Field Manual FM 4-02.18 (FM 8-10-18) Veterinary Service Tactics Techniques and Procedures December 2004

This publication outlines the functions and operations of each veterinary element within an area of operations (AO). It provides tactics, techniques, and procedures for veterinary support. The information provided in this publication will assist veterinary commanders and staffs to operate efficiently in the corps and echelons above corps (EAC) arenas. It may be used by medical planners to supplement Field Manual (FM) 4-02, FM 8-42, and FM 8-55. The recently approved Force Design Update and approved table(s) of organization and equipment (TOEs) provide two newly designed veterinary units. The medical detachment, veterinary service (MDVS) has subcomponents that include a headquarters section, a food procurement team, and veterinary service support teams (5). Each of these subcomponents has their own A-Series TOE/ Standard Requirement Code (SRC) as well as their overall unit TOE and SRC. This means that planners can put any of the subcomponents into a Time-Phased Force Deployment List (TPFDL) or an operation that they feel is needed, to include the whole unit if desired. The medical detachment, veterinary medicine (MDVM) was designed to deploy as one unit. This manual also provides doctrine for veterinary units organized under the L-Series TOEs. The organizational structures presented in this publication reflect those established in the current A-Series and L-Series TOEs effective as of this publication date. The staffing and organization structures presented in this FM reflect those established in the base TOE and are current as of this publication's print date. Such staffing is subject to change in order to comply with manpower requirements criteria outlined in Army Regulation (AR) 71-32. Those requirements criteria are also subject to change if the modification table(s) of organization and equipment (MTOE) is significantly altered.