Army Firefighter

[FIRENUTS41]

Was considering enlisting in the army as a firefighter anyone have any insite?

[1958 F.W.D.]

DON'T DO IT!

From what I understand, the Army is phasing out "Firefighter" from it's enlisted MOS. positions. Not only that, but it's really not the United States Army anymore, it's more or less the Mexican Army that is protecting the United States.

If you want a good Fire Service Military Education, Consider the USAF. The best Enlisted Firefighter training out there, hands down.

And dont take NO for an answer from recruiters. They will tell you that "awww there is a waiting list for Goodfellow, I cant get you in there." Immediately throw the bullshit flag down on him, and tell him "If you want me to fill one of your billets, it's firefighter, or I walk out of here and go see what the ................. (fill in blank- Navy, Army, USMC,) can do for me. He will stall you, and try everything imaginable to get you to sign for something else. But DONT take his bullshit when he tells you that there is no availability or space at Goodfellow. Tell him to call you when there is space.

[FireTAC2005]

Air Force is nice for a firefighter, they take care of their people. Army fd has dual functions MOS see more combat, Navy FD- downsizing a lot navy to endanger the navy community. Tell them you want in the Air Force as firefighter for a guarttneed job or walk away (excuse my spelling). The Recruiter will call you back within a month.

[WTF Over]

I was an Army Firefighter and loved it. It is true that they are phasing out the MOS, but they will always retain a few. Most of the active guys I know are in the deployable units. There are still some 21M’s (the current firefighter MOS) at Ft. Rucker, AL. I was stationed there when we had the most Active duty firefighters.

As for the training, there is no difference which service you enlist in. You will go to the Louis F. Garland Fire Academy at Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, Texas. I went through the basic course in 99 and went back for a train the trainer course in 04. They train all branches there including the Coast Guard.

If you are going to enlist I would recommend the Air Force based on the quality of life. The pay will be the same. Have you considered federal civil service? If you want to work for a federal fire department, that is the best way to go.

As for the recruiters, they will lie to you and try to fill the needs of that particular service. Don’t give in, I did and ended up being a grunt medic for the first three years I was in. It was not all bad, just not what I wanted to do.

[FIRENUTS41]

I thought about the Air Force but I'm prior service Army and their not excepting prior service at this time. I looked in to some federal fire departments, Is it true that they won't even look at you if you haven't been to the DOD Fire Acdemy? Just something I heard. Tried the Army Reserves ( still a possibility) but the closest firefighter unit is about 100 miles away.

[xmas]

Sorry can't help you, good luck

[WTF Over]

Yes, the Air Force is particular about these things. It is completely untrue that you have to have attended the DOD academy to be a DOD civilian. Whoever gave you that info is way off base. Where I work now there are only 3 of us that attended the academy. That’s less than 10% and I would dare say that there are several federal departments that don’t have any personnel on board that attended the DOD academy. You are prior service; do you qualify for Veteran’s Preference? You can go on OPM’s website (Office of Personnel Management) and see if you do if you are not sure. Basically, if you served in a combat zone or have a campaign ribbon you should qualify. That can help you. There are a lot of guys getting off active duty now though and they also have a much deserved preference. As for the reserve unit, based on your location of Baltimore and the 100 miles I am guessing you are talking about the one outside of Philly. I have a good friend that is in that unit. They are supposed to be going OCONUS again soon. I have also heard that the unit is not a good of a place to be, but you could explore it as a means to get your training. For federal service you are in the right area. There are tons of Federal departments up here and you just need to start applying. Do you have any firefighting experience or training?

[FIRENUTS41]

I know their going oconus in in a few months. I've been thinkimg about joining the unit but know nothing about them. I do qualify for veterans preference. I'm a volunteer in the baltimore area.

[bar1980]

Firenuts, I was in that unit and I would recommend staying as far away from them as possible. As for enlisting, if you do it I would recommend the Air Force like everyone else has, but if you can go civil service do that for sure.

[ArmyAB]

There are 3 different colleges - one in MD, one in TX and one in OK that you can get your fire degree from and get a federal job thats what some of the guys in Khandahar Air Field Afghanistan did.

[FIRENUTS41]

Just curious, why stay away from that unit? Do they deployed alot? not squared away? leadership sucks? Just curious.

[WTF Over]

My buddy in that unit says the leadership is horrible. They are going for their second deployment. In general I gathered that they were about as squared away as a football bat. If you have Vet preferance and have certs from MFRI you would have no problem getting on as a federal civilian. If you are interested send me an email and I will give you some info to get you started.

[bar1980]

WTF Over hit the nail on the head as far as that unit goes. All you really need to get picked up as a DOD civilian is a pile of IFSAC certs FFII, HAZMAT, EMT and the such. WTF have they gotten rid of all the military guys at rucker? There was like a 100 plus when i was there.

[WTF Over]

Bar1980 I am not sure if they have gotten rid of all the 21m's at Rucker. The last time I was there I went back for Kerri Neis's funeral in Dec 2001. I still know alot of the civilans andthere and keep in touch with them now and then. I haven't asked them about the military guys. When were you there? I was there from 1999-2001.

[bar1980]

WTF, I was stationed at rucker from 98 to 01.