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Page 1 4th Quarter 2017 UNCLASSIFIED Fourth Quarter 2017 Veterinary Service News Corps Chief’s Annual Award Winners The Food Safety Officer Exceptional Service Award was presented to a Warrant Officer 1, for only the second time in the 27 year history of the award. LTC Daniel Holland Leadership Excellence Award winner. The Veterinary Corps Officer Exceptional Service Award winner. Both winners of the COL Cliff Walker Leadership Award are stationed in the PHA-Rhineland-Pfalz.

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Page 1: Veterinary Service News - veterinarycorps.amedd.army.milveterinarycorps.amedd.army.mil/newsletters_pub/2017/FY17_4QTR.pdf · P7 US Navy Pacific Engagement-Malaysia. P8 Food Defense

Page 1 4th Quarter 2017

UNCLASSIFIED

F o u r t h Q u a r t e r 2 0 1 7

Veterinary Service News

Corps Chief’s Annual Award Winners

The Food Safety Officer Exceptional

Service Award was presented to a Warrant

Officer 1, for only the second time in the 27 year

history of the award.

LTC Daniel Holland Leadership Excellence Award winner. The Veterinary Corps Officer Exceptional Service Award

winner.

Both winners of the COL Cliff Walker Leadership Award

are stationed in the PHA-Rhineland-Pfalz.

Page 2: Veterinary Service News - veterinarycorps.amedd.army.milveterinarycorps.amedd.army.mil/newsletters_pub/2017/FY17_4QTR.pdf · P7 US Navy Pacific Engagement-Malaysia. P8 Food Defense

Page 2 4th Quarter 2017

UNCLASSIFIED

IN THIS ISSUE:

P3 Snapshots around the Services P4 PHA-FL 5K “Get Fit with Fido” P5 VS Soldiers win RHC-Atlantic Best Medic! P6 Veterinary opportunities with MARSOC P7 US Navy Pacific Engagement-Malaysia P8 Food Defense Training with the 72nd MDVSS P9 Historian’s corner: WWI and Veterinary Corps P10 Civil Affairs Veterinarians around the Globe P12 PHA-Italy Earns Coveted Safety Star P13 PHA-Italy Welcomes New Commander P14 SMEE in Bangladesh P14 Dyess AFB VTF staff Highlighted P15 Human Animal Bond and the Military P16 422nd MDVS gets Real World Experince P17 Kosovo Training Ground Blends MTOE TDA P19 DVS Updates—Graduates! P20 Snapshots around the Services

The Army Public Health Center has developed the Military Pet Education

(milPetED) mobile application to assist beneficiaries needing animal health

information, tips and resources.

A newly promoted Staff Sargeant watches as his son pins

on the his new rank.

Page 3: Veterinary Service News - veterinarycorps.amedd.army.milveterinarycorps.amedd.army.mil/newsletters_pub/2017/FY17_4QTR.pdf · P7 US Navy Pacific Engagement-Malaysia. P8 Food Defense

Page 3 4th Quarter 2017

UNCLASSIFIED

Snapshots around the Services

Members of Public Health Command Europe and Public Health Activity-

Italy recognize the Veterinary Corps Food Safety Officer Exceptional Ser-

vice Award winner

Top: Guam Naval Branch, PHA-Guam,

aboard USS Emory S Land

Below: Members of PHA-Guam pose with

their awards aboard the USS Emory S Land

Superhero teams participate in the 5k

Fun Run with Fido at JBLM.

PHA-Fort Belvoir team members

participate in a Leader Reaction

Course.

Left: Members of the 72nd

MDVSS practice squad

movement techniques

Page 4: Veterinary Service News - veterinarycorps.amedd.army.milveterinarycorps.amedd.army.mil/newsletters_pub/2017/FY17_4QTR.pdf · P7 US Navy Pacific Engagement-Malaysia. P8 Food Defense

Page 4 4th Quarter 2017

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“GET FIT WITH FIDO” 5K FUN RUN at JBLM

During June, Public Health Activity-Fort Lewis veterinarians held the inaugural “Get

Fit with Fido” 5K Fun Run to promote healthy and fun activities for families and their pets.

