Question from Iraq

[vexxer]

I am currently deployed to Iraq as a combat engineer, and was wondering what this job title will do for me in the competitive hiring process when I get back and look for a firefighting job. I also have a degree in Industrial Arts Education(aka: shop teacher). My job in the Army has trained me in the use of explosives and demolition, and also in construction. I plan on getting my EMT certification when I return to the States. Any insight into this question will be much appreciated. Thanks.

[columbusfire]

well most cities will give you bonus points for the millitary, and maybe some bonus points for for your degree. You'll have to compete with everyone else on the written. Depending on the city you will be competing with anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand people. Make your self more marketable get your emt and become a paramedic.. take evey test you can. With your current job title it really won't help you to much, your work,credit,criminal ect...history is more important then your actual job tittle. After you get the job your past might help you out if for example you want to become a bomb tech or something

[FFighterRob]

I don’t think you could have anything on your resume that the chief’s would like to see more than military experience. We aren’t seeing the same level of maturity in young men these days that we would have even 20 years ago. There are a large group of young people who are in their late 20’s and early 30’s that still live at mom and dad’s house and talk about what they are going to do when they grownup.
I have heard more than once, from the chief’s in charge of hiring that they wish we could have more people apply that have military time. We don’t have to teach them respect, discipline, how to operate within a paramilitary organization, or where you belong in the chain of command.

That being said, unfortunately very little of the training you get in the military is a qualification accepted by most fire departments. Even if you were a firefighter/medic you would still have to take a lot of those same classes when you get out. But it shouldn’t be a problem as you can challenge some and should have no problem getting through the rest. When you get back give me a call or an E-mail and I will help you figure out the quickest way to get into your career.
Good Luck, and stay safe,
Capt Rob
nrtc@sonic.net
707 869 1330
www.myfireinterview.com