Military Experience

[plisken]

Thought we should see how many Military Personnel and from what branches we currently have in the firefighter ranks. (Active Duty, Reservists/Guards, or people prior Duty. It is interesting how many military people become firefighters, or firefighters still serving our country. This is just to start something new.

I did a 10 years active duty Navy, all East coast, (AW) rescue swimmer. That is where I joined a Vol fire dept in california, Md.
Enjoyed being a firefighter so much I left the Navy to become a Firefighter.

[AZFF25]

US Navy
Seabees
Utilitiesman-Plumber (Turd Chaser)
Early 1990's

[FireDawgEMT22]

6 years Navy
USS Wyoming Blue Crew
Nuke ET (Reactor Operator)
ET2(SS)

[the1141man]

2 yrs Guard, 68W (Healthcare Specialist, aka "MEDIC!!!") hidden somewhere within the 40th ID(M).... ;)

[gunnyv]

20 yrs USMC Reserve. Started out as a Combat Engineer (MOS 1371), lat moved to ARFF (MOS 7051) in 97. I was drawn to the fire service by my Marine leaders-fire team leader, squad leader, and 1st Sgt were all firefighters when I was a PFC.

Now, let's get this out of the way..

SQUIDS ! :D

[plisken]

Gunnyv did you do any boat time or stay feet dry? You guys are a part of the NAVY also, You had to see a boat or two.

[gunnyv]

Plisken,

Feet dry, I'm an air winger in a support squadron. We fly in to build the bases so our Brothers can get off your nasty boats.

We Marines understand that we are part of the Department of the Navy. The MENS Department. Just keep signing those checks.

The insults are all in fun, of course. All services do a great job in their particular missions. We just got the fun ones. Wait'll Vinnie shows up to brag about the Grunts.

[plisken]

I was a SKY JOCKEY only went to the boat when they told me to, Never chipped paint, All I had to do was go flying and sleep. Nice thing about the aviation side of things. Ships company hated us at times but as long as we brought mail and supplies then we were good friends.

[doughesson]

I was in 1984 to 1988.I was a Boiler Technician the first couple years I was in my destroyer USS Mahan DDG 42.Then I decided to "Change my rate to bosun's mate,doo dah,doo dah"and spent the rest of my hitch chipping paint,handling mooring lines,driving the boat lookout watches and what not.
That was more fun than watching guages and trying to explain to the Top Watch that "The reasons the readings are different on the guages now as opposed to when I last made the rounds of the fireroom is because the engines were sped up and there is now an increased demand for steam so the numbers are higher now."

[doughesson]

There's an old saying"I can see what you airedales do to earn your flight pay but what do you do to get your base pay?"
I know of one incident off the east coast of Italy(Adriatic Sea)when the helo managed to drop a bright orange bag into the water instead of gently lowering it to the deck.
That was almost the first time a SH60 Seahawk got shot down by a Terrier missile.

I was a SKY JOCKEY only went to the boat when they told me to, Never chipped paint, All I had to do was go flying and sleep. Nice thing about the aviation side of things. Ships company hated us at times but as long as we brought mail and supplies then we were good friends.

[DocVBFDE14]

Navy twice :D

Currently a Damage Controlman but just applied to the Riverine Warfare Squadrons. If I get picked up I might stay in for 2 more years. If not, the next ship I sail on will be an awesome new class, the DD-214 class.

[ROOKIELZ]

Hubby was a Royal Canadian Dragoon. :)
He got his first taste of firefighting on the ranges.
He started volunteering as soon as he got out of the Military. That was in '93 and he's been going ever since. He has (so far!) worked his way up to Deputy Chief.

[DaSharkie]

3 years United States Marine Corps - 1st Radio Battalion (now 3rd Radio Bn. MCBH Kaneohe Bay, HI).

