Veterinary Officer

It is different for every vet. There is no one career pathway and every veterinary officer will have different opportunities that present themselves, and to be honest it is down to luck and where you are in your seniority (how long you have been in the army/rank/current role).

If you are looking for personal experience, I have had quite a clinical route so far. Having done an internship before I joined (extremely beneficial to have clinical practice before if you are interested in that route) I went straight into a Veterinary Officer role with the dogs. Looking after the operational dogs is not too taxing as they clearly have to be healthy! At 1MWD there are opportunities to do things with the troop, some sport etc… There isn’t loads of opportunities to do AT, it depends on who is in your chain of command and how they value it. Personally I have been lucky, I had done some skiing with OTC (SF1 and SF2) so could push to do SF3 and SL1 once I was in. Because it was worthwhile for the RAVC to have instructors! After the VO role I went into troop command.

Then otherwise I posted to the DATR and now I am in London working with the horses. It is what you make it, there are opportunities if you push for it but we are a small corps so they can’t let everyone go away all the time!

During training you live with others on your course, and when you join your unit you’ll normally have your own room in the mess.

During officer training, you’ll live on site in shared accommodation. It’s designed to help you focus, build routines and get to know the people you’ll train alongside.

As an officer we have a duty to look after our soldiers, physically but also mentally. We sometimes have to make difficult decisions, even when they’re not easy.

You’re given responsibility early on, but it’s introduced gradually. From the start, you’re trusted to look after yourself, your kit and support your team, with clear guidance and support in place. As you grow in confidence and skills, that responsibility increases. You’re never left to manage things alone. You’re shown what to do, why it matters, and how it fits into the bigger picture.

The Army has worked hard to improve its food options, with several choices available each day including hot meals and healthier options.

You’ll eat in the cookhouse, where meals are prepared for you each day. There’s a good choice, and it’s designed to keep you fuelled for training.

From day one you’re trained, supported and developed - you’re never left to figure things out alone.

You’re very well supported. Instructors are there to guide you, and don't forget, you join alongside others who are just as new, so you learn and settle in as a team.