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Hey guys, I'm an Active Duty Marine Officer and was looking into becoming a firefighter upon my separation. I do have one major concern in my application process that I was hoping you guys might be able to shed some insight. A year ago in a training cycle I was running a 5 mile endurance course with a 40lb pack, full combat load, etc in 90 degree weather/98% humidity and trying to set a record when I suffered a full heat stroke. I made a full recovery have no issues since the incident. My question is, how greatly can this affect my application success? Thanks for the help bro's...
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Originally posted by LEATHERNECK85 View Post
Thank for your service.
I see no problem as long as you can pass the departments medical exam, Mister.
An Officer in the USMC and not making a career out of the service???Last edited by CaptOldTimer; 07-11-2010, 05:16 PM.Stay Safe and Well Out There....
Always remembering 9-11-2001 and 343+ Brothers -
Na, not for me. It just puts too much of an exhausting toll on my family.Comment
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Same can be said concerning the Fire Service.Originally posted by LEATHERNECK85
Semper Fi
Gunny
FM1I'm the one Fire and Rescue calls, when they need to be Rescued.
Originally posted by EastKyFFComment
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Never been a Marine, but I'd dare say that there's a far better chance of having a more normal home-life as a firefighter than a Devil Dog.Originally posted by FIREMECH1 View Post
I also thank you for your service, Leatherneck. One episode of heat exhaustion shouldn't hamper your ability to get hired, just make sure you're in good shape for the department physical agility test and also the medical review.
Best of luck!Career Fire Captain
Volunteer Chief Officer
Never taking for granted that I'm privileged enough to have the greatest job in the world!Comment
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The Fire Service isn't quite like the military, where you are branded for life as a heat casualty regardless of the circumstances. They'll probably just run a normal physical on you and if the labs/EKG all come back normal, you'll be fine. If the dept is really anal/concerned, they might want to see some of the medical notes from the injury, but I'd be surprised.
Good luck!Comment
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Oh i'm sure. But as you know, between deployments and constantly having to move, it gets so that everyone in the family is affected. Its just time to move on to new ventures.Originally posted by FIREMECH1 View PostComment
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Duly noted, and I DO understand.
Good luck with your career change.
FM1I'm the one Fire and Rescue calls, when they need to be Rescued.
Originally posted by EastKyFFComment
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Oooooooooorah!
It shouldn't be a problem."The education of a firefighter and the continued education of a firefighter is what makes "real" firefighters. Continuous skill development is the core of progressive firefighting. We learn by doing and doing it again and again, both on the training ground and the fireground."
Lt. Ray McCormack, FDNYComment
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LEATHERNECK85 - Thanks for your service to OUR country and welcome to a new brotherhood.Stephen J Bourassa
Latham FD (NY)
member since 1969
challenge competitor since 1993Comment
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Did the same thing. Captain in the Army, left to go become a career fireman. I have never looked back, absolutely love my job.Originally posted by CaptOldTimer View Post
I will say, you will miss soldiers (or Marines in this guys case) and the wild and crazy things they do.
If the Army would have let me be a platoon leader for my whole career, I'd have stayed 20+. But as an officer, the more rank you make the less face time with the troops you get.
As for the heat injury, if you have a good career counselor on your out processing, they'll rip the pages of any part of your medical record out that you want gone.Last edited by FiremanLyman; 07-11-2010, 11:55 PM.~Drew
Firefighter/EMT/Technical Rescue
USAR TF Rescue SpecialistComment
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Semper Fi
Sir,
I left active duty in 2008 and have been a career firefighter ever since. It is the greatest career you can dream of. I have done approx 6 physicals all of which where compliant with osha and the NFPA that covers firefighter physicals. I have never been asked about being a heat case or about a deformity I have in my hand from my active duty days. The physical's seem to be pretty cut and dry and as long as you can function all is well. It is a lot easier than say a final physical. The Corps always put an emphasis on it but it isn't that big a deal. The one thing I will say is prepare for a decrease in pay. I left after 8 yrs as a Sgt (USMC) with BAH and lost quiet a bit of money. Also, if you are serious about being a career firefighter then this website will help you find a job. It is www.firerecruit.com, I can't say enough about this website if you are looking to be a career firefighter. It is a paid site but is worth every penny.
Good Luck/ Semper Fi
GunnComment
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Leathernecks,
Once again, thanks for serving. I'm almost one hundred percent sure your family life will improve significantly if and when you leave the USMC for the fire service. I recently got hired on with a great department in the Chicagoland area and the stress I experience, while significant, pales in comparison to the stress I felt in the Army.
The reality of continued multiple deployments lasting anywhere from 1-2 years away from family created lots of stress for both myself and my family. I absolutely love my job now and feel you get the best of both worlds in the fire service. You get the public service and brotherhood aspect of the military without the possiblility of having to leave your loved ones for extended lengths of time. And to boot, you can make a damn good living as well.Comment
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Are u conserned about your health or are u talking about what the people doing the hirining will think about it. If they don't know about it I wouldn't say a word if I were u. Keep it quite if u can but I don't think it matters. Unless it's your own personal consern.Comment
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Never mind........Originally posted by JACKT View PostStay Safe and Well Out There....
Always remembering 9-11-2001 and 343+ BrothersComment
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