The role of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Armed Forces is to defend Britain and its overseas territories, its people and interests, and to act as a force for good by strengthening international peace and security.

Military Working Animals (MWA) have a number of important roles in the Armed Forces and the Royal Army Veterinary Corps (RAVC) is the Corps of experts on animal procurement, training, husbandry, operational employment and veterinary care.

The RAVC provides trained Military Working Dogs (MWD) and their handlers for the detection of weapons, explosives and drugs, and for protection purposes. The RAVC also prepares horses for ceremonial duties and offers training in pack transport for operations.

Army Veterinary Officers (VOs) provide preventive care and treatment wherever MWA are deployed in support of military operations, often in challenging and hostile environments. As their careers progress, VOs are increasingly given responsibility for training and development of their soldiers, including on operational deployments. VOs sometimes command RAVC units, or may be employed in the wider Army Medical Services (AMS), of which the RAVC is part.

The RAVC is a small Corps and its manpower is sufficient only to deliver operational capability and essential military training. In peacetime, the most appropriate and cost-effective source of veterinary support, to those MWA which are employed far from a military veterinary facility, is often the local civilian veterinary practice.

Biomedical science is the foundation of the Army Veterinary Service. The application of biomedical science to military operational requirements extends beyond the clinical care of MWA. Examples include:

Continuing Professional Development is mandatory in the RAVC and is directed by Corps requirements and personal interests. Study for further veterinary qualifications is encouraged and funded. Each year the RAVC aims to support one VO through a course of full-time study, for instance leading to a Master’s degree.

All work and no play leads to early burnout, so RAVC personnel are encouraged to develop other interests, typically in sport or adventure pursuits. RAVC adventurous training has included expeditions in the Himalayas and South America.

The disadvantages of Army life include short notice 6-month operational tours, postings every 2 to 3 years, and separation from the extended family if posted overseas. Spouses’ careers can be difficult to manage around Army movements.

Advantages include a varied and well-paid lifestyle, a team environment, travel, early responsibility and good post-graduate development.

Further information

Further information on the Army Veterinary Service can be obtained by contacting:

Regimental Secretary RAVC
Ministry of Defence (Army Medical Directorate)
Slim Road
CAMBERLEY
Surrey
GU15 4NP

Tel: (01276) 412749
Email: reg_sec_ravc@hotmail.com