air force firefighting

[metz]

I am 21 years old, I am certified as a firefighter and I was wondering if someone could offer their opinion on whether or not it would be a good idea to enlist in the military as a firefighter, serve 3 years and then try to get on with a municipal fire department... basically I am just wondering if that experience and training in the military, even though im sure they don't get a lot of calls, would be a good thing to have as far as a municipal fire department is concerned.. Please reply if you think you can help,
Thanks

[thebuds]

It depends, How are you Certified?

[Fablish]

Hi there,

I am an ex-infantryman and Navy boatswain/diver. I have worked with Air Force FF mostly in the Navy. I would recommend joining, there training facilities in Borden are very nice and fairly new. Their trade course gives you your NFPA 1001 from University of Oklahoma. After a few year as a military FF you would be posted on a ship and would know everything about all different fire systems onboard, such as Halon, AFFF, Twin agent uni (for Helicopters) and sprinkler system. Any military experience I think is a graet bonus. Good discipline, training and experience especially if you go overseas.

Definately A +!!!

Fablish

[capfirefighter]

In regards to the question to the Airforce Firefighters.These guys have more qualifications than any Firefighter in the country.First of all I have seen the Fire Academy at CFB Borden.WOW.They have the best facilities I have seen,which include 3 towers,and real life aircraft mockups that they burn.If you want to see big fires,go there.As for the training they do 16 week basic course,then they go to a firehall for a couple of years then they return to the school for another 13 weeks.After this is complete they get certificates from University of Oklahoma whick include:
NFPA levels 1 and 2
NFPA 1002 Driver operator pumper,aerial,and Airport Crash truck
NFPA 1003 Airport Firefighter
NFPA 472 Haz-mat Technician
NFPA 1041 Fire Service instructor

Maybe they don't get alot of calls but they are still doing the job.Also one of the few fire departments that require its members to pass an annual fitness test.These guys have a big budget which in return have really nice equipment to work with.If I was to do it over this is the Dept.I would join..

[steveh]

Hi There
I am presenty an air force firefighter. If you wany exellent training and qualifications then I would sign up. They are almost always recruiting these days. As for getting on with municipal departments , the reason they are always recruiting is that when the guys get their certifications they usually get hired on pretty quick. The training is all NFPA aproved and after about three or four years you will have six or seven certifications.
NFPA 1001 & 1002
Airport firefighter
HAZMAT tech
just to name a few

Somthing to think about.

Steve

[FireEMTGuy]

Ahh sounds like a DND recruitment drive!! :D ;)

I think it would be good experience plus you get some good training from them. Like stated the discipline is always a plus.

Also like said that DND physical (like stated in another of my posts) done yearly in less than 8min keeps you in shape.

Being 21 is "young" when it comes to larger minicipial FD's recruitment. Comming out with the training and experience at 24-25 would almost put you in a good position as a candidate.

[BillyBlazes]

One drawback with the military is that they discourage you from thinking on your own.

I attended the hazmat course at Borden and my classmates had an argument with the instructors. They lacked the actual experience that we have and could not understand the concept of cross sensitivity of gas detectors. We were told to accept what they taught us because that was what was in the written material.

[Smitdy6]

Does the military have any age restrictions on thier recruitment?

[mtlienz]

Firefighters in the Airforce have to stay on for 7 years.
4 years in a fire department and 3 years on a navy ship.
Thats what I read on the Canadian Forces website.

www.jointheforces.com

[mikeeps]

No as an fulltime airforce firefighter you have to sign a 3 year contract as of now. In that three years you get your QL3 level training which gives you NFPA 1001 level 1 and your NFPA 472 hazmat ops. You then get posted to a base and you do on the job training for about 1-1.5 years to get you familiar with all aspects of your job. After that you will go back to the CFFA and get your QL5 level of training which gives you your NFPA 1001 level 2, NFPA 1002 pumper operator, NFPA 1003 airport firefighter, NFPA 472 hazmat tech, NFPA 1042 fire officer level one I think it is. Also you have a couple of years service in the military and experience working as a firefighter to put on your resume. You work 14 days a month and any extra courses you want the military will pay 75% of. They also give you many extra courses for free like defensive driving, airbrakes, high angle rescue, first aid & cpr and many more. The only really bad thing is that other people have control over what you do for those three years. But if you don't mind putting up with some BS it could be definitly worth the 3 years of your life. Message me if you have any questions about this topic I would be glad to answer any questions you may have.