[len1582]

U.S.M.C. 1972 - 1975
0311 = infintry rifleman
1st Bn. 8th Regiment out of Camp Geiger, down the road from "Mainside"
After getting out I still wanted to do "something special". I lived down the block from Vol fire house where a few guys I knew belonged. Joined up in '76 and loved it. I felt that was what I wanted to do full time so I went to a large city, took the test and got on in '81.

[len1582]

Does anyone know what Camp Geiger is used for these days? I heard there haven't been any grunt units there for a long time. Maybe it's a snake farm. Those little ba$tard$ were always making their way into the barracks.:mad:

[Squad1LT]

Air Force for 3 years
381st Intel Squadron Elmendorf AFB Alaska

[ebratton03]

I did 12 years as a DOD Firefighter, with my last position as Dep Chief, Mil Personnel for Ft Rucker FD. Currently a CH-47D Pilot looking forward to a few more years and retirement. If it wasnt for the age restriction on most major metro fire departments, I would go back after retirement from the military (at age 40). I really wouldnt even mind being a probie again, even though Im sure I would have to endure my share of geritol and ben gay jokes :D
If anyone knows a major metro dept that does not have an age restriction (because I still think Im in better shape now than when I was 25) please let me know at erik.bratton@us.army.mil

______________________________ _
CW2 Erik Bratton
CH-47D Pilot
"Slick"

[jccrabby3084]

US Navy 1994-1999
Damage Control
USS Aubrey Fitch (FFG-34) and USS Harry S Truman (CVN-75)


To Doc....the DD-214 class of ship is by far the best I ever served on. You can come and go as you please, noone tells you what to do (depending on command), no inspections, nobody worries about your uniform...it is nice!

To Gunny...Gee you say Squids like it is a bad thing. Oh well, people from IL and other places think calling me a cheesehead is an insult too. That's ok.
NAVY...Never again volunteer yourself
MARINE...Muscles are required, intelligence not essential :)
(yeah I like to play the kid around game too)

[gunnyv]

Does anyone know what Camp Geiger is used for these days? I heard there haven't been any grunt units there for a long time. Maybe it's a snake farm. Those little ba$tard$ were always making their way into the barracks.:mad:

len,

Camp Geiger is the home of the East Coast School of Infantry. It is now accessed through the gate for MCAS New River. I know because I spent 6 months at New River in 2003, and the Geiger chow hall had much better food than the MCAS.

jccrabby,

All in fun. Bring it on, mopjockey. :D

[KBRfiredog]

did just under 3 years Air Force firefighting ( I got out early for bad behavior :D )

[DaSharkie]

did just under 3 years Air Force firefighting ( I got out early for bad behavior :D )

Must have addressed his superiors by their rank instead of their first name. :eek:

[Ladder8]

Nah, he used regular batteries in the TV remote instead of alkaline.... :rolleyes:

[len1582]

Thanks gunny.
Len

[DFurtman]

I did a little under 8 years active with the Navy.. out on an Honorable Discharge..

USS Independence 1/98~6/98
USS Kitty Hawk 6/98~5/02
NAF Misawa 5/02~4/05

Got a foundation of firefighting from the extensive training i received from the Navy. Now i'm an Air National Guard Firefighter with the 148th Fighter Squadron.

-Damien

[SamuelFire]

Four years in the US Army '81-'85, Military Intelligence.
Active reserves until '90

[glock509]

us army 89-93
ft benning
3rd ranger batt
then became a cop but wanted a real job with some excitment.

[MEDIC0372]

ARMY...

Why do we have Marines...to give the Navy guys someone to dance with.

[gunnyv]

ARMY...

Why do we have Marines...to give the Navy guys someone to dance with.

First, I don't dance...

Ain't
Ready for the
Marines
Yet

Don't you have to go attach some velcro to something?:D

[MEDIC0372]

Cheers Brother...

One of my First Sgts (Top) was a former Marine...Boy I heard some funny stuff over the yrs.

By the way...I was in way before velcro.

