Today’s economy has many people scrambling to find job security. Benefits are getting harder to come by and seniority is no longer a guarantee of longevity. Even after years of loyal service, employees are arriving at their workplace only to be turned away, pink slip in hand.

Man’s best friend may be exactly what you are seeking. If you enjoy working with animals, the U.S. Army may be willing to pay for your training in one of dozens of career options, all while providing you with housing, benefits and a retirement plan.

Sentries And Service Dogs

Most people are familiar with guard dogs. Those snarling teeth are usually enough to stop anyone from being too terribly foolish. Dogs serve many other roles in the U.S. Army. Dogs are trained to sniff out bombs, guns, mines, drugs, munitions and enemy personnel. Since these dogs don’t train themselves, human handlers, like yourself, must be trained to do the job.

The medical field is quickly learning that dogs are an asset to them, as well. It has been discovered that some dogs can sense when an epileptic is about to have a seizure, thereby preventing disaster. Medical dogs are also able to sniff out certain types of cancer, preventing unnecessary invasive procedures.

Horses Help Us, Too

The U.S. Army cares for the horses used in all formal military funerals. These horses are well cared for at Fort Myer, Virginia with the same attention to detail and precision that we associate with any military color guard. The animals are loved as dearly as the famous beer Clydesdales. Military horses are commonly used in parades and non-military horses are used in racing, ranching and accessing remote areas for a variety of reasons. In all these applications, horses require knowledgeable caregivers and veterinarians.

Recent research has shown that horses are also useful as service animals. Individuals with varying degrees of retardation commonly respond very positively to working around and riding on horses. Children and adults with autism show similar results. A job with the U.S. Army can be one that allows you to do what you love: work with animals.

Let The Army Pay For Your Veterinary Degree

Veterinarians are well-paid individuals and rightly so. Their education is more demanding than that of a medical doctor and their patients can’t tell them what is wrong. But, if a career as a veterinarian appeals to you, consider the U.S. Army as a great starting point. Assessments will be conducted to determine if you have what it takes. If you are found to have the drive and the ability, the U.S. Army may be willing to provide you with an income, housing, full benefits and a retirement package, all while you are attending school – an offer that simply can’t be found anywhere else.

The U.S. Army offers countless animal oriented careers just waiting for you to start. If a career working with animals is appealing to you, find out more about what the Army has to offer by clicking HERE.

Photo courtesy of Army.mil