Over 80 participants registered and took part in the

event during a beautiful, sunny day in the Pacific

Northwest. The event also provided information on

veterinary center services, dog bite prevention, and

rabies awareness, as well as offered prizes from a va-

riety of sponsors. Exercise is one part of the Perfor-

mance Triad, and involving the whole family helps

make exercise an ingrained part of a person’s life-

style.

A First Year Graduate Veterinary Education

(FYGVE) program intern organized the 5K Fun Run

with the local MWR, coordinating every-

thing from site and sponsors to registra-

tion and awards. The Fun Run followed a

course through the heart of Joint Base

Lewis-McChord. PHA-FL Soldiers helped

set up and staff the race course, cheering

the participants on, and providing traffic

control.

Dogs of all sizes and breeds joined their

family for the event - from Shih Tzus to

Shepherds and infants to grandpas, the

field was diversely represented. A num-

ber of participants got into the spirit by

dressing up. The race was high on light-spirited fun as participants crossed the finish line to

receive a medal and a round of applause.

The FYGVE program provides a year of focused activities that introduces new veterinari-

ans to the officer’s role in the Army Veterinary Corps and unit leadership. As a , this event was

one of the FYGVE intern’s large scale projects. She was supported by her fellow FYGVE in-

terns, soldiers and civilians in her unit, and espe-

cially the FYGVE leadership, and unit commander.

Page 5: Veterinary Service News - veterinarycorps.amedd.army.milveterinarycorps.amedd.army.mil/newsletters_pub/2017/FY17_4QTR.pdf · P7 US Navy Pacific Engagement-Malaysia. P8 Food Defense

Page 5 4th Quarter 2017

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The Regional Health Command – Atlantic (RHCA) held its annual Best Medic Competition

in September, 2017, to determine the best team to send forward to the CSM Jack L. Clark Jr.

Army Best Medic Competition (ABMC). For the first time in the competition’s history, a

Veterinary Services team competed against other teams consisting of U.S. Army Medics from

West Point, Fort Rucker, Fort Benning, Fort Campbell, Fort Bragg, and Fort Eustis, and won the

competition.

A Veterinary Corps Officer and Veterinary Food Inspection Specialist

formed a formidable and unstoppable team. Both Soldiers, who each

already possess the Air Assault Badge and Expert Field Medical Badge

(EFMB), volunteered to represent the parent command, Public Health

Command – Atlantic. The two met for the first time the night before

the competition started, but one would have thought the two had

known each other for years. They instantly connected, drawing upon

their strengths, past experiences, superior physical fitness, and intel-

lect to grab the title as Best Medic Team in RHCA.

Competition events were held over three days, spanned all hours of the

day and night, and included a Soldier Readiness Test, M4 stress shoot,

Air Assault obstacle course, Leader Reaction Course (LRC), Swiss Rappel Seat Test, Warrior

Skills Lane, written test, 100-meter swim, over 20 miles of ruck marching, and a Mass Casualty

(MASCAL) lane.

Throughout the competition the team remained resilient, enthusiastic, and injury-free.

Their agility and physical abilities contributed to their success. The awards ceremony was host-

ed by RHCA Command Team, and both Soldiers received the Army Commendation Medals and

trophies for their incredible achievement. They will represent RHCA as a team at the Army Best

Medic Competition, at Camp Bullis, TX.

Veterinary Services Soldiers Win Regional Health

Command-Atlantic Best Medic Competition

The teammates navigate the Fort Bragg Air Assault obstacle course.

Page 6: Veterinary Service News - veterinarycorps.amedd.army.milveterinarycorps.amedd.army.mil/newsletters_pub/2017/FY17_4QTR.pdf · P7 US Navy Pacific Engagement-Malaysia. P8 Food Defense

Page 6 4th Quarter 2017

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The United States Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations

Command (MARSOC) was founded in 2006 and is comprised of

three battalions. The initial vision was to have one Veterinary

Corps Officer (VCO) and one Veterinary Technician supporting a

kennel at each battalion. As MARSOC stood up, the requirements

shifted placing the kennels under the authority of the Marine

Raider Support Group, allowing individual canine teams to be

utilized as needed instead of being inherently owned by each

battalion. As a result, the current table of operations supports

two VCOs and two technicians.

