“I love working with dogs and horses"
"This gives me a huge morale boost and the job satisfaction I crave."
Animals – mostly dogs and horses – are an important part of Army life. As a Veterinary Technician, you take care of them alongside our highly skilled Army Vets. You work all over the world and deal with everything from injured search dogs to sick cavalry horses. You could be preparing an operating theatre one day and nursing hospitalized animals the next. It’s great experience which can help you get valuable qualifications, and a job if you return to civilian life. When you’re not building your skills and career, you’ll have time to enjoy sports and make some amazing friends.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Overcome physic challenges.
- Manage equipment and veterinary supplies.
- Use patience and a consistent approach to get the best out of animals.
- Work in both a clinic and in the field.
- Carry out other military duties.
TRAINING FOR THE ROLE
Step 1
You'll start with your initial military training which will teach you how to be a soldier - this will cover everything from fieldcraft to how to handle a rifle. Your training will be at either Pirbright or Winchester and last for 14 weeks.
Step 2
You'll then progress to your trade training at the Defence Animal Centre at Melton Mowbray. You'll learn veterinary nursing skills, military-dog-handling skills and how to manage veterinary equipment.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Age: 17 years 6 months - 35 years 6 months
QUALIFICATIONS:
Four GCSEs Grade A–C/9-4 including English Language
Registered as a Veterinary Nurse with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
FITNESS: Lift 20kg, Carry 60m, 1.5 mile run in 14 min (14 min 30 sec for junior entry) More information about the fitness test
QUALIFICATIONS YOU COULD GET AFTER TRAINING
The Army will support and train you throughout your career, offering you considerable opportunities to develop your skills.
RANK PROGRESSION
Learn about rank progression here.
PAY & BENEFITS
REGULAR
Earn £14,931 during training. When your training is finished, and you join your Unit, pay will rise to £21,148.
RESERVE
You’ll get paid a day rate according to your rank, starting from £37.47 in training and rising to £46.42 per day once you’re a Private. 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. More about Reserve benefits
FROM THE FIELD
“I have worked with horses and dogs, carrying out routine healthcare procedures such as vaccinations and administering veterinary care under the direction of the Veterinary Officer. The work is canine or equine-based. I am given a lot of responsibility; people ask for advice and listen, and I am trusted to perform veterinary tasks. This gives me a huge morale boost and the job satisfaction I crave. The Army has also given me the chance to go trekking in the Himalayas; the opportunity of a life time. I’m excited about having the chance to explore the world.”
TRAINING FOR THE ROLE
Step 1
You will complete your initial training over 4 weekends at your Unit or a central location found across the UK. If it suits you better, you can condense this into a 1 week training course.
Step 2
You will then attend a 2 week long training course at an Army Training Centre, these are located across the UK.
Step 3
Once your basic soldiering training is complete, you will move on to do trade specific training with your Unit.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Age: 18 years - 49 years 11 months
QUALIFICATIONS:
Four GCSEs Grade A–C/9-4 including English Language
Registered as a Veterinary Nurse with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
FITNESS: Lift 20kg, Carry 60m, 1.5 mile run in 14 min
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
Earn £14,931 during training. When your training is finished, and you join your Unit, pay will rise to £21,148.
RESERVE
You’ll get paid a day rate according to your rank, starting from £37.47 in training and rising to £46.42 per day once you’re a Private. 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. More about Reserve benefits
FROM THE FIELD
“As I was already a trained Vet Nurse, my military training was where I needed to focus. I had a great time on my Phase 1 course, learning to be a soldier. Marching off the parade square was a very proud moment. Since then, I have trained as a Protection dog handler and deployed on exercise with the Military Veterinary hospital in my clinical role. I really am getting the best of both worlds.” – LCpl Rowland
HOW TO APPLY?
Once your online application has been approved, you'll meet with a local recruiter. This is your chance to tell us about the role that you're interested in. When you go to the Assessment Centre,you'll take tests - the results will show whether you'd be suitable for this role, or should consider a different role.