“Animals can bring so much to operations.”
"The bonds you form there with your fellow Officer Cadets are life-long."
From horses to dogs, the Army has hundreds of animals in its ranks. As a Veterinary Officer, you manage our Military Working Animal capability and lead soldiers under your command. You deal with animal health issues – the kind you’d find in civilian practice – but also veterinary challenges that only the Army can offer. You advise on disease controls and biosecurity too. You can boost your qualifications by getting the Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (Cert AVP). Develop your expertise and you can move up as a clinician or a commander. All this, plus travel, sports and Adventurous Training too.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Work in challenging and hostile environments.
- Take responsibility and make decisions.
- Lead and manage people.
- Use patience and a consistent approach to get the best out of animals.
- Carry out other military duties.
TRAINING FOR THE ROLE
Step 1
Having successfully completed the Army Officer Selection process and Army Veterinary Officer interview; you will be awarded a place on the Commissioning Course Short at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. You are taught basic military, survival and weapon handling skills alongside other professionally-qualified officers. The training is designed to prepare you for military life. On completion of the course you will awarded a commission into the Army Medical Services.
Step 2
You will then attend the Army Medical Services Entry Officers' Course (EOC) and the Troop Commanders' course, which together provide you with the specific knowledge required to begin your career as an Army Veterinary Officer.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Age: 18 years - 31 years
QUALIFICATIONS:
QUALIFIED - Veterinary Degree and Membership of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
STUDENT (BURSARY) - Enrolled in a UK university on a veterinary degree course, which will provide membership of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and 12 months post graduate employment as a vet. The Army offers financial support to those who have secured a place, or have already commenced a degree in medicine. You will receive an annual payment of £5,000 for up to three years and a lump sum of £45,000 on completion of your initial training.
FITNESS:
Mid Thigh Pull 76kg
Medicine Ball Throw 3.1m
2km run 10m 15s(multistage fitness test)
QUALIFICATIONS YOU COULD GET AFTER TRAINING
All Army Veterinary Officers can gain postgraduate qualifications throughout their career such as a Certificate of Advanced Veterinary Practice. You may also have the opportunity to study at MSc level.
RANK PROGRESSION
Learn about rank progression here.
PAY & BENEFITS
REGULAR
Your salary will increase to £40,025 once you have finished training and joined your unit.
RESERVE
You’ll get paid a day rate according to your rank, starting from £66.54 once you have passed Army Officer Selection and rising to £79.98 per day once you’ve commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. This includes being paid for weekly drill nights. Plus, if you complete all of your annual training days, you’re entitled to a tax-free lump sum called a bounty.
FROM THE FIELD
“The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst was different – there are few establishments left in the world which require you to iron and fold your socks in a certain fashion! But the bonds you form there with your fellow Officer Cadets are life-long, and skills such as prioritisation and time management are nurtured. Commissioning as Lieutenant Bullard from such an esteemed institution was an incredibly proud moment for my family and me. It has only been rivalled by receiving my Afghanistan Operational Service Medal in 2013 – barely two years after I joined the military.”
TRAINING FOR THE ROLE
Step 1
You will complete two 2-week courses at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to form the basis of your military training
Step 2
Your trade specific training will depend on your civilian qualifications and experience
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Age: 21 years - 49 years 11 months
QUALIFICATIONS: Veterinary Degree, Membership of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and at least 12 months employment as a veterinary surgeon
FITNESS:
Mid Thigh Pull 76kg
Medicine Ball Throw 3.1m
2km run 10m 15s(multistage fitness test)
QUALIFICATIONS YOU COULD GET AFTER TRAINING
On successful entry into the Army Medical Services Reserve you will be eligible to apply for funding for Professional Qualifications to help you in your role with the Army Medical Services.
RANK PROGRESSION
Learn about rank progression here.
PAY & BENEFITS
REGULAR
Your salary will increase to £40,025 once you have finished training and joined your unit.
RESERVE
You’ll get paid a day rate according to your rank, starting from £66.54 once you have passed Army Officer Selection and rising to £79.98 per day once you’ve commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. This includes being paid for weekly drill nights. Plus, if you complete all of your annual training days, you’re entitled to a tax-free lump sum called a bounty.
HOW TO APPLY?
If you've got your qualifications, then apply online. Your application will be passed to our specialist team, who will help guide you through the process towards joining in this role. You'll need to pass a specialist skills interview to check that your skills are in line with our needs.