The VCOs and technician assigned to MARSOC are

responsible for the comprehensive veterinary medical care for the

canines located on both coasts. They provide preventative

measures such as right paracostal grid gastropexies, dental prophylaxis treatments, teeth

extractions, and root canals, as well as perform emergent life-saving measures if needed. The

VCOs play a critical role in the procurement of canines, ensuring there are no deficiencies

observed on physical examinations, lab work, or radiographs and work intimately with the

Master Trainers in order to select the best canines available.

The dogs assigned to MARSOC deviate from normal

Military Working Dogs in that they are Multi-Purpose

Canines, trained in explosive detection, patrol, and track-

ing. Due to the austere working environments that they

are often deployed to, the veterinary staff train the canine

handlers extensively in canine first aid and Canine-

Tactical Combat Casualty Care (C-TCCC). MARSOC

canine handlers can place IV catheters, initiate treatment

for heat injuries, place endotracheal tubes, respond to air-

way disorders, and apply hemostatic control agents, as well

as respond to musculoskeletal injuries and gastrointestinal upsets.

MARSOC veterinary staff further train and assist in the evaluation of Semi-Amphibious

Reconnaissance Corpsmen and Special Operations Independent Duty Corpsmen, both in their

ability to support human casualties and also to support canine casualties. Didactic and

practical C-TCCC training is delivered, as well as canine specific doses of medications common-

ly found in their medical kits should they need to

stabilize a dog or treat for an emergency en route to

veterinary care. These assets are invaluable as

MEDEVAC times continue to vary, and patients are

moved into prolonged field care situations.

The future of responsibilities for the MARSOC

veterinary staff continues to develop as our patients

are unceasingly asked to perform at high standards

in ever-changing, rigorous environments.

MARSOC Provides Challenging, Rewarding

Veterinary Opportunities

Page 7: Veterinary Service News - veterinarycorps.amedd.army.milveterinarycorps.amedd.army.mil/newsletters_pub/2017/FY17_4QTR.pdf · P7 US Navy Pacific Engagement-Malaysia. P8 Food Defense

Page 7 4th Quarter 2017

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Veterinary Support to the US Navy Pacific Engagement- Malaysia

In May, several Veterinary Corps Officers and an

Animal Health Care Specialist participated in a subject

matter expert exchange with the Sabah Wildlife Depart-

ment in Sabah State, Malaysia. The exchange was de-

signed to facilitate efforts to strengthen ties with multi-

national partners and provide unique opportunities for

future joint cooperation and training within the PACOM

area of responsibility. The event was part of a larger ex-

change sponsored by the Navy.

While engaging with the wildlife vets at Lok Kawi,

the Army veterinary team discussed wildlife disease in the

context of the One Health concept and assisted with wild

animal procedures at the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park to

include primate health assessments and elephant tubercu-

losis testing. Discussions of wildlife rehabilitation and the

captive management of endangered species were

conducted. The team also partici-

pated in an engagement with the

USAID sponsored Wildlife Health

and Forensics Laboratory in Ma-

laysia to discuss the impact of

emerging diseases of wildlife on

human health.

Also discussed was the Sabah wildlife

department’s role in conservation and mitiga-

tion of the illegal animal trade within their bor-

ders. Of specific note was the role the laborato-

ry has played, identifying over 40 new viruses

since its recent inception. With wildlife serving

as a major player in the realm of emerging dis-

ease, wildlife veterinarians and collaboration

across commands in the field of pandemic pre-

paredness will be essential to future health op-

erations and force health protection.

A Veterinary Corps Officer prepares to take a

trunk wash sample as part of the TB testing

protocol.

The Veterinary team at the elephant barn in the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park.

