What kind of animal-related jobs exist in the military?

I love animals and I'm curious about jobs in the military that work with them. What roles exist, and what kind of training would I need if I want to pursue a career with animals in the military?

There are several roles within the military where you could potentially work with animals. Here are a few examples:

1. Veterinary Corps Officer: As an officer in the Army Veterinary Corps, you'd be responsible for managing public health activities and ensuring the health of government-owned animals. Outside of normal duties, veterinary officers might also participate in humanitarian missions. This position requires a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, unless you're serving as a specialist.

2. Animal Care Specialist: This enlisted role in the U.S. Army could involve providing professional care and treatment to government-owned animals, both pets and working dogs. You might also conduct research to protect troops from food and waterborne diseases.

3. Military Working Dog Handler: This position exists in all branches of the U.S. military. As a handler, you'd work with dogs trained to detect explosives, drugs, or track and attack. You may also be involved in search and rescue operations. Job training for a military working dog handler requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 11 weeks of Advanced Individual Training with instruction in dog handling and basic veterinary science.

Army Veterinary Corps Officers and Animal Care Specialists would go through Army training programs. Military Working Dog Handlers may have specific training programs within their military branch.

Bear in mind that while these roles involve animals, they are also military roles with their own requirements and disciplines. It's recommended that you speak to a recruitment officer if you're serious about any of these paths, as the nuances and specifics can vary with the context and branch of service.