2 answers
Tera and Cameron
Student
Savannah, Georgia
1
Question
Updated
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What are the steps to be a firefighter as a veteran?
My son is a Staff Sergeant in the Army Field Artillery division. When he gets out in a year, he wants to be a firefighter. What should he do to get into that career?
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2 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1501
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
In order to become a firefighter, you will need a valid driver’s license and meet the age requirement of 18 years old. There also will likely be a maximum age, usually between 28 and 35 years old, depending on the department you’re applying to.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
At the very minimum, you’ll need to obtain a high school diploma or GED. Many firefighters earn a degree in fire science to advance their career. It’s also wise to become an EMT. Having both a fire and EMS background will improve your odds of being hired. Some departments might even require an EMT certification; larger departments may require a paramedic’s license.
PHYSICAL CONDITIONING
Becoming a firefighter requires passing a physical ability test. The CPAT events are stair climb, hose drag, equipment carry, ladder raise and extension, forcible entry, search, rescue, ceiling breach and pull. Prepare yourself for the physical nature of the job as well as the demands of the test.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Working in public safety is all about community service. Volunteering your time for a great cause is one way to prove you’re ready to serve your community. And it doesn’t matter if it’s fire-related or non-fire-related. There’s a lot of great opportunities out there for you to make a difference. The American Red Cross or Habitat for Humanity are two excellent options.
FIRE FIGHTER EXAM
Study, study, study. And, when in doubt, study some more. The written exam consists of multiple-choice questions and is divided into categories. The firefighter written exam, a crucial part of the requirements to be a firefighter, is a comprehensive assessment containing between 100 and 150 questions. This exam measures a wide array of cognitive abilities essential for effective firefighting. The fire department written test is either taken before applying for a firefighter role (so test results can be submitted along with a written letter of application) or after applying for a role online when invited to a test. To be interviewed for a firefighting role, you must pass part one and part two of the firefighter written test.
FIRE ACADEMY
The average fire academy program takes about 12 to 14 weeks to complete a total of 600 hours of training. While most programs want all students to enter at the same time, some have staggered entrance options. Generally, you’ll need to commit anywhere from 40 to 48 hours weekly to undergo the program.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
At the very minimum, you’ll need to obtain a high school diploma or GED. Many firefighters earn a degree in fire science to advance their career. It’s also wise to become an EMT. Having both a fire and EMS background will improve your odds of being hired. Some departments might even require an EMT certification; larger departments may require a paramedic’s license.
PHYSICAL CONDITIONING
Becoming a firefighter requires passing a physical ability test. The CPAT events are stair climb, hose drag, equipment carry, ladder raise and extension, forcible entry, search, rescue, ceiling breach and pull. Prepare yourself for the physical nature of the job as well as the demands of the test.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Working in public safety is all about community service. Volunteering your time for a great cause is one way to prove you’re ready to serve your community. And it doesn’t matter if it’s fire-related or non-fire-related. There’s a lot of great opportunities out there for you to make a difference. The American Red Cross or Habitat for Humanity are two excellent options.
FIRE FIGHTER EXAM
Study, study, study. And, when in doubt, study some more. The written exam consists of multiple-choice questions and is divided into categories. The firefighter written exam, a crucial part of the requirements to be a firefighter, is a comprehensive assessment containing between 100 and 150 questions. This exam measures a wide array of cognitive abilities essential for effective firefighting. The fire department written test is either taken before applying for a firefighter role (so test results can be submitted along with a written letter of application) or after applying for a role online when invited to a test. To be interviewed for a firefighting role, you must pass part one and part two of the firefighter written test.
FIRE ACADEMY
The average fire academy program takes about 12 to 14 weeks to complete a total of 600 hours of training. While most programs want all students to enter at the same time, some have staggered entrance options. Generally, you’ll need to commit anywhere from 40 to 48 hours weekly to undergo the program.
Thank you for the information! He is aware there are steps, but he can’t seem to find a school offering the academy in South Carolina or something like that…
Tera and Cameron
Thank You Michelle. Your commitment to CareerVillage is very appreciated.
Doc Frick
Kevin P Hust, MBA
Risk Administration and Army Officer
40
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Kevin P’s Answer
Tera, I don’t want this to sound silly but what he should do is apply!
Any Fire Department would be lucky and fortunate to have a military veteran within their organization.
Fire Departments have basic requirements he must meet which are quite similar to being in the military.
Two unique requirements, you usually need a drivers license and pass a civil service exam. The civil service exam is similar to the ASVAB he took when he joined the AF.
So he could take some online classes for the civil service exam however that is not needed especially if he is a good test taker.
Most department set a preference for military veterans and he will get extra points on the exam.
Considering his rank, he has great leadership skills, has been in a few years, and would be a great addition to any FD.
I suppose the biggest question is WHERE does he want to work. That can be the fun part. Figuring out which incredible city he will serve!
Any Fire Department would be lucky and fortunate to have a military veteran within their organization.
Fire Departments have basic requirements he must meet which are quite similar to being in the military.
Two unique requirements, you usually need a drivers license and pass a civil service exam. The civil service exam is similar to the ASVAB he took when he joined the AF.
So he could take some online classes for the civil service exam however that is not needed especially if he is a good test taker.
Most department set a preference for military veterans and he will get extra points on the exam.
Considering his rank, he has great leadership skills, has been in a few years, and would be a great addition to any FD.
I suppose the biggest question is WHERE does he want to work. That can be the fun part. Figuring out which incredible city he will serve!
Thank you so much, Kevin! He did go to a few fire stations near Bluffton, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia, but they said they aren’t hiring. He’s discouraged and aside from doing EMT, and the Academy, he’s unsure how to get in. He moved up the ranks really fast because he’s such a good person, smart, and he actually decided to not extend his contract afterall! So he’s currently looking to get in to be a firefighter. I just think he has his mind set on areas that aren’t hiring, I guess. :/ if you have any connections in those areas that would be great!
Tera and Cameron
He’s only 25 and in great shape
Tera and Cameron
Tera, unfortunately I don’t have any connections there. Luckily they did not say no, they said not yet. Firefighter retire and more are needed. He may not start there but he can transfer there later. Time is on his side. Maybe a smaller department is a great start. It took me 13 months of applying to JPMorgan before I got my first interview. I stuck to what I wanted. He will get there.
Kevin P Hust, MBA
Great advice! Very thankful for you!
Tera and Cameron
@kevin. It occurred to me that my son has tonight us from his job and field artillery in the military and he made a claim for disability for that and maybe some other things that won’t really affect a firefighter job but I’m wondering if that will count against him?
Tera and Cameron