The Vet team and facilitators aboard the USNS Fall River at sunset for the event reception.

Page 8: Veterinary Service News - veterinarycorps.amedd.army.milveterinarycorps.amedd.army.mil/newsletters_pub/2017/FY17_4QTR.pdf · P7 US Navy Pacific Engagement-Malaysia. P8 Food Defense

Page 8 4th Quarter 2017

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The 72nd MDVSS’ teams visited two food plants that serve the Department of Defense.

Soldiers witnessed evisceration and whole bird processing, quality grading, HACCP, Food

Recall Process, Time/Temperature

Holding, Customer Satisfaction,

Employee/Employer Communica-

tion, and existing job opportunities

for Soldiers planning to ETS. The

following week, the teams visited a

MRE Packaging Facility. The 72nd

MDVSS Soldiers became versed in

the nutritional quality and feeding

capacity of Group Rations. Soldiers

also were able to view the products

and process for other customers,

which include food service provid-

ers, major brands, and other

retailers. The visits were intended

to provide Soldiers a chance to un-

derstand and recognize acceptable sanitary procedures, HACCP steps, and quality assurance

protocols necessary for meat processing plants, which foreign countries should strive to meet.

The visit to the MRE plant allowed 72nd Soldiers to solidify their understanding of operational

rations, their application, and their importance to the Warfighter.

Soldiers Visit MRE Packaging Facility

Soldiers evaluate the processing line

Soldiers of Charlie and Echo squads.

Page 9: Veterinary Service News - veterinarycorps.amedd.army.milveterinarycorps.amedd.army.mil/newsletters_pub/2017/FY17_4QTR.pdf · P7 US Navy Pacific Engagement-Malaysia. P8 Food Defense

Page 9 4th Quarter 2017

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Officially part of the US Army since 3 June 1916,

the Veterinary Corps was immediately challenged when

it expanded for service in World War I, less than a year

later. The corps needed to induct qualified veterinari-

ans, train personnel in military procedures, and fully

support military operations with their specialty.

World War I strength for US Army veterinary

personnel reached approximately 2,300 officers and over

18,000 enlisted personnel. They performed similar

duties to contemporary veterinary personnel: food in-

spection, laboratory/research work, and the medical

treatment of animals. Included in these numbers of

veterinary personnel for World War I was a new soldier

component; African-American veterinarians.

Read about one of these early officers, Joseph H.

Stephens (1891-1974) who served in France during

World War I in the summer 2017 issue of On Point:

The Journal of Army History.

An Early African-American Army Veterinarian

Joseph H. Stephens, graduation

photo of Ohio State University’s

School of Veterinary Medicine,

1917.

The 1st Engineer

Regiment of the 1st

Infantry Division parades

through New York City.

Although motorized

vehicles were a part of the

arsenal, equine power was

still vital to transport

supplies and equipment

during the war. US Army

photo.

Page 10: Veterinary Service News - veterinarycorps.amedd.army.milveterinarycorps.amedd.army.mil/newsletters_pub/2017/FY17_4QTR.pdf · P7 US Navy Pacific Engagement-Malaysia. P8 Food Defense

Page 10 4th Quarter 2017

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The 95th Civil Affairs Brigade (A) has the highest OPTEMPO in the Army Special Operations

Forces (ARSOF) community with teams focusing on Irregular Warfare throughout the world.

Veterinarians assigned to the 95th CA BDE (A) support CA operators through all phases of the

deployment cycle: creating pre-deployment training packages, providing operational reach back,

and deploying globally in direct support of Civil Affairs elements.