[Fablish]

When you get hired as an air force FF you are under a contract. If your goal is to eventually get on a municipal department you also have a choice to break that contract if you never have any intentions to get back into the military, plus you will get some kind of minor penalties aswell but not to fuss about because you would be in your dream job.

Fires are happening less and less these days and in the military though you could probably do 20 years and not get one. Because all yo service is the base. Where not talking about american bases either "Canadian Bases" he he he

That's what a fellow ff that got hired with did for the City of Medicine Hat Fire Department.

good luck
PJ

[Scuba]

http://www.jointheforces.com/engraph/career/tradeinfo_e.aspx?id=651#


Anyone catch the guy in the video mention the super pumpers they have in the military :D

The ones that carry 23,073 litres.....

So where on there does it say anything about how long before you can leave?

[dentedhead]

It would probably be an excellent go,I have never been in the military but did seriously consider it many years ago.I went through all the testing and medicals and was put on a wait list for the trade I wanted and qualified for,which was a navy trade and involved FF.

I do know friends who went in on the promise of a trade they were interested in, but it turned out be nothing more than that ,a promise.They got alot of well just do this for anotherX-months then we will have an opening for you.Needless to say their military experience was not a positive one.I dont know if recruiting methods have changed,but it is somethining to be aware of.

Dentedhead

P.S I think The Military are great this is not a shot!

[mikeeps]

I agree dented head. The recruiters job is to fill vacant positions within the not so popular trades. My experiences with them were not so good. They will straight out lie to you. But just stick to your original plan, even it that means being on a list. As for that try this trade and as soon as firefighter opens up we will transfer you. Not such a great idea. Guys have been trying for years to transfer with now success. And it is not necessarily true that guys waiting to transfer have an advantage over you as there are a set number of positions set aside for direct entry,OT (occupational transfers), and reserves.

Michael

[firemedik911]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by mikeeps
[B]No as an fulltime airforce firefighter you have to sign a 3 year contract as of now.
3 years as basic engagment... But they won't let you break it... If you want to continue with tha Air Force you could take you retreat after 25 years (New pension system) was 20 yrs before...
Don't forget military firefighters have to spend time on war ship either east or west coast...

your QL5 level of training which gives you your NFPA 1001 level 2, NFPA 1002 pumper operator, NFPA 1003 airport firefighter, NFPA 472 hazmat tech, NFPA 1042 fire officer level one I think it is.
Not sure about the fire officer level...

Stephan Charest

[mikeeps]

You are correct it is Fire Service Instructor Professional Qualifications NFPA 1041 Level 1

But that may change in QL5 course

Michael

[dentedhead]

mikeeps, I know exactly what you are saying as that is the tact that I took.But by the time they called me I had already started college for ambulance,I think it was close to a year if not over it.

That is certainly good advice from someone who is there.

Dentedhead

[mikeeps]

As for how long you have to stay. You can put your volunteered release in at any time. The only down side to that is the military has the right to hold you to your contract for 6 months. This is the problem that alot of guys have because by the time they find out that they are competitive with a municipal department they still have to wait 6 months before they can leave the military. I have known at least 1 guy that got hired on to a municipal department but lost the job because the military would not release him on time. That alone should give you some insight on the mentality of the military. But the other side of that is it always looks better on a resume that you ARE a firefighter than you USED to be a firefighter. I guess I can't complaint to much though, its helped me with some pretty promising oportunities.

Michael

[mikeeps]

Hey Fablish, Frenchy says hello fishhead! Glad we got rid of him! LOL he is definitly glad to be out of here!
I will be coming down to visit him in the summer!

Michael

[backdraft69]

Hey, Im new to this site, seems awesome,
anyways,
What do u people think of being a firefighter in the air force?

any stories???

[wilderness]

a guy i knew, became one and transferd to comox, he was bored out of his tree and transfered to SAR tech.........

[Punctualdeer]

I thing his most be like airport. Whit all the plane or jet taking of or landing, well you never know when it you will have a crach. You have to be prepare and have lots of practice. It's a different fire to put out.

[DFC]

I have been in the air force for twenty years. Its a good way for someone starting out to get some good training and excellent certifications under their belt. The draw back will be that you will need to be willing to get posted to diferent parts of the country. Also the call ratio is not that high.
But who else can claim they have been a firefighter in the high artic as well as on board a naval ship in the Middle East, then off to an air base watching CF 18 catch a wire on a runway.( NO Life Jacket )
Its not all