REMOUNT AND VETERINARY CORPS (RVC)

NEWS: During the Republic Day Parade, animals such as horses, mules, and Army dogs were prominently represented. These animals are trained, maintained, and medically supported by the Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC) of the Indian Army. The Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC) is a specialised combat-support corps of the Indian Army

Core responsibility:

• Management, training, and healthcare of Army animals
• These include:

Operational Role of RVC

• Combat & Reconnaissance Support: Dogs used for: Tracking militants, Detecting
• Logistics & High Altitude Operations: Mules are critical in: Siachen, Arunachal Pradesh
• Veterinary Care: Preventive & curative healthcare: Disease control, Fitness certification

Historical Background

• Origins: One of the oldest branches of the Indian Army
• Originated from the Stud Department, Bengal (1779)

Evolution

• 1920 → Army Veterinary Corps (India)
• 1950 → Indian Remount and Veterinary Corps
• 1960 → Formally named Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC)
• Headquarters: Meerut
• Motto of RVC: “Pashu Seva Asmakam Dharma”

Achievements & Contributions

• War-Time Contributions: Played key roles in: First World War, Second World War
• President’s Flag: Awarded in 1989, Recognition of exceptional meritorious service
• Military Diplomacy: Participation in UN peacekeeping missions, Supplying trained animals to friendly foreign countries