Civil Affairs Veterinarians Support Army Special Operations Worldwide

A Civil Affairs Team with the Army Veterinarian, teaching indigenous forces to use

Civil Military Engagement in an agricultural environment to support irregular war-

fare lines of effort

A Civil Affairs Veterinarian engages civilian

population as part of Civil Military Operations

training for indigenous forces conducting Foreign

Internal Defense in an agriculturally based

community

A Civil Affairs Veterinarian oversees

halal slaughter and carcass evaluation

program during pre-mission training

Page 11: Veterinary Service News - veterinarycorps.amedd.army.milveterinarycorps.amedd.army.mil/newsletters_pub/2017/FY17_4QTR.pdf · P7 US Navy Pacific Engagement-Malaysia. P8 Food Defense

Page 11 4th Quarter 2017

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CA operators deploy to countries with a high

percent of the population employed in

agriculture. Veterinarians teach CA operators

to recognize agriculture systems, engage

agricultural populations, and understand value

chains and agriculture economics that link

agriculturists to other networks in the area of

operations. This prepares teams to develop

friendly networks in support of Unconventional

Warfare and identify food security issues that

may lead vulnerable populations to work with

violent extremist organizations.

CA teams work closely with US Embassies and

host nation militaries. Veterinarians support

CA teams by: acting as subject matter expert liaisons to U.S. and host nation agricultural

officials; training host nation militaries to conduct agriculturally based Civil Military

Operations; conducting military to military training in support of Foreign Internal Defense.

Throughout all of this, CA veterinarians maintain their warrior skill sets. They train with their

Civil Affairs counterparts: conducting airborne operations; competing (and winning) in warrior

skills competitions; and attending SERE or other military schools.

A Civil Affairs Veterinarian conducts military to-

military veterinary engagement supporting the

Mongolian Armed Forces food production program

A Civil Affairs Veterinarian assesses host nation

military ability to conduct counter-violent

extremist organization operations through

agriculturally based Civil Military Engagement

A Civil Affairs Veterinarian

competing as the Team

Leader for the winning team

in the 2016 Best Civil Affairs

Team Competition

Civil Affairs Veterinarians Support Army Special Operations Worldwide

Page 12: Veterinary Service News - veterinarycorps.amedd.army.milveterinarycorps.amedd.army.mil/newsletters_pub/2017/FY17_4QTR.pdf · P7 US Navy Pacific Engagement-Malaysia. P8 Food Defense

Page 12 4th Quarter 2017

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Public-Health Activity-Italy was recognized as an Army Occupational Health Star Site in

August at USAG Vicenza. The Commander, Regional Health Command—Europe, presented the

Activity with the Safety and Occupational Health Star Flag and certificate in a ceremony at-

tended by over 40 guests. The Commander of Public Health Activity-Italy noted that “this is a

distinct honor, and a significant step toward an improved culture in safety. Our personnel are

our greatest resource, and protecting their safety speaks directly to conserving our fighting

strength. This sets the highest standard for PHA-Italy moving forward with an unparalleled

safety culture.”

The Army Safety and Occupational Health Star Strong Program is modeled after an

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) program which recognizes

organizations for excellence in safety management systems. In 2012, MEDCOM adopted

OSHA’S Voluntary Protection Programs criteria for safety management systems. This is the

first time the certification has been granted to an organization that spans four countries and

includes all tri-service components. The recognition process is intense: the entire Activity

needed to demonstrate a strong culture of Safety and to integrate safety into veterinary clinical

practice, food safety, and food defense activities across supported countries in Europe and

Africa. This included successfully fulfilling 243 core elements under 4 major categories;

Employee Involvement, Worksite Analysis, Hazard Prevention, and Training. PHA-Italy not

only fulfilled the requirements of ASHMS but also developed an impressive list of best practices

to be shared worldwide.

PHA-Italy Recognized as An Army Occupational Health Star Site

Regional Health Command Europe commander presents Public-Health Activity-Italy the

Army Safety and Occupational Health Star flag and certificate at USAG Italy

Page 13: Veterinary Service News - veterinarycorps.amedd.army.milveterinarycorps.amedd.army.mil/newsletters_pub/2017/FY17_4QTR.pdf · P7 US Navy Pacific Engagement-Malaysia. P8 Food Defense

Page 13 4th Quarter 2017

UNCLASSIFIED

PHA-Italy Celebrates Change of Command

Veterinary Services members of PHA-Italy participated in the Change of Command ceremony in August

at US Army Garrison, Italy.

