 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (May 2017) |
| Veterinary Corps | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Active | 1916 – present day |
| Country |  United States |
| Branch |  United States Army |
| Website | Veterinary Corps |
The U.S. Army Veterinary Corps is a staff corps (non-combat specialty branch) of the U.S. Army Medical Department (AMEDD) consisting of commissioned veterinary officers and Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) veterinary students. It was established by an Act of Congress on 3 June 1916.[1] Recognition of the need for veterinary expertise had been evolving since 1776 when General Washington directed that a "regiment of horse with a farrier" be raised.[2] It has evolved to include sanitary food inspectors and animal healthcare specialists.[3]
The Veterinary Corps is supported by warrant officer and enlisted AMEDD personnel. Warrant officers (640A) are the core of its Food Inspection service. Enlisted personnel can serve as Food Inspection Specialists (68R) and Animal Care Specialists (68T); enlisted collar insignia lacks the 'V' and is the same as that worn by medics. Enlisted Army Animal Care Specialists (68Ts) are not the same as credentialed veterinary technicians and technologists, because the civilian role is the equivalent of the U.K.'s Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) and requires a formal license with an accredited 2, 4, or 6-year college degree. [4]
The U.S. Army Veterinary Service is currently[when?] composed of more than 700 veterinarians, 80 warrant officers, and 1800 enlisted soldiers in both the active duty and in the Army Reserves. The Chief of the Veterinary Corps is a Colonel. The Veterinary Service employs an additional 400 civilians.
- ^ "Development of the Army Veterinary Service 1916-1940". U.S. Army Medical Department - Office of Medical History.
- ^ Urwin, G.J.W., The United States Cavalry: An Illustrated History, Red River Books (2003), p. 13
- ^ "Army Veterinary Corps celebrates 106th anniversary". Joint Base San Antonio. Retrieved 25 September 2024.
- ^ Army Regulation 670-1 "Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia" 3 February 2005