Schlanser takes command of Army Veterinary Corps

Col. Justin R. Schlanser

Col. Justin R. Schlanser will serve as the 29th chief of the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps, succeeding retiring Col. Deborah Whitmer, who has led the corps since 2022.

Established in 1916 during World War I, the Army Veterinary Corps is responsible for ensuring the health and welfare of military working animals and a safe food supply for U.S. service members. Members of the corps also conduct biomedical research on animal and zoonotic diseases, support animal health and agricultural development programs, and provide humanitarian air and disaster relief.

Col. Schlanser received his veterinary degree in 2003 from Michigan State University, where he also earned a master's in public health in 2013. He did a clinical residency in zoological medicine at zoos in Michigan and Ohio and is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine.

During his military career, Col. Schlanser has served in several leadership positions, including officer in charge of veterinary services at Fort Irwin, California; regimental veterinarian of the 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Benning, Georgia; command veterinarian for the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, in Italy; and commander of the 218th Medical Detachment at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state.

In addition to his role as chief of the Veterinary Corps, Col. Schlanser is deputy director and surgeon for U.S. Army South and head of the Public Health Command East at Fort Meade, Maryland.

Col. Schlanser is a member of the Order of Military Medical Merit and holds the Surgeon General's "A" proficiency designator. He has several military awards and decorations, such as the Parachutist's badge, the German Fallschirmspringerabzeichen (bronze), the Expert Field Medic Badge, the Special Operations Diver Badge, and the Ranger Tab.

Col. Schlanser's wife, Dr. Teri Schlanser, is also a Veterinary Corps officer. They have four children.

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