a Bachelor's Degree: It is recommended to major in a field such as biology, animal science, or pre-veterinary studies. As part of your degree, make sure that you take pre-requisite courses in topics such as chemistry, physics, and biology to fulfill veterinary school requirements.

2. Attend Veterinary School: Veterinarian school typically lasts four years and leads to a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree.

3. Licensing and Certification: After graduation, you'll need to pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) to become a licensed veterinarian. Some states may require additional exams.

4. Apply to the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps: Their Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) can pay for your veterinary school along with a monthly stipend in exchange for a commitment to serve in the military for a given period (usually equal to the number of years your education was funded).

5. Military Training: Once accepted into the Veterinary Corps after graduation, you'll need to complete the Basic Officer Leadership Course to learn about the military and army healthcare system.

6. Serve in the Military: After completing training, you will serve as a military veterinarian. Your service could include caring for animals on military bases, working in research and development, and more.

Keep in mind that your application to the HPSP is competitive, and it may be beneficial to gain some veterinary experience (like internships, volunteering, or research) during your undergrad years. Also, if you're already in high school, consider participating in Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) if it's available in your school. It's a great way to familiarize yourself with military protocols and procedures and may make your application stronger.