Is joining the Army as an Animal Care Specialist (68T) or as a Civil Affairs enlisted soldier an option for a veterinary student?

Cassie Kroncke — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 01:44:40 -0500

I am a current 1st year veterinary student on the OML for the Health Professions Scholarship Program. I would like to join the army to work as a veterinarian after graduation and a professor of mine recommended looking into becoming an animal care specialist (68T) or going the civil affairs route while in veterinary school. Is this a realistic option for a veterinary student? I know that as a 4th year I can apply for a direct commission into the Veterinary Corps, but would like to know of any other pathways for this field. Thank you!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2019 2:00 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 02:00:58 -0500

I had a Veternarian who was CA in my command and general staff officer course. She was one of our best students. The answer is yes army medical service Corps can lend you to civil affairs.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2019 10:17 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 10:17:34 -0500

Civil affairs is not an entry level MOS, so no you can't join as civil affairs. Reserve MOSs are all about what kind of unit you find an opening in. So, if there's an opening in a unit nearby that uses 68T, then yes you can.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2019 4:59 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 31 Jan 2019 16:59:01 -0500

There are veterinarians who are assigned to the Functional Specialty Teams. These are officer positions (64B) assigned to the Public Health Section at the Command (x3) and Brigade (x1) levels, and as apart of the FxSp Cell at the Battalion in USAR CA units. There are no 38B positions assigned to support the vet, as medics are the enlisted support for the Preventive Med Sections. However, if you are working to become a veterinarian, then CA wouldn't be a bad option. It would be a welcomed skill in our formation.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2019 6:40 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Feb 2019 18:40:33 -0500

Once you complete your college, you would not direct commission into CA as a veterinarian. You could be assigned to a CA unit in their FxSP (Functional Specialty) team and support the units' missions.

Response by James Stroup made Sep 9 at 2019 3:01 PM

James Stroup — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 15:01:21 -0400

Cassie- I am a veterinarian (graduated this May 2019) and going through the process of active duty direct commission right now. I also am interested in the Civil Affairs route. Feel free to message me if you have questions about the application process.