Are there jobs for veterinarians in the military?

I'm interested in both veterinary science and serving in the military. Are there opportunities for veterinarians within the military? If so, what kind of roles and responsibilities do they typically have?

Yes, there are ample opportunities for veterinarians within the U.S. military. In fact, each branch of the military has roles and responsibilities that would require the services of a veterinarian.

Veterinarians in the military are typically commissioned as officers in the Veterinary Corps. The Army Veterinary Corps, for example, not only cares for government-owned animals (like working dogs or horses) but also provides veterinary public health programs around the world. These programs often include food safety, defense from disease-carrying vectors and reservoirs, and military-relevant zoonotic disease surveillance.

Veterinarians might also take part in humanitarian, disaster relief, and disease prevention programs. They could be tasked with inspecting food procured from local sources for military bases or ensuring that military working animals receive adequate care. Some roles may also involve veterinary research, particularly in relation to zoonotic diseases and conditions that can impact military operations.

Additionally, veterinarians in the military often handle roles that are not specific to veterinary science, such as command appointments, staff positions, and training roles.

Overall, the roles and responsibilities of veterinarians in the military are not restricted to direct animal care but also stretch into broader areas of public health, research, and leadership. It's a possibility worth exploring if you're interested in combining your passion for veterinary science with a desire to serve in the military.