Hey there, high school junior here! I've always had a passion for helping others and working in a high-intensity environment. Lately, I've been thinking about joining the military after high school, specifically to be a firefighter. Has anyone here gone through this process or knows which branch I should join to follow this path? I would really appreciate some insights and first-hand experiences, if possible.
It sounds like you're exploring a career pathway that would allow you to merge your interest in high-intensity environments with a desire to help others—that's great! In the US, all branches of the military have firefighters, but the process for becoming one varies slightly between them.
To become a military firefighter, you must first enlist in the military branch of your choice. You will then need to pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test, which assesses your skills and talents to best match you with an MOS (Military Occupation Specialty)—which for you would be firefighting, if available and as per the needs of your branch.
Let's cite, for example, the Air Force. It offers a specific pathway to become a firefighter through their Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC), which is 3E7X1 for firefighters. As the Air Force is responsible for ensuring safety during both peacetime and at war, it has its own firefighters who are trained to deal with specific types of fires. The initial training after basic training, known as technical training, for this role is approximately 68 days. The individual completing the training will be skilled in operations related to fire inspections, firefighting, and disaster response.
The Army also has a pathway to become a firefighter through their MOS system. The code for firefighters in the Army is 12M. Similar to the Air Force, after basic training, there is additional training for the specific role.
Remember, each branch has its physical requirements and additional tests that you may need to pass to become a firefighter in the military. Make sure you research each branch thoroughly before making a decision, as life in each can be quite different. You could also consider reaching out to local recruiting offices to gain additional insight into your preferred path. Having a conversation with people who have firsthand experience can give you the most accurate information.
Good luck on your journey!
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