Am I over my head?

[Comodore]

Once again this a really great site. Just have a few questions and concerns if anyone can shed some light that would be wunderbar.

Its been one of those ideas in the back of my head for years now, Firefighting and Military.
I am seriously considering this avenue for a career. However it seems that I am way over my head. I've been to the recruitment office twice with some questions, only to have vague answers that don't help at all.

I am 23 years old now, my education includes high school college/trade school. I have ZERO experience as a FF. I realize my chances are slim to nil as of now. I am looking to see what I must do to better my chances, be it volunteer FF, volunteer coast guard, schooling etc.

Anything that may help me would be greatly appreciated.

[cdnfireman2003]

Joining the military requires no back ground in what ever field you choose. There are a few must do things that you WILL have to do once you get in. Basic Training (been so long since i have been in but i think its a few months) then for us its off to Borden to the Fire school. again been awhile since i have been. but i hear the new 3's (basic qualifacation) is killer long. not sure why cause when u get to the hall you still have to show your crew you know your stuff. so your probley looking at well over a year from when you get in until you at least see a fire hall. It can help (but is not required) to have some training. that being said dont let it scare you away. what you will walk away with is golden seals from the university of oklahoma. which are NFPA seals that are world recognized.

[DFC]

Joining the military requires no back ground in what ever field you choose. There are a few must do things that you WILL have to do once you get in. Basic Training (been so long since i have been in but i think its a few months) then for us its off to Borden to the Fire school. again been awhile since i have been. but i hear the new 3's (basic qualifacation) is killer long. not sure why cause when u get to the hall you still have to show your crew you know your stuff. so your probley looking at well over a year from when you get in until you at least see a fire hall. It can help (but is not required) to have some training. that being said dont let it scare you away. what you will walk away with is golden seals from the university of oklahoma. which are NFPA seals that are world recognized.

If I could just add a few commnets to this post it would be too not accept any other trade they may through at you during the recruitment process. If you want FF then tell them that and be willing to wait until your number comes up.
Good luck and enjoy the experience. The service can give a young guy a great start to his career and the friends you meet last a life time.

[Comodore]

thank you for the feedback. Greatly appreciated. I plan to drop my application before Christmas. I'll give feedback once I hear back from them.

[EFD_1421]

Hey, hope you don't mind me hijacking this thread a bit, I'm 34 year old factory worker who's been a volly for a little over a year now. Looking back I'd love to say I started doing this at 18, but them's the breaks as they say. I too have been tossing the idea of being a Forces FF around lately as I've finally found what I'd love to do for a career. Most civvie departments are out of the question due to the prescription for my contact lenses & being colour blind. I've heard that these aren't requirements for the Forces. Is that true? And how do they look upon someone of my age joining up?

[Kearley]

The age isn't a problem I know.

[jim7966]

I would just like to re-iterate what has already been stated. Do not let them try to sell you into another trade. The recruiter's job is to fill the slots he/she has open. Your personal happiness/desires don't fit into the equation at all. They will try and hard sell you into spots they have vacancies for right now. Although I didn't have any particular preference I went into join the army and spent three years in the engine room of a destroyer. Stick to your guns and be prepared to walk away and wait. Good luck.