Page 14: Veterinary Service News - veterinarycorps.amedd.army.milveterinarycorps.amedd.army.mil/newsletters_pub/2017/FY17_4QTR.pdf · P7 US Navy Pacific Engagement-Malaysia. P8 Food Defense

Page 14 4th Quarter 2017

UNCLASSIFIED

Subject Matter Expert Exchange in Bangladesh

Dyess AFB Veterinary Treatment Facility Highlighted

The good work of the Dyess AFB Veterinary Treatment Facility team of veterinarians, veterinary tech-

nicians and administrative staff are highlighted in a recent article by the 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

office. Read more here: http://www.dyess.af.mil/News/Features/Display/Article/1267140/dyess-vet-clinic-

keeps-family-pets-pet-defenders-healthy/

Dyess Veterinary Clinic chief of vet services checks respirations on a Military Working Dog from the 17th Security

Forces Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kedesha Pennant, courtesy of 7th Bomb Wing Public

Affairs)

Veterinary Corps Officers with their

Bangladesh counterparts during a Mil-Mil-Civ

Subject Matter Expert Exchange in August to

promote global health security and

bio-preparedness expertise.

Page 15: Veterinary Service News - veterinarycorps.amedd.army.milveterinarycorps.amedd.army.mil/newsletters_pub/2017/FY17_4QTR.pdf · P7 US Navy Pacific Engagement-Malaysia. P8 Food Defense

Page 15 4th Quarter 2017

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There is a little known program that veterinary officers can complete

as part of their Long Term Health Education Training for a Master’s in Public

Health degree. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville offers a Human Animal

Bond emphasis to their Veterinary Public Health curriculum. The Army has

only recently began to encouraged VCOs to pursue this training, with a

handful of officers completing it to date. The growing awareness of mental

health issues in the military community is increasing the need for adjunctive

therapies to traditional interventions, and using animals is slowly becoming

an acceptable option.

I have recently completed the program and graduated in June 2017.

During the two years I was exposed to a wide range of public health topics.

UT’s Veterinary Public Health program is a collaboration between the College

of Veterinary Medicine and the Master of Public Health program in the

College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. The degree encom-

passes the “One Health” concept, and integrates animal topics into traditional-

ly “human” public health courses. I decided to attend UT because of the human-animal bond emphasis

and food safety certificate they offered. The draw of UT’s program was the flexibility I had to pursue my

multiple interests.

The Human Animal Bond emphasis is based around the College of Veterinary Medicine’s HABIT

(Human-Animal Bond in Tennessee) program which has been active for thirty years. Dr. John New, a

former Army Veterinarian founded the program in 1986. HABIT provides therapy dogs, cats and rabbits

to schools, nursing homes, hospitals and even the court systems. There are over 550 Teams that visit

140 facilities in East Tennessee.

I had two primary projects that I led during the program. The first was a research project at the

East Tennessee Children’s Hospital with Dr. Zenithson Ng. This study was to determine whether a child

undergoing a sedation procedure required less anesthetic drugs when they visited by a therapy dog, as

compared with playing with an iPad. As the Research Coordinator I was responsible for coordinating the

dog teams, clinic staff and collecting data and documentation for each procedure. This research is vital

to showing the physiological benefits of therapy animals in a clinical environment, and can provide

concrete evidence that can affect policy change in both civilian and military organizations.

My second project was to review and update HABIT’s Behavioral Evaluation procedures. All

HABIT animals must be evaluated to ensure that they are safe for working in the wide variety of

environments and situations therapy animals may be exposed to. The current evaluation was very

outdated, and did not include questions pertaining to the animal’s own comfort and willingness to

perform as a therapy animal. I added more objective observations like behavioral signs of stress and

attention seeking behaviors to help determine if the animal actually wanted to interact with people,

versus only tolerating the situation. I also converted the form to an online survey format, which allows

for easy access and data mining for future research.

The knowledge I gained in the HAB program has given me confidence to advise and help develop

programs like HABIT within the military community. Whether the support comes from the civilian or

the military side, therapy animals can be an important part of healing and recovery for many Service

Members.