[the1141man]

First, I don't dance...

Don't you have to go attach some velcro to something?:D

At least we can be trusted with Velcro, Gunny. They figured you guys would attach the tapes to your chest hair and wander around ripping them off each other in competitions of "manliness". Ooh-rah? :p

[DaSharkie]

We become a man when we graduate from Parris Island or San Diego.

We have to prove it to you army dweebs when you challenge us based upon your own "intellect."

[the1141man]

We become a man when we graduate from Parris Island or San Diego.

We have to prove it to you army dweebs when you challenge us based upon your own "intellect."

*LMAO* Now there's an interesting couple images....

Upon arrival at MCRD, as part of your inprocessing, they shave your hair, and clip your nuts off. At graduation, they pin them back on, along with your EGA. ;) "Becoming a man" indeed.

I will say one thing for Marines, though: in most cases, the women are manlier than the guys by a long shot. :p

[DaSharkie]

I will say one thing for Marines, though: in most cases, the women are manlier than the guys by a long shot. :p


LOL. I had a WM Gunny (WM is Old Corps for Woman Marine - not PC nowadays) who dipped constantly. Never saw her without a dip in, putting a dip in, or taking a dip out...................And I never - I do mean never - saw her spit out the juice.

She was hard core, and I would have followed her into combat without any reservations or her skills and leadership ability. Nobody messed with her or her Marines without good cause, lest you feel her wrath......

[JAXFF7086]

Does anyone know what Camp Geiger is used for these days? I heard there haven't been any grunt units there for a long time. Maybe it's a snake farm. Those little ba$tard$ were always making their way into the barracks.:mad:

Camp Gieger is now home to the School of Infantry (East) and the staff NonCommissioned Officer Academy. The snakes are a controlled vermin now. The front gate is closed now and you have to enter through the Air Station Gate. Hwy 17 Bypass runs through the front part of Gieger and there is a bridge down at the point that crosses over to Camp Johnson and splits down to Hwy 24 East and then north thru Jacksonville.

Semper Fi

[JAXFF7086]

First, I don't dance...

Ain't
Ready for the
Marines
Yet

Don't you have to go attach some velcro to something?:D

Good one gunnyv!!:D

[JAXFF7086]

U. S. Marine Corps
Master Gunnery Sergeant
Retired - 26 years
Communications (2531, 2537, 2591)
Reconnaissance Battalion (0321)
Force Reconaissance Company (8652)
Drill Instructor (8511)
Staff NCO Academy Far East & Camp Lejeune
Communiatons School - Ops and Training

26 MEU
22 MEU
USS Iwo Jima
USS Denver
SS Wahoo
SS Salmon

[Dickey]

It does seem true......more military or ex-military are in Fire and Law Enforcement.

Me.....Wanted to go to Air Force for firefighting right out of high school but couldn't because my driving and my criminal record was not good. :D

[Chief2701]

Army 1978-1983

[DaSharkie]

Good one gunnyv!!:D

Blows my mind how many military folks have never heard that one.

[SANDSTROMJM]

NAVY 88'-92'
QM-3/SS
USS Pittsburgh (SSN-720)

[Paddiegrunt]

I did 2 years in the army( 1 year in Vietnam was a rifleman in an Infanty Unit)and just finshed 33 years with L.A. County Fire ( 2 yes as a fireman, 7 yeas as a paramedic and 24 years as a engineer)

[DennisTheMenace]

USMC 1989-1993, MOS-5711 Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Defense;
Desert Shield-Desert Storm Vet Aug 1990-Apr 1991
1st MEB, Kaneohe Bay MCAS

[DaSharkie]

USMC 1989-1993, MOS-5711 Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Defense;
Desert Shield-Desert Storm Vet Aug 1990-Apr 1991
1st MEB, Kaneohe Bay MCAS

Wow, I think your dating yourself there Dennis. 1st MEB has not been around for a decade as far as I know. :p

What years were you at K-Bay? I was there 1993-1995.

