Michigan Guys going to Iraq

[CitriusMonkey]

Hey, for you guys that have gone, or are going to the sandbox, I know there has to be a test taken, and I think I read that it is in Pennsylvania. Does anybody have the Name, number, and any realitive info that is state specific that I need?

*Edit: Just searched abit and emailed Rob Freese and I can't figure out how to delete this topic.

[Irishfireater]

My husband is over there now, we are from Spring Lake. There are also a few other guys from the area. I'm sure he can help you with what ever questions you may have. His email address is; irishff16@yahoo.com

[gunnyv]

If you're talking about challenging the FF I & II test to get IFSAC certs I can give you some guidance. I also know a couple of guys going through the process. PM me.

[CitriusMonkey]

Irishfireeater: Is you Husband from Crockery? I heard there are a few guys from there that are over there. I'll kick out an email to him. Thanks.

Gunny: you have PM

[USArmyFF1]

Hey, for you guys that have gone, or are going to the sandbox, I know there has to be a test taken, and I think I read that it is in Pennsylvania. Does anybody have the Name, number, and any realitive info that is state specific that I need?

*Edit: Just searched abit and emailed Rob Freese and I can't figure out how to delete this topic.

I know there's a test called the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery). Looking for that? Head down to the local recruiter. We're hiring all the time, baby.

[bigflamer]

I'm from the Grand Rapids area and I'm just at the start of the process right now. I'm gonna go and challenge the IFSAC test on July 25/26 in Bucks county.

Anyone else gonna be there that weekend?

[Rabbit342]

I heard they was a true diploma mill, They dont care what you know just as long as they get your money, DoD frowns on people that goes to those types of schools.

[gunnyv]

DoD can frown all they want, as long as Bucks maintains it's IFSAC accreditation they have to grant reciprocity. That's the system they bought into. Once you have the DoD cert, noone cares how you got it.

[Irishfireater]

I heard they was a true diploma mill, They dont care what you know just as long as they get your money, DoD frowns on people that goes to those types of schools.


I don't know where you got this information from but I can guarente you that it is not true. At that time my husband had nine years of ff experience, he went down there with another guy that had six, and a former fire chief, whom I won't mention the years of experience so I won't date him, and they went through the whole thing. The guy was very professional, I would recomend Bucks County to anyone.

[CitriusMonkey]

Big flamer, what certifications are you going for? How much are they charging you? I have been trying to contact them and I can't get them to return. Who did yo contact. Interested in sharing a ride?

[bigflamer]

Big flamer, what certifications are you going for? How much are they charging you? I have been trying to contact them and I can't get them to return. Who did yo contact. Interested in sharing a ride?

I will be challenging the test for IFSAC certification in FFI, FFII, and hazmat operations. All of which are required to be IFSAC, DoD, or Proboard. Bucks County Community College charges $250.00 to take both tests and the next combined weekend is June 25/26 at their testing facillity in PA. I'm told we would walk away from there with IFSAC certs in hand, but I haven't verified this myself.

A ride share might work indeed, I'll have to talk to the guy I'll be riding with to see if there is still room. I really encourage you to get a hold of him cuz he will send you some good info on preparing for the test. Here is the email that I recieved from him a while ago:

"We do offer challenges for FF-1/HM-A and FF-2/HM-O, however the next one that is a combined weekend won’t be until June. If you can provide me with a mailing address then I can send you all the information."



Rob



Earl "Rob" Freese III, MS
Assistant Director, Certification & Curriculum
Bucks County Public Safety Training Center
1760 South Easton Road
Doylestown, PA 18901
Ph: 215.340.8476 Fax: 215.343.6794
Email: freesee@bucks.edu
Website: www.bucks.edu/publicsafety

[CitriusMonkey]

I am going to assume that hm-a is awarness, and hm-o is operations, correct? So are you looking at 250, 500, or 750 for ff1, ff2, and hazmat operation... Respectivtly? I have emailed that guy, and haven't heard back from him yet.

[USArmyFF1]

Not sure if this will help, but DoD will accept either IFSAC or NPQS (ProBoard) certs. If you can find an accredited agency that will get those for you cheaper, do it. Here's the website:
http://www.theproboard.org/

[bigflamer]

I am going to assume that hm-a is awarness, and hm-o is operations, correct? So are you looking at 250, 500, or 750 for ff1, ff2, and hazmat operation... Respectivtly? I have emailed that guy, and haven't heard back from him yet.

The weekend is divided into two days. The first day is FF-1/HM-A and costs $125. The second day is FF-2/HM-O and also costs $125. Practical and written skills will be assesed on both days.

Keep emailing him and call his office direct maybe.

Good luck!

[reboundguy]

Background: I am a former WSI employee and have taken classes at Bucks County.

First off, it is not a Certification mill. They offer quality classes. When you challenge a test they do not offer a free ride. You are relying on your knowledge and experience and need to review/study for the test. Also, the testing is not meant to fail you, like any test you need to get over a 70 percent which really isn't that difficult if you prepare. Hotels in the area run like 80 dollars a so a night, that is the only real problem with going there.
Also, Rob Freese is the contact and gets busy. Just try to email him again.

For those going overseas, it is difficult at times but financially rewarding. I stayed the entire year and received 3 Proboard certifications while I was over there. HazMat OPs, ARFF, and Instructor I. If you keep a positive outlook and remember why you are there you can do a year. Please don't spend all of your money before going or while you are there. Set a savings goal and stick to it. Too many people come back with nothing.

Jon Willoughby

[reboundguy]

Also, pack light. Things do start to add up.

[weulz1396]

I heard they was a true diploma mill, They dont care what you know just as long as they get your money, DoD frowns on people that goes to those types of schools.

I have been in Iraq for 7 months now. I am from Michigan and am one of the first Michigan guys to go to Bucks. The entire process was legit all the way. I was unable to attend the challenge weekend that Capo168 set up bet went 10 days later. I was the only guy there and I got through the entire process in 1 day. I studied hard and it paid off. I had to do all the practicals and take all 4 tests, nothing was given to me. In fact I was charged a reduced rate from what I see they are charging now. Rob's concern was to get me certified after I showed him I had the knowledge and skills that IFSAC requires. He was not concerned with getting paid. If I ever need a class or to challenge a test again I will go back to Bucks. It is worth the 10 hour drive.
By the way I took my wife with me. I studied while she drove. As soon as my tests were done we went to D.C. (three hours away) and handed my certs to Astrid. We stayed at the Hotel Harrington for $80.00, I highly recommend it. The ESPN Zone is just across the street.

Good luck boys and Go Blue.

[firelawn]

Hi there. I have been looking into going to Iraq for about a year now. They lost my last applicayion from last year and now they have added this new IFSAC, DOD, or NPQS (Pro-Board) certification. Where, how, when and how much to take this? I have heard that it is just a test that you challenge. I really would like to get this done. Also does anyone know of anyone that is over there as a Wakenhut Firefighter?

[weulz1396]

Hi there. I have been looking into going to Iraq for about a year now. They lost my last applicayion from last year and now they have added this new IFSAC, DOD, or NPQS (Pro-Board) certification. Where, how, when and how much to take this? I have heard that it is just a test that you challenge. I really would like to get this done. Also does anyone know of anyone that is over there as a Wakenhut Firefighter?

Did this guy even read anything here before he posted?

[bullwinkle35]

this is the type of person ive been venting about