setting up for success...

[jcbarntx]

I'm new here and currently on O-2 in the USAF. I was on a full ride ROTC scholarship throughout college majoring in Finance and Acct. All of which has zero relevance to the ff career field. I've got great credit and a fairly clean background (no more stupid stuff than anyone else). I'll be returning from a deployment May 2008 and my service commitment is up May 2009.

I've got 2 questions: 1) When should I start applying so that my gap in employment is as short as possible 2) When I call departments that I'm interested in, they say don't worry about getting any advanced certs (i.e. emt/ bachelors in Fire Science) that they'll train me to whatever standard they require...thoughts?

Cheers, and thanks for the help.

[DennisTheMenace]

I'm new here and currently on O-2 in the USAF. I was on a full ride ROTC scholarship throughout college majoring in Finance and Acct. All of which has zero relevance to the ff career field. I've got great credit and a fairly clean background (no more stupid stuff than anyone else). I'll be returning from a deployment May 2008 and my service commitment is up May 2009.

I've got 2 questions: 1) When should I start applying so that my gap in employment is as short as possible 2) When I call departments that I'm interested in, they say don't worry about getting any advanced certs (i.e. emt/ bachelors in Fire Science) that they'll train me to whatever standard they require...thoughts?

Cheers, and thanks for the help.Apply a year out, most major departments will take into account your EAS date and adjust accordingly for qualified candidates. Smaller departments you might have difficulty with. Most departments would jump through hoops to get a candidate with the proven leadership ability of a commissioned officer, even a ChAir Force Officer. ;) Getting your EMT before hand from a local community college won't hurt, but is not a requirement for most major departments, particularly with your proven military leadership experiance.

Semper Fi,
Dennis

[CaptBob]

When I call departments that I'm interested in, they say don't worry about getting any advanced certs (i.e. emt/ bachelors in Fire Science) that they'll train me to whatever standard they require...thoughts?

No matter what your qualifications, it’s learning to take a firefighter interview that is like no other (including military) that will make the difference. Being able to convince the panel as an officer with your vast experience that you can be a snott nose rookie.

There is a delicate balance here. Leave your time and rank in your locker. You must be humble, place yourself in the rookie position and build a natural bridge to present your education, military experience and integrity to the oral board panel.