[gunnyv]

USMC 1989-1993, MOS-5711 Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Defense;
Desert Shield-Desert Storm Vet Aug 1990-Apr 1991
1st MEB, Kaneohe Bay MCAS


I would bet the only 5711s who didn't go to Desert Storm were the ones at the schoolhouse. I remember that as NBC paranoia time.

As far as dating themselves, I think JAXFF has won that battle hands down. From what he posted, I don't think there is a t shirt that he doesn't have.:D

[VinnieB]

USMC 1995-2002
USMCR 2002-Present

MAG-49 (6030/6016)
MAG-14 (6030/6016)
G/2/25 (0311)

[doughesson]

LOL. I had a WM Gunny (WM is Old Corps for Woman Marine - not PC nowadays) .....

Neither is BAM.I dated one off a sub tender moored a couple piers over from us in Charleston.I never let her visit me when I had the duty if she was in uniform.
That was all I needed:"On the Mahan!Fireman Hesson is now on the pier kissing a Marine!All interested personnel lay topside on the portside!"

[doughesson]

Did you know an RM named Robert Black?He might have gotten out/off in 88 but I knew the guy from Great Mistakes.

NAVY 88'-92'
QM-3/SS
USS Pittsburgh (SSN-720)

[DennisTheMenace]

Wow, I think your dating yourself there Dennis. 1st MEB has not been around for a decade as far as I know. :p

What years were you at K-Bay? I was there 1993-1995.
The MEB was disbanded a year or so after I left. I think it was a mistake, it was the only standing MEB located on a single base with all eliments of the MAGTF. Everyone knew each other and knew how to work together, from the PFC's to the 0-6's. Now when they need a Brigade, they have the HQ unit but then have to add the diffrent components together piece meal style. I know everyone trains under the same SOP's, but unless you know eachothers personality and style you can't be one hundred percent sure that you can work well together.
I guess when they knew that they would have to get rid of the F/A-18's at K-Bay to make way for the Navy's P-3's and other aircraft they figured they would no longer have the full MAGTF so might as well disband. It was great when it lasted, knowing the a call for airsupport, be it a strike or a helo replenishment/extraction would be from a bunch of guys you had seen at the chow hall or out surfing. Grunts trusted the supply/maint/motor-t guys with less of the front line vs rear animosity since they lived together. When I was out there a few years ago...actually pre 9/11....I guess it was more than a few years now...there was not that same "team" feeling that existed while I was there. There are a bunch of nice barracks there now and housing that did not exist then, so bringing the Navy on board helped a little ;)

I was there from April 1990 until July 1993 with time off for Desert Shield/Storm. We were the first Marine Units to actually deploy to the Kingdom, but some of the Hollywood Marines beat us there since they had six hours less of flight time to get there.

[DennisTheMenace]

USMC 1995-2002
USMCR 2002-Present

MAG-49 (6030/6016)
MAG-14 (6030/6016)
G/2/25 (0311):eek: You swing with the wing Vinnie?!?!?!?!?!

[DennisTheMenace]

I would bet the only 5711s who didn't go to Desert Storm were the ones at the schoolhouse. I remember that as NBC paranoia time.


Yup, I was only four months out of school, and the hottest commodity an 18 year old Marine could ever find himself. Briefing Generals, order SgtMaj's to wear there masks and suits correctly, having everyone else beg me for info and new "good masks" etc. Gave me a big head that got me in a little trouble in the barracks when we got home. ;)

[SANDSTROMJM]

Did you know an RM named Robert Black?He might have gotten out/off in 88 but I knew the guy from Great Mistakes.
No, although assigned to Pittsburgh in 9/88, due to schooling, I med up with her in the Med in Dec.

[VinnieB]

:eek: You swing with the wing Vinnie?!?!?!?!?!

Aye, that I DID. Bunch of long haired, undisciplined, humps if ya ask me. :D