Newbie

[Reaper 93]

Hi guys i'm new to the forum so i was wondering if I could get your take on some stuff. I'm a 17 year old high school senior who is thinking about joining the Marine Corps after I graduate high school. I've been looking at the requirements for the FDNY and the local departments around where I live in New York and most of them require either 15 college credits or 2 years of military experience. So I wanted to know what you guys think would be the most beneficial the military or college. Also any other information you could give me that would help me pursue a career as a firefighter would help alot.
Thanks

[jtucker1384]

I think the first thing you should do is some research and see what problems the city is currently having. There's a forum on here FDNY list 6019 check it out.

[jtucker1384]

Also keep in mind you cant just do two years in the military.

[fire49]

Suggest you try a city dept first

Look at what is required to apply and start working on it

Some high schools let you take courses that count as college credits, so you can come out of high school with some college credits

And 15 hours does not take that long

[Reaper 93]

I was looking at what schools offer degrees that might help me and I found out that my local community college offers an Emergency Medical Technician associates degree so do you think that this would help me out?

[jtucker1384]

Most places don't require a degree but it will def make u look good on paper.

[Reaper 93]

Also keep in mind you cant just do two years in the military.

Well I was planning on joining for 4 years which I think is the minimum but I think by two years they mean getting an honorable discharge.
I also looked at the FDNY thread you suggested and I think I remember hearing about hiring freezes because supposedly the test was to hard for minorities and there have been some lay offs recently but i'm hoping that this is all gets better within the next four years. Would you suggest a smaller local department would be better though?

[jtucker1384]

its actually an 8 year commitment 4 year is in the inactive ready reserves(IRR) which is what i am in till 2014. You cant look at pretty much any big city department. There are some websites out there that give you up to date job posting. Alls i can say is dont be picky and test at as many places as possible. Once you get on somewhere then you can concentrate on that dream department you want to be on.

[Reaper 93]

Thanks jtucker1384. What I was thinking was that the military would instill values and help me out also because it would prepare me physically and mentally
but alot of people say that having a college degree looks better on paper.

[jtucker1384]

It really depends but it only looks good if you make it to the interview step. You still have to do good on all the basic steps like written and physical agility. Those are the most important things so you can make it to the interview and use that degree or military to your advantage. Some places give you preference point to add to your score if you are honorably discharged from the military.

[FiremanLyman]

The military is a fine choice. Not only will it make a responsible adult out of you and teach you some values that kids today seem to lack, but in many civil service positions this will give you +5 points on the hiring test. Good luck to you, keep your record clean and stay safe.

[jtucker1384]

The military is a fine choice. Not only will it make a responsible adult out of you and teach you some values that kids today seem to lack, but in many civil service positions this will give you +5 points on the hiring test. Good luck to you, keep your record clean and stay safe.

By no means was I saying it was a bad choice. Its what I did so I would never knock anyone that wants to.

[Dickey]

Mr. Reaper....

My suggestion to you is go be a Marine. The life lessons, discipline, and self confidence you will get from the military is unbeatable, nothing like a college degree will get you. Plus you will be part of an elite group that you can call your brothers for life.

Most departments want at least a 2 year, if not a 4 year degree. Maybe after the military get on a vollie dept and work on a degree. Experience on a volunteer department is a great selling point for a full time fire job and you get training.

While in high school, take as much math, science, and chemistry you can. I know it sucks and it's hard but it will pay off later in life.

Stay out of trouble. Do not get arrested for anything or get too many traffic violations. This will haunt you the rest of your life. Your moral character will be in question the rest of your life too.

Don't be kocky, don't keep saying "where I come from...", don't get arrogant, and above all, don't think you know it all.

Be honest, always. Always do what is right. Even when no one is looking. Don't get so busy making a living you forget to make a life.


If you follow this, you will go a long way in life. Good luck in your adventures.

[Reaper 93]

Thanks firemanlyman. I think i'll take some community college classes after I graduate high school while i wait to got to boot camp so I can get some credits at least and I might do something related in the emergency service field in the military. jtucker134 would you say that being in the military helped you out though?

[Reaper 93]

Great advice Dickley I will def keep that in mind. Those are good morals thanks.