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Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Career as a VETerinarian after Military Retirement
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Question
Dear Col. H:
As you know, Vet (who served) and Vet (who cares for animals), are two words often confused.
I graduated the US Coast Guard Academy, and unfortunately received a medical retirement before my first tour was complete.
After this, I have tried several jobs, such as working as a Vet Tech (animals) and also an employment specialist (with Veterans)... but what makes me tick is to be with Animals and Veterans...
I am trying to find the best advice to go back to school to become a Veterinarian. I would love to find a job on a base, so that I could work with Veterans as well... but from what I see, the jobs seem to be limited to those who are Army Officers (which would exclude me as a medically retired Vet).
Do you have any clarification on this information (is it true), and do you have any idea if having served and an education from an Academy would help in getting in to Vet School.
I was once told by a VA Doc that I was "too old" (I wasn't even 30 at the time).
I would appreciate any advice you can offer.
Thank you.
You asked the right guy. My daughter started out to be a veterinarian but ended up beeing a vet tech. You are correct, the Army has the responsibilty of caring for working dogs for ALL the Services.
Your Academy degree will definitely help you.
You might be too old to be an Army officer, but you can be a civilian contractor working for the Army.
Check it out at USAjobs.com
Colonel H
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Col Howell, Thank you for your timely response. I am glad that you were the one that came up in my search when looking for these answers, as you seem to be very close in proximity to this area of interest. Very Respectfully, USCG, Ret. | ||
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Answers by Expert:
MARK A. HOWELL
Expertise
All military questions, any Service. 30 years experience & two Ph.D.'s. 4 times Base Commander. Worked with Army, Navy, USMC, USCG and several foreign military units. Veteran of Kosovo, Bosnia, Macedonia, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, and 10 civil wars in Africa.
Experience
Air Force Colonel with 30 years experience. Air Force Base Commander 4 times. Highly decorated.
Organizations
Org of Am Historians, Wild West History Assoc.,
Disabled American Veterans - Life Member, Am Motorcyclist Assoc. - Life Member,
North Am Hunt Club - Life Member, NWTF - Life Member
Publications
Numerous book reviews published in the Journal of American History.
Two books submitted for publication.
Education/Credentials
Ph.D. in military history, Columbus University (Summa Cum Laude)
Ph.D. in history, Northfield University, London, England (Summa Cum Laude)
Master of Arts degree in history, Marshall University, WV
Bachelors degree, double-major in history and mathematics, Salem College, WV
Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL
Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL
Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL
Awards and Honors
Legion of Merit
Defense MSM
MSM x 5
Joint Commendation Mdl
AF Commendation Medal
Army Commendation Mdl
Joint Achievement Mdl
AF Achievement Medal
Outstanding Volunteer Mdl
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