U.S. Military Ends Animal Use in Medic Training With New Bill

The U.S. military has announced it will cease the practice of using pigs and goats for training medics in treating combat injuries. This decision, part of the annual defense bill passed in March 2024, reflects a shift towards modern simulation technologies that can replicate battlefield conditions without involving live animals. The ban specifically targets “live fire” training, although some animal use for wartime training will still be permitted.

Rep. Vern Buchanan, a Republican from Florida who has long advocated for animal welfare, led the charge for this legislative change. He characterized the move as “a major step forward in reducing unnecessary suffering in military practices.” In a statement to the Associated Press, he emphasized the importance of advanced simulation technology in preparing medics while minimizing harm to animals. As Co-Chair of the Animal Protection Caucus, Buchanan has committed to eliminating outdated and inhumane training methods.

While the ban on live fire training is significant, Buchanan’s office clarified that the Defense Department will continue other forms of training involving animals, including procedures that utilize stabbing, burning, and blunt force instruments. Additionally, the military will still conduct “weapon wounding” tests on animals.

Animal rights organizations, including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, have hailed this decision as a victory. They argue that it will spare thousands of animals from suffering each year and marks a significant shift towards utilizing state-of-the-art simulation technologies. The group advocates for the complete replacement of live animals in training scenarios, citing the advancements in simulation that can effectively replicate real-life medical emergencies.

The Defense Health Agency oversees the training program and stated that it remains committed to transitioning away from animal models without compromising the quality of medical training. The agency pointed to the establishment of its Defense Medical Modeling and Simulation Office, which aims to create realistic training scenarios for medical personnel.

Despite these advancements, animal rights advocates have raised concerns about existing practices. According to a report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), previous defense legislation sought to limit the use of animals in trauma training. The 2013 defense bill required the Pentagon to develop a strategy for transitioning to human-based training methods, while a 2018 statute mandated the maximum use of simulation technology unless deemed necessary by the medical chain of command.

The GAO report highlighted that live animals like pigs and goats have been used due to their physiological similarities to humans. They can provide insights into biological variations and medical conditions that might complicate treatment. However, critics, including the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, argue that anesthetized animals do not adequately prepare medics for real battlefield scenarios.

Dr. Erin Griffith, a retired Navy physician and committee member, pointed out that while there is a perception of realism in treating a living animal, it does not replicate the urgency and chaos of treating a fellow soldier in distress. She noted that innovations such as “cut suits” worn by human volunteers offer a better approximation of the physical and emotional challenges faced in combat situations.

The shift away from using live animals in medic training reflects broader trends in military practices, emphasizing ethical considerations alongside the need for effective training. As technology continues to advance, the military is increasingly able to provide realistic training scenarios that enhance the preparedness of its medical personnel while reducing reliance on animal subjects.