VETERINARY OFFICER

The Job

You will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the health and welfare of military animals. You may deploy with your unit, taking responsibility for soldiers under your command and bein capable of providing professional advice on a wide range of issues including animal employment, disease control and biosecurity. You will encounter many of the animal health issues normally seen in civilian practice, but will also become experienced in specific aspects of military veterinary medicine.

The Right Job For Me?

Applicants for this role can be qualified veterinary surgeons, veterinary students or those preparing to enrol as veterinary students. The RAVC provides sponsorship in the form of Cadetships and Bursaries. All applicants are required to pass the regular Army Officer Selection Board. All officer jobs will call on your ability to lead and motivate the troops under your command, and you will need the maturity and sense of responsibility necessary for a role in which soldiers' wellbeing can depend on the decisions you make. An ability to take orders is essential in any disciplined unit, but you must also be able to act on your own initiative if the situation calls for it.

What Skills Will I Learn?

Officers are expected to master the same basic military skills and tactics as soldiers. This will include drill, basic fieldcraft, map reading, first aid and how and when to fire your personal weapon.In addition to your soldiering skills you will also learn the skills required to become an officer, and how to exercise command.As well as the professional skills you would learn as a civilian vet, you will also gain experience in military veterinary medicine and in core management competencies.

What Training Will I Do?

Initial Training: Your initial training covers military skills and professional vocational training (the RCVS Professional Development Phase). After a short induction course held at the Defence Animal Centre in Aug, you will undertake clinical placements and the basic dog handling course. From Oct to Dec you will attend the Professionally Qualified Officers Course, at Royal Military Academy and the AMS Entry Officer course at the Defence Medical Services Training Centre in Ash Vale, Hampshire. These courses will provide basic grounding in general military skills. From Jan to Aug the following year, you will return to the structured vocational training programme, comprising mainly clinical rotations, some formal courses and reflective learning. This phase will include formal assessment and will prepare you for your first appointment. Further Training: During your first appointment you will normally enrol in the RCVS Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice programme and aim to complete this in approximately 3 years. Although there is no formal requirement for recognised specialists, you will be encouraged to develop areas of relevant special interest. Every year, one officer has the opportunity to study full-time for an MSc.

What Qualifications Could I Get?

The Army prides itself on its continuing professional development. Many of the general training activities available will have direct relevance to civilian life and many are accredited by professional bodies. Your specific veterinary qualifications will depend on individual choices but would normally include CertAVP.

Future Prospects

Whatever you decide to do, your training and experience as an Army officer will stand you in good stead. If you choose to make a career in the Army, then the RAVC will support you in your career and offer you a variety of opportunities to progress and diversify. Equally, should you decide to return to civilian life, the responsibility, leadership and wide-ranging professional experience you’ll have gained during your time in the Army will be highly regarded in any veterinary or senior management role.