Veterinarians (Officer)
Opportunities
Veterinarians play a vital role in rebuilding and improving animal care systems in underdeveloped and war-damaged countries. They also provide veterinary public health services through veterinary medical and surgical care, food safety and defense, and biomedical research and development. Many veterinarians also provide care to Military Working Dogs, ceremonial horses, working animals of many Department of Homeland Security organizations, and pets owned by service members. Officers with special education in laboratory animal medicine, pathology, microbiology, or related disciplines conduct research in military and other governmental agencies.
Training Provided
Veterinarians are subject matter experts in their field. Job training for veterinarians primarily consists of on-the-job learning in various training environments.
Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Like other officers working in healthcare, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, orientation to military structure, healthcare and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development.
Earnings
Officers in the military can progress through ten officer pay grades during their careers. Pay grade and length of service determine an officer's pay. Most newly commissioned officers begin at pay grade O-1 ($43,646/year basic pay in 2023). With certain professional qualifications, officers may enter at a higher pay grade. After two years, officers generally move up to O-2 ($57,272/year basic pay in 2023). After an additional two years, the military generally promotes officers to O-3 ($77,637/year basic pay in 2023) if job performance and other requirements are met. Cost-of-living increases usually occur once a year. Many officers and their families live free of charge in military housing on the base where they are assigned. Those living off base receive a housing allowance in addition to their basic pay. Officers also receive a monthly food allowance. These allowances, and associated tax savings, are substantial additions to basic pay. Other employment benefits for military officers include free health care, 30 days paid vacation each year, legal assistance, education assistance, military store privileges, and an excellent retirement program.
Services offering this occupation
Army