Unique LTHET Opportunity:

The Human Animal Bond and the Military

Page 16: Veterinary Service News - veterinarycorps.amedd.army.milveterinarycorps.amedd.army.mil/newsletters_pub/2017/FY17_4QTR.pdf · P7 US Navy Pacific Engagement-Malaysia. P8 Food Defense

Page 16 4th Quarter 2017

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Real World Experience for 422nd

MDVS

Military Working Dogs save lives every day, whether on the battlefield detecting IEDs or at

home searching for the missing during a disaster. As a veterinary unit, it is important to not

only understand medicine but also how a working dog operates and trains. This leads to an un-

derstanding of the operational hazards where injuries that can occur. Additionally, the Defense

Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) mission will potentially align veterinary personnel with

FEMA urban search and rescue K9 teams.

In June, members of 422nd MDVS traveled to Virginia Beach to provide on site veterinary sup-

port during a Superfit Canine Disaster K9 Workshop in addition to learning about K9 Search &

Rescue operations and training. The Virginia Beach Fire & EMS Training Center is one of the

east coast’s level I&II Urban Search & Rescue training

sites for disaster search canine/handler teams. It provides

a wide wilderness area, three rubble piles and confined

space evolutions. The rubble piles and confined spaces are

intended to simulate a building collapse for these dogs to

train on, participants hide in various areas in the rubble

and the dogs then search for 'victims’.

The soldiers were exposed to both live find and human re-

mains detection teams. To gain insight into the abilities of

the dogs and see them operate, each soldier was given the

opportunity to be a ‘victim’ and then reward the dog for a

job well done. Hiding in tight spaces waiting to be found,

they heard the handler working the dog, the instructor

making training adjustments and how important it is to

reward the dog at the right moment.

The final scenario put participants in a simulated deployed disaster environment, where live

find and human remains detection teams worked together to clear an area. The teams searched

three areas over two and half hours, a great way to maintain condition and real-world simula-

tion, as these dogs typically train on a rubble pile for 20-30 minutes as a time.

In addition to the knowledge gained about urban search and res-

cue, the soldiers provided excellent veterinary support over the

two day training. Temperatures hovered in the 90s with high

humidity, soldiers monitored K9 temperatures and kiddie pools

were used as cooling stations. These measures were effective in

preventing heat casualties. They answered a variety of questions

from handlers ranging from working dog temperatures to lame-

ness and minor injuries.

This valuable experience has expanded their knowledge base of

working K9's and will assist in future Defense Support of Civil

Authorities (DSCA) missions. Based on the overwhelming posi-

tive response from the participating soldiers, future opportuni-

ties are being planned.

Page 17: Veterinary Service News - veterinarycorps.amedd.army.milveterinarycorps.amedd.army.mil/newsletters_pub/2017/FY17_4QTR.pdf · P7 US Navy Pacific Engagement-Malaysia. P8 Food Defense

Page 17 4th Quarter 2017

UNCLASSIFIED

Kosovo Forces 23 Task Force Medical (KFOR TF MED) from the 21st Combat Support

Hospital partnered with PHA R-P Hohenfels Section in Germany during the month of June.

The purpose was to provide mission essential task directed skill training for the TF MED

veterinary team during their predeployment mission rehearsal exercise at the Joint

Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC). The Hohenfels VTF, led by CPT Heather Weaver, pro-

vided numerous MOS sustainment training opportunities to CPT Jarrod Miller and SPC Cassi-

dy Smith from the 43D MDVSS out of Fort Hood in preparation for deployment to Kosovo. PHA

R-P Hohenfels also provided the opportunity for several TF MED members to assist with, and

compete in a garrison wide 5K K-9 appreciation run (5K-9).

The MOS training included medical care of privately owned animals (POAs) and

Military Working Dogs (MWDs) as well as several food inspection missions. Teams received

training on how to perform health certificate examinations for animals travelling back to the

United States and abroad. They also assisted with several sick call and wellness appointments.

