Page 296 - The History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1962–2021

THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS 1962 – 2021
is renowned for. Courses vary in length from five to ninety-five days and there has always been the offer of bespoke courses that can be arranged for customers in the UK and overseas who require the benefit of specialist training.
The Equine Division: Comprises the Army School of Equitation, the Remount Depot and the Army School of Farriery.
The Army School of Equitation provides an instructional staff that run courses all year round in equitation and stable management. They also work, test and retrain all returned military horses to the DAC.
Meanwhile, the Remount Depot provides replacement horses, and rest and recuperation facilities for all horses at grass. The equine training land incorporates an extensive cross-country course, all weather canter track, outdoor ménage, jumping lanes and indoor riding school. This Division adjoins the Services Veterinary Hospital and the Army School of Farriery to provide all round equine care.
A wide variety of horse training is completed at the DAC, including advance equitation, continu- ation training and competitors’ courses. Although numbers vary throughout the year, at busy times there are up to 300 horses on site. Many personnel over the years have recalled the joyous sight of horses from the Household Division enjoying their R & R rolling in the fields around Melton, letting their woolly coats get muddy while they can, away from the pomp and preening required for their normal ceremonial duties in London.
The Army School of Farriery, an integral part of the Equine Division, operates out of a purpose- built facility for both students and instructors. It is recognised as one of the best farrier teaching facilities in Europe and has seven forges. The School has two primary functions: the training of farriers and responsibility for shoeing horses at the DAC. The Farriers Registration Council and the Worshipful Company of Farriers have long recognised the excellence of the Army’s farriery training and facilities and, for that reason, interna- tional competitions are held at the Centre.
The Veterinary Division: The welfare and veterinary support for all MOD animals is provided by this Division based at the DAC. Furnished with state-of-the-art equipment, including its operating and treatment facilities, the Centre’s highly trained staff are able to provide the best standard of care
22 Defence Animal Centre/PFI brochure dated circa 1991.
23 Chiron Calling ‘In Unitate Valemus’ December 1991.
for the Military Working Animal despite the dated and dilapidated buildings. In addition to their hands-on work, the Veterinary Division provides courses for Veterinary Technicians (VTs).
Design and Development:
As the ‘glue’ in the operation at the DAC, this department’s tasks are carried out by the training support and administrative team ensuring the administration and training packages are cost effective, current and based on best practice.22
In Unitate Valemus
In the December 1991 issue of the Corps Magazine an article outlined and praised the progress and the excellent rapport being established at all levels, regardless of rank, Service or allegiance. Focussing on the growing spirit of unity and purpose and the bonding of mutual interest, the DAC adopted an apt and evocative motto: ‘In Unitate Valemus’, which may be loosely interpreted as ‘In unit, in comradeship and with courage.’
The spirit of the motto was reflected in the agreements establishing AES, Drug, Search and Protection dog standards as well as aspects of the support services and the necessary equipment. The Joint Services Dog Procurement Cell, part of the Veterinary Division, manned jointly by Army and RAF personnel, was fully operational and effective achieving the levels of procurements necessary to keep both dog training wings fully supported with suitable dog recruits.23
MOD Centre of Excellence
As the MOD Centre of Excellence in animal matters, there remained much to be done in the process of evaluation to ensure the DAC was properly structured, manned and managed for the task. Another manpower audit inspection in December 1991 reviewed the joint establishments, and in 1992 the DAC came under closer scrutiny when the MOD considered its suitability for Defence Support Agency Status. This meant taking one significant step beyond the level of budgetary management achieved in the New Management Strategy for the MOD financial independence under a Chief Executive.
The DAC was subsequently launched as a Defence Agency on 1st June 1993, by Viscount Cranborne, the then Minister for the Armed Forces. This status was a testament to the hard work that had been accomplished negotiating the many aspects of policy that needed to be
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