An veterinary officer who is on active duty is eligible for Special Pay while serving in the Regular or Reserve Components of the Army, Air Force, Public Health Service, or National Guard.
Accession Bonus for Veterinary Officers in the military is paid to service members who have graduated from accredited schools in their clinical specialty, possess valid licenses to practice as veterinarians, and are fully qualified to serve as commissioned officers in an active or reserve component. Eligible members must also sign an agreement to serve as a veterinarians in the Army or Navy on active duty or on active duty or on active duty status for at least two consecutive years. They must complete any and all service obligations that were made in exchange for financial assistance from the DoD in pursuing their veterinary studies.
Individuals who meet the requirements for an Accession Bonus can receive up to $5,000 for a written agreement of service for four years. This amount may be paid all at once, per month, or in periodic installments determined by the concerned Secretary.
Veterinary Officers may also be eligible for Incentive Pay upon discharge, based on certain criteria. Officers must have completed their specialty qualifications before October 1, 2008, and must have signed an agreement to remain on active duty or active status in the Selected Reserve for a period of at least one year, beginning on the date the contract is signed. Veterinarians must possess a current, unrestricted license or approved waiver proving qualifications in their specialty that must be accepted by the Secretary concerned.
Officers may receive Incentive Pay based on the level of their training: $2,500 for entry-level pay; $2,500 while in training; $5,000 when board eligible; or $5,000 when fully qualified. The amount is paid in monthly payments to all eligible veterinarians.
