What are some military jobs that deal with animals?

I'm a junior in high school, and I've always loved animals. I've heard there are military jobs that involve working with animals. Can anyone share more about these opportunities and what they entail?

There are indeed several roles in the military where you could be working with animals.

One common route is to become a Veterinary Corps Officer in the Army. Veterinary officers provide care for government-owned animals and pets of service members, plus inspect food products for military personnel. This role requires a degree from an Accredited College of Veterinary Medicine and also a license to practice.

There's also the Military Working Dog Handler role. These handlers work with dogs trained in security, patrolling, and detection. Duties include kennel upkeep, feeding their dogs, and maintaining the dog's health and training.

Another related role is the Animal Care Specialist, which involves providing care and treatment to animals under the supervision of a veterinarian. They typically manage animal nursing functions, ascertain the age, and breeds of animals and help prevent and control their diseases.

The Navy also has whale and dolphin trainers who are part of the Marine Mammal Program. They train dolphins and sea lions for tasks like mine detection and object recovery.

Finally, if you're interested in more covert operations, Special Forces units often use dogs and their handlers in their operations. These dogs are trained in advanced tactical maneuvers and become integral parts of the team.

Remember, these positions often require specific qualifications and demanding training programs, so if you're genuinely interested, start preparing early and research the prerequisites for each role. It can be a rewarding career path, combining your love for animals with service to your country.