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Military Animal Specialists

Military Career

General Information

Description

Animal specialists perform unique duties in connection with operations using animals. They are responsible for the care, welfare, and continuous training of assigned animals to ensure physical condition and behavioral proficiency is maintained. They prepare and maintain administrative reports and health records associated with the animals in their care.

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Work Environment

Animal specialists can work in either a veterinary clinic setting or a research lab. While these areas are usually located on a military base, it is also possible for animal care specialists to work in a mobile unit in the field. They also may work on ships when caring for marine mammals.

Workplace at a Glance

What you can expect to experience while on the job

  • Responsibility
  • Exposure to job hazards
  • Physical activity
  • Decision making
  • Repetitiveness
  • Level of competition
  • Time pressure

Comparable Industries

  • Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources

Related Military Careers

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Military Outlook

Service Branches

Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.

Military Status

  • Enlisted
    • Hands-on/specialized
    • High school diploma required
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Salary

What makes up a Military salary?

Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.

They also offer:

  • Housing allowances
  • Subsistence allowances
  • Special and incentive pays
  • Cost-of-living allowances
  • Hazardous-duty pay
  • Bonuses

Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator

Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits

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Education

Most Common Education Levels

People in this career achieve this level of education.

  • High school 63%
  • Bachelor's degree 13%
  • Associate's degree 13%
  • Less than high school 9%
  • Some college 0%
  • Master's degree 0%
  • Doctoral degree 0%
  • Post baccalaureate 0%
  • Post-doctoral training 0%
  • Post-master's certificate 0%
  • First professional degree 0%
  • Post-secondary certificate 0%

Military training

All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Animal specialists gain skills through classes and on-the-job experience. Training content may include: Animal care techniquesEmergency medical techniquesMethods of sterilizing surgical equipmentPlaster-casting techniquesOperation of navigational equipmentMission-specific skills

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Military training

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All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Animal specialists gain skills through classes and on-the-job experience. Training content may include:

  • Animal care techniques
  • Emergency medical techniques
  • Methods of sterilizing surgical equipment
  • Plaster-casting techniques
  • Operation of navigational equipment
  • Mission-specific skills

Skills at a Glance

Skills helpful in this career

  • Verbal skills
  • Critical thinking & problem solving
  • Equipment operation & maintenance
  • Math & science skills
  • Technology design & control
  • Leadership

Knowledge

  • Customer and Personal Service
  • English Language
  • Administrative
  • Education and Training
  • Computers and Electronics

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.