US Army Veterinary Corps

• Origins in World War I: The US Army Veterinary Corps was formally established on June 3, 1916, in response to the need for professional animal care during World War I, especially for horses and mules used in combat. • First Female Officers: The Veterinary Corps was among the earliest Army branches to commission female officers, starting in the 1970s, reflecting its progressive approach to gender integration. • Dual Mission: The Corps has a dual mission: providing veterinary care for military working animals (dogs, horses, etc.) and safeguarding the food supply for troops worldwide. • Animal Heroes: Veterinary Corps officers have cared for famous military animals, including war dogs like "Chips," the most decorated dog of World War II, and the horses of the Old Guard Caisson Platoon. • Public Health Role: Members are trained in zoonotic diseases and have played pivotal roles in controlling outbreaks like avian influenza and rabies in military and civilian populations. • Global Deployments: Corps personnel have been deployed to combat zones such as Iraq and Afghanistan to provide veterinary support and humanitarian assistance, including livestock care for local populations. • Food Inspection: Veterinary Corps officers inspect billions of dollars’ worth of food annually to ensure it is safe for military personnel, making them crucial to troop health and readiness. • Support for NASA: The Corps has supported NASA by ensuring the health of animals used in space research and by safeguarding astronaut food supplies. • Training and Research: The Corps runs the Department of Defense Military Working Dog Veterinary Service, which is the world’s largest center for working dog medical care, training, and research. • Service Beyond the Battlefield: Veterinary Corps officers contribute to disaster relief, humanitarian missions, and disease control efforts, including post-9/11 and Hurricane Katrina responses.