Page 28 - Chiron Spring 2018

26 CHIRON CALLING
As a fifth year rotational student at the Royal Veterinary College, I like to meet people with similar interests – people who like keeping fit, being outside and having fun. Being an Army Reservist offers me this chance Inspired by the Army and my friends in 101 Military Working Dog Squadron, which is part of the 1st Military Working Dog Regiment. I like getting to work with some seriously healthy dogs: highly intelligent and at the top of their game, lean, and sometimes mean. I enjoy the training weekends that are laid on for us, and I always feel a better person at the end of it. A progression to the Royal Army Veterinary Corps was an obvious one for me. I had completed three years at the University of London Officers’ Training Corps (OTC) and was ready for a new challenge. With OTC I had undertaken some of the best leadership and development training possible, as well as wining and dining with influential figures, partaking in expeditions internationally, not to mention the occasional spells of finding myself covered in mud. Friends I had met would be friends for life, and memories would be lasting, so there was really nothing to lose. Being a reservist is a fantastically flexible part-time job that allowed me a comfortable student experience. I knew that I could earn and socialise at the same time, all the while developing my character, receiving mentoring from some of the best minds in the city. I even got paid to take part in adventure training (like a crazy person’s holiday), enjoying sailing in Denmark and hiking in Corsica, among others. Taking the jump to become a dog handler in the Army reserves gave me a new sense of worth. An infantry battle was fun, but I was never going to be the fastest runner or the best shot. Working with dogs was something I felt confident that I could excel at. I felt ready to begin to merge my
The role holds a chance to experience clinical work in adverse conditions, but with animals that must be maintained at peak physical fitness. Veterinary nurses support Veterinary officers, protecting the wellbeing of the dogs, especially if sick or injured. It is often the veterinary nurse’s role to report and act on Vet Record Careers aims to reflect the diverse range of career opportunities available to vets and related professionals. Suggestions for articles are welcome, and should be sent to vetcareerseditorial@bva-edit.co.uk
Being a reservist is a fantastically flexible part-time job that allowed me a comfortable student experience. Military working dogs deliver a wide range of capabilities. Dog handlers come from many walks of life, but are initially trained to work with protection dogs, although they may later train with specialist military working dogs. In all roles there are opportunities to travel, develop field-craft, and really engage in the Army Reserve. Initial courses can be split into two-week chunks so it is manageable to start the process around full-time work. And, after basic training, we are asked to give as much as we can. Recently, I have been sad to have to pause my Reservist career to prioritise my degree, but the unit still supports me and wishes me well at every opportunity. They know that I will be back as soon as I can because, well, why wouldn’t I?
If you are interested in becoming an Army Reservist in the RAVC. Further information can be found at www.army. mod.uk/medical-services/veterinary.aspx or visit your nearest Army Careers Centre.
Being a reservist is a fantastically flexible part-time job that allowed me a comfortable student experience.
Military working dogs deliver a wide range of capabilities.
Inspired by the RAVC Reserves
by Claire Scott Army Reserve 101 MWD Sqn
civilian and Army careers, and wanted to use my degree learning to a wider goal. Despite having not commissioned or graduated and having not yet become a veterinary officer, my Regiment has invited me to participate in many opportunities, while getting my fix of soldiering too. It has allowed me to extend my university teaching to applying herd health to a group of working dogs and strategise how to keep our dogs at constant operational level. It is important that they remain healthy, as their role is genuinely life- saving. By experiencing the Army Reserve as a soldier, I hope that to become more relatable in my aspiration to commission as a veterinary officer. All going well, I will have risen through the ranks, never asking my troops what I wouldn’t have been happy to do myself. My Regiment is a National Regiment, meaning that
"Being a reservist is a fantastically flexible part- time job that allowed me a comfortable student experience."
the expected commitment is lower. It ensures that you are never out of pocket as it reimburses travel expenses and pays for your time. It recruits those who want to learn to handle dog, veterinary nurses (veterinary technicians), veterinary officers and any mixture of the above. There are constant training opportunities, with chances to complete field exercises with our dogs, enter competitions (lots of sport) and help with Army recruiting. However you want to help, you probably can.
Veterinary officers are ultimately responsible for the health of Military Working Dogs, both in and out of the field.
Claire Scott Weapon handling A2 Rifle