They had the opportunity to work with two MWDs. They performed a dental cleaning on a

MWD, were briefed on the disposition process, and worked with a clinical specialist on an ortho-

pedic sick call exam for a MWD in Vilseck. The VCOs also discussed the basics of day-to-day

clinical operations and reviewed ROVR in preparation for managing the Role II+ clinic in Koso-

vo. The Animal Care Specialist also received 68R cross-training during which they inspected

the TSSA Class I storage, DFAC, Albertshoff Shoppette, and the Commissary.

Collaboration of TDA and MTOE in an OCONUS Environment

Left: A VCO provides training on dental prophylaxis to an Animal Care Specialist

Right: Hohenfels VTF personnel and TFMED Veterinary team: .

Page 18: Veterinary Service News - veterinarycorps.amedd.army.milveterinarycorps.amedd.army.mil/newsletters_pub/2017/FY17_4QTR.pdf · P7 US Navy Pacific Engagement-Malaysia. P8 Food Defense

Page 18 4th Quarter 2017

UNCLASSIFIED

The TF MED team arrived in Hohenfels just in time for the annual 5K-9 run put on by

the VTF, Red Cross, and AAFES. The purpose of the event was to promote exercise and well-

ness for pets and families as well as promote awareness of fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intesti-

nal parasites. CPT Weaver, the VTF staff, and TF MED veterinary team gave demonstrations

of ear cleaning, nail clipping, and tick removal for participants. They also had the opportunity

to interact with an MWD patrol/explosive team in action! The rest of the TF MED Scorpion

Medics seized the opportunity to participate in this event to build morale and foster team cohe-

sion as multiple members from a variety of AMEDD specialties ran in the 5K.

Overall this partnership demonstrated the importance of installation and operational units

working together to help fill training gaps and enhance mission readiness for Soldiers. The

coordination for this training started months ahead of time and demonstrated creativity and flexibility

in its execution, thus enhancing TF MED’s ability to provide veterinary service support to U.S. and

NATO service members in Kosovo.

Left: TF MED 5K-9 runners enjoy a day outside of Camp Albertshoff : Right: Animal Care Specialists restrain a MWD

for an orthopedic exam.

Collaboration of TDA and MTOE in an OCONUS Environment

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Page 19 4th Quarter 2017

UNCLASSIFIED

Summer and Fall bring new Veterinary Corps

Officers into the Army. This Basic Officer Leader-

ship Course, Phase II graduates represent two-

thirds of the new officers coming into the Veteri-

nary Corps in 2017. Congratulations and best of

luck as you embark upon your Army career!

The AMEDD C&S Department of is proud of all its

graduates!

A retired Veterinary Corps Chief

congratulates the Veterinary Corps

Officers completing the AMEDD

Captains Career Course. Captains

Career Course is an important mile-

stone in a young officer’s career progres-

sion. These Veterinary Corps Officers

were pleased to have a Veterinary Corps

Officer from the Armed Forces of the

Philippines (AFP) as their classmate.

Department of Veterinary Science Updates

Congratulations to the newest Animal Care Specialists, MOS 68T in Class 174-17 who

graduated in a dual ceremony with the newest Veterinary Food Inspection Specialists, MOS

68R, Class 175-17, on 21 August 2017. Congratulations and best of luck as you embark upon

your Army career!

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Page 20 4th Quarter 2017

UNCLASSIFIED

Snapshots around the Services

Left: DVS Soldiers at Senior

Leaders Course graduation.

Below: Veterinary Services

members with the Air Force’s

60th Medical Group Clinical

Investigation Facility at Travis

AFB, CA. This team supported

award winning research

developing novel ways to stop

hemorrhage in austere

environments.

A retire Corps Chief congratulates a

Veterinary Corps Officer in the Armed

Forces of the Philippines on completing the

AMEDD Captains Career Course.

Left: VCO climbs the Fort Bragg Air As-

sault Obstacle Course during the RHC-

Atlantic Best Medic Competition.

Center: The first Veterinary Services team

to win the RHC-Atlantic Best Medic title.

Right: Competing in the ruck march.