FireLink

I can't tell you how many kids wanting to become Firefighters have asked me this. And in my opinion there is no right or wrong answer to this question. Of course having that Military notch on your belt will give you an edge over your competitors and the experience as well, but so too will those individuals who will already have a Degree of some kind or Certification in Fire Science. As an ARFF Marine of six years, I received numerous licenses and certified training (EMT, HazMat, Firefighter II, Rescue Technician, etc.), and while I gained much experience and knowledge in doing so; unfortunately, DoD training is in most states, not recognized in the civilian sector.

Today I am a full-time student working towards my Bachelors in Fire Science and Technology. I receive full-time pay,  $1,000 quarterly allowance for books and expenses; and tuition paid in full and I have the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill to thank for that. And most of the training I am undergoing is pretty much remedial to the training I've already received rigorously from my service in the Corps. So the pros definitely out-weigh the cons. So let's weigh the options: If this is the job you really want, and you don't have the money to put yourself through the Academy, and you're tired of waiting for that next Academy opening in your area that may take months if not years to come, then the Military may be the best way to go.

I just went from Active Duty Army to Reserves. I was trying to work at Nellis AFB in LasVegas, Nevada and they told me that I have to much experience for them. They are a civilian departmenet. I cant figure them out at all. Maybe I did something wrong while being a Army FireFighter not a civilian FireFighter.

Well, the rumour is true. They are all going to be fazed out by OCT 1 2011. Thats what the U.S. Army is telling us now.