give it to me straight

[XU2414]

OK...you all have read a ton of these I am sure. I am going to ask anyway, with hopes to receive an answer. I want to become a fireman, plain and simple. I am in the Army, current job being Special Forces (Green Beret), and want to know what I need to do to become a fireman? I have a year left, and want to do whatever I need to do to become a fireman and do it as seamlessly as possible. What do I need to do? I was thinking about joining the Air national guard (firefighter), but from looking at previous threads it seems that it doesn't help. My current job gives me NO time to volunteer, being that I am constantly gone doing "things" (saving me any security issues), so what can I do? Any help in this matter will be great.
John

[JHR1985]

just wait till you get out. I got my FF 1 and 2, my EMT-Basic and my EMT-Paramedic cert in under a year. I graduated from high school in december at 17... in fire academy at march at 17.... till June. EMT during August. Began Paramedic in Sept til Feb and got hired in June at 19.

[BKDRAFT]

5 month Paramedic program now that's scary! :eek:

[Slaytallica45]

5 month Paramedic program now that's scary! :eek:

I'll second that

[jccrabby3084]

5 month Paramedic program now that's scary! :eek:

It is possible though....There are a couple programs offered in WI that are only six months long. However, you have class everyday from like 8 to 4 and then have to do your clinicals at night and then arrange ride alongs on the weekends. Possible to do, but don't expect a social life and hope you like to study.


As for the original post...as already stated, get out and then go to school. Find a school that offers a fire protection program. Use your GI Bill and other veterans benefits. You can complete a program in 2 years, which gives plenty of time to get a job. Also as for getting that job, those vet points you earned will help. Being a Green Beret will be impressive on a resume as is, so I wouldn't worry too hard about trying to do FF stuff now. Wait till you are out and you will have the time to get your experience.

[JHR1985]

8-5 five days a week with the occasional weekend. It was easy till clinicals.... holy crap. I was pulling 16hr shifts after working a 24 and crap like that.

One day, I went in for cadaver lab that morning and then pulled 16hrs in the OB lab. It was my choice but it still sucked

[Geinandputitout]

http://www.uihealthcare.com/depts/emslrc/

Go to EMT school and paramedic school. They have full time programs at the above link. Start applying for jobs as soon as you complete EMT-B. Good luck

[BCLepore]

John,
Thanks for making our country a safer place. Yes, there are plenty of things you can do NOW to make yourself a more desireable candidate when your military commitment is up.
Here is a copy of an article I have written regarding military men and women who are interested in a career in the fire service.

Military Experience
Candidates who have served our country in the Armed Forces have a huge advantage over those who have not. It is generally believed that while a military veteran may not have as many certificates and fire science units as the other candidates (you were busy serving our country), you offer so much more.
There is no substitute for life experience. The growth a young man or women experiences in the military is second to none. This growth is of course magnified depending on the assignments held.
The fire service is a Para-military organization. Many of the common terms in the fire service, such as Captain and Battalion Chief were taken directly from the military.
Men and women with military background are usually very mature, regardless of their age. They understand the need to get along with others, especially with people who come from different backgrounds from them. They understand commitment and the need to work until the job is completed. They are used to working for long periods of time in less than ideal conditions.
Physical fitness is a big part of the military. As a result the group is usually in very good shape. This is particularly important to the fire service because the number one reason entry-level candidates fail out of the academy is due to poor physical fitness.
Military people demonstrate respect for authority and they understand the chain of command. The group clearly understands code and honor. These qualities are extremely important in the fire service.
They are used to working in a structured environment and the importance of doing something right the first time. They are able to work unsupervised and that completion of a job or task is a reflection of them.
Basic training taught them the importance of cleaning up after themselves.
If you are still in the military and are interested in a career in the fire service, it is important that you start making provisions NOW. Start taking online classes NOW.
If possible, put yourself in a position to get fire service-related training such as Medic or Corpsman. Hazardous Materials and firefighter training will also be beneficial. Lastly, work on general education courses so you can earn your Associates degree.
Do not be intimidated by all of the candidates who have every certification under the sun. They were able to obtain these as full time students while you were busy fulfilling your obligation to the American people.
A candidate who is an EMT, possesses related experience as a reserve or volunteer firefighter and is active taking fire science courses is usually at the top of his or her game. Get your qualifications, learn how to take a fire department interview and earn your badge.
Paul Lepore
Battalion Chief
www.aspiringfirefighters.com

[DocVBFDE14]

OK...you all have read a ton of these I am sure. I am going to ask anyway, with hopes to receive an answer. I want to become a fireman, plain and simple. I am in the Army, current job being Special Forces (Green Beret), and want to know what I need to do to become a fireman? I have a year left, and want to do whatever I need to do to become a fireman and do it as seamlessly as possible. What do I need to do? I was thinking about joining the Air national guard (firefighter), but from looking at previous threads it seems that it doesn't help. My current job gives me NO time to volunteer, being that I am constantly gone doing "things" (saving me any security issues), so what can I do? Any help in this matter will be great.
John

First step would be to decide where you want to get on. Many large cities like New York, Chicago, Boston etc, you need nothing but your DD-214.

[XU2414]

Thank you for your help. Guess I need to get going with some more school work(I have 70 semester hours towards Computer Science degree). Well would a military HAZMAT certification transfer into the civilian world? Or do you need to be certified in the state that you are applying? Finally how long do hiring list normally stay "current", every two years? What I am trying to figure out is if I start putting in applications before I am out, if the hiring process would take that long? Or can I even get my name on lists before I have my DD214 (discharge papers)? Again thank everyone for your help with this. God Bless
John

[Geinandputitout]

How long a list stays current really is a local issue or maybe state-by-state. Where I'm at a list is certified for a one year period, then the department has to have a new testing process. Some lists last for years. I'd just call departments in the area that your interested in and see how long their lists are certified.

[johnson2985]

1. A fireman starts fires in a boilers while a fire fighter puts fires out. Using the word "fireman" in a panel interview will probably destroy your odds.
2. Your military experience is a great start for your career. Veteran's preference points will be helpful in moving you to the top of the list. You need to find things that define who YOU are and figure how to use them in an interview situation. This assumes that first, you pass the test with an acceptable score. When it comes time to interview, you must remember that the panels are going to hear hundreds of "canned" interview answers. They are going to see a ton a "cookie cutter" fire fighters, all fresh from fire school or other academies. All of whom are excellent candidates.
What you have to do is set yourself ahead of the rest of the group, and give the panel something to remember you by (in a positive way, that is.)
You can tell them about being in the military. They will probably hear that from at least a hundred other candidates. Tell the panel about an achievement, something you did that really helped your unit, something you did that really made you grow as a person that defines who you are, and will benefit the department you are going to.
In a nutshell, study like crazy and ACE the civil service test. Make sure you are in excellent physical shape and are able to ACE the CPAT test. Practice your interview skills and find a way to set yourself ahead of the competition.
Be patient, and don't give up after your first try.
Best of Luck!

[XU2414]

Sorry for the "fireman" statement, honest mistake. Thanks for your help with this, I am learning quickly that this is a very competetive job (and I thought earning the Green Beret was difficult). It seems like you need to know someone to get a spot. From the people that I have talk with, outside of this forum, who are firefighters all said they knew someone in the department that they were hired in. Does it help to know someone, kind of like the good ole boy thing? It seems like I have a long up hill battle to get a job in a department. Thanks again and any more help will be greatly appreciated.

[SPFDRum]

In most large metro areas, as stated earlier, a DD214 and an honorable discharge. The city and their recruit academy will do the rest. In St. Paul, do to budget constraints, we require a current EMT ticket. Even that is cake after the military.
Now the paramagic or not to paramagic debate. I can only use the twin Cities metro area for an example. But here on the larger departments, it don't mater. It's all how you place on the physical test, the written, then add your vets preference points.
Now the smaller departments that have a fire medic program, they will require it. It just makes good fiscal sense as the cost of the schooling. But they will also require Minnesota's (or equivalent)fire training certificates.
Short answer- see what the city you want to work for requires, get that first. If you are a little worried about the tests/inteviews, get BC Lapores books for study aids. Then keep yourself in shape and test often.

[the1141man]

Hey John--just out of curiousity, did you earn your GB during SFAS or SFQC? Which SFG are you ODA out of? ;)

PS--"OPSEC" is not an issue with either question I asked, and is not an acceptable answer.

[XU2414]

I see where your going with this one...SFQC is where you earn your green beanie, BUT you need to pass SFAS to get to that point (STAR sound familiar to you, maybe Nasty Nick ) I am stationed out of Lewis, 1st SFG. I will not elaborate much beyond that. I take it you know a thing or two about that..

[dday05]

just wait till you get out. I got my FF 1 and 2, my EMT-Basic and my EMT-Paramedic cert in under a year. I graduated from high school in december at 17... in fire academy at march at 17.... till June. EMT during August. Began Paramedic in Sept til Feb and got hired in June at 19.

That is alot of school in a very short period of time. Glad to see you achieved your goal.

[DFurtman]

I was thinking about joining the Air national guard (firefighter), but from looking at previous threads it seems that it doesn't help.

John


Hey John...

If you have any questions about the Air Natl. Guard side of Firefighting, or the DoD Fire Academy, feel free to shoot me a PM before ya talk to a recruiter.

-Damien

[bigl27]

In most major cities you won't need to have your emt-b or your 240 card to get hired. I would go online and look at when the bigger cities are giving their civil service test so you can start applying when you are ready. Also they will sometimes have a place where you give them information so they can let you know when the testing process will start.

[matador]

OK...you all have read a ton of these I am sure. I am going to ask anyway, with hopes to receive an answer. I want to become a fireman, plain and simple. I am in the Army, current job being Special Forces (Green Beret), and want to know what I need to do to become a fireman? I have a year left, and want to do whatever I need to do to become a fireman and do it as seamlessly as possible. What do I need to do? I was thinking about joining the Air national guard (firefighter), but from looking at previous threads it seems that it doesn't help. My current job gives me NO time to volunteer, being that I am constantly gone doing "things" (saving me any security issues), so what can I do? Any help in this matter will be great.
John

It depends where you live. I would start with calling the largest city near you and talk to someone in human resources. Find out what the qulaifications are for entry level fire candidate. Next find a local community college with a fire science degree program. Since you are serving our country you may have access to educational loans (GI-Bill)? Get as much education as possible while you are seeking employment. Third get your EMT certification. Depending where you live some bigger cities requiire some formal education and a fire academy. Although it may not be required in your area being ahead of the game demonstrates dedication and persistance. Visit a local fire station and talk to some of the firefighters (don't forget to bring them some ice-cream) I gaurantee they will remember you when you get hired. Good luck, stay the course, Never give up.
Mario Campos
Battalion Chief
Fayetteville, Arkansas

[XU2414]

I appreciate everyones help..all the information is really helpful. If there is anything else that I should look into or need to know and prepare myself I will continue to check this post. Again THANKS and God Bless all of you for what you do to make this country a better and safer place.
John

[DocVBFDE14]

1. A fireman starts fires in a boilers while a fire fighter puts fires out. Using the word "fireman" in a panel interview will probably destroy your odds.


If you want to be PC go ahead. However

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/fireman

fire·man /ˈfaɪərmən/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[fahyuhr-muhn] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun, plural -men.
1. a person employed to extinguish or prevent fires; firefighter.
2. a person employed to tend fires; stoker.
3. Railroads. a. a person employed to fire and lubricate a steam locomotive.
b. a person employed to assist the engineer of a diesel or electric locomotive.

4. U.S. Navy. an enlisted person assigned to the care and operation of a ship's machinery.
5. British Mining. fire boss.
6. Baseball. relief pitcher.

Fireman is an accepted way to describe this occupation unless you don't want to upset a few people.

[the1141man]

If you want to be PC go ahead. However

...

Fireman is an accepted way to describe this occupation unless you don't want to upset a few people.

*LOL* My lid's a hand-me-down, and the shield says "FIREMAN" on it. *shrug* I guess if I was a chick, I'd want a diff shield.... ;)

[reillysfd]

u will have no prob becoming a firefighter, i have been in the same spot. most paid depts count military experience as well as college credits and your schools can be done in a short amount of time if your willing to work for it. if you made it through sf school fire training will come easily to you. just keep trying it can be a long process to get hired. hope this is some help to you

[EngrMedic32]

Firefighter positions are the most sought after jobs in local governments. You have been given alot of good advice. I work for a large department and we don't look for any prior formal firefighting training outside of EMT or Paramedic. Be persistent, it often takes a number of years; testing and applying, to land the job you want, and YES, knowing someone high in that departments or governments food chain will help as much as anything.

[chuckbrooks]

John,

I was recently in your shoes. Back to back overseas rotations can be a killer of a timeline to get around. Glad to hear that you were able to slip your packet in even with the stoploss. A couple of things:

1. Do your research now of big city departments. You have a great opportunity as you are getting out of the army in that you are not stuck to any one part of the country. Pick an area that you would like to live in, research the municipal fire departments in that area (and their testing requirements) and take your pick. (pick 3-4) The tests are competitive. But, if you prepare, it's not any more competitive than what you've already done. It's a different game though. So, do your homework.

2. Put together an online resume on www.cpol.army.mil. Visit the fire station on Lewis and have a couple of the guys give you a hand with wording. This will set you up to apply for DOD jobs. If nothing else, it means that you can try to get a DOD job while you're testing around (gives you a little more transition time).

3. You can test before you are off active duty in some cases. Look into this. In some departments, the hiring process takes almost a year.

4. Keep your military records handy (especially your security questionnaire and your DD214 - it will come in handy while filling out the background forms).

There are some great places to work right around where you are. Plus, there are a couple of SFNG units up that way also that are swarming with ex-active duty/now firefighter types. I'm sure you've run into them more than a few times overseas. It's a good gig and a great way to finish out your 20 (still busy though - year gone/year back kind of thing - So, definitely wait until you are through your training and are solid in the department that you want to retire from before you go back that way). But, it never hurts to meet a few POCs and get some numbers to keep on file while you're still on active duty.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to PM me.

By the way, STAR was easy. 1st time go. SCUBA ROAD BABY!

Chuck

[XU2414]

hahaha YEA...Scuba Road was great, kinda like pulling teeth. When you finish that you get Andersonville, team week, food deprivation, ZERO sleep, man what GREAT time. I definently don't want to do again, but it is something I can look back on and say...I did it and can chalk it up to experience. Even better than that.....THE RTL...its a good time gentlemen.

[EGH128]

Are you stationed at Fort Bragg? If so, and you're looking to stay in that area, Fayetteville is a good city department. I have an uncle who retired a Captain at 32 years. Good luck.

[doughesson]

Having been a BTFN in the Navy,"Fireman" is an enlisted rate at the E-3 paygrade for someone in the engineering ratings.The rate is denoted by three red stripes on the left arm of the dress uniform.Lower rates include Fireman Apprentice(E-2,two red stripes) and Fireman Recruit(E-1,no stripes).
In the boiler spaces or engine room,a Fireman outranks a smudge of soot and very little else.

If you want to be PC go ahead. However
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/fireman

4. U.S. Navy. an enlisted person assigned to the care and operation of a ship's machinery.

[doughesson]

If it was easy,then it wouldn't be worth doing,now would it?The original poster is SF which means he knows about grunting through training instead of quitting like the ones that don't want it as badly.
I'm told the SEALs are the same way.

8-5 five days a week with the occasional weekend. It was easy till clinicals.... holy crap. I was pulling 16hr shifts after working a 24 and crap like that.

One day, I went in for cadaver lab that morning and then pulled 16hrs in the OB lab. It was my choice but it still sucked

[XU2414]

Yes I was at Ft Bragg, but only for the Q-course. I have since moved to Ft Lewis in WA, Tacoma/Olymipa area. I was told by some people about Fayettenam and the department there. My wife loves NC, but I am not huge on it, it might be where I settle I just need to see where I get a job.

[MattyS]

I see where your going with this one...SFQC is where you earn your green beanie, BUT you need to pass SFAS to get to that point (STAR sound familiar to you, maybe Nasty Nick ) I am stationed out of Lewis, 1st SFG. I will not elaborate much beyond that. I take it you know a thing or two about that..

Hey...Im career in western wash...if this is where youre going to stay after you leave, feel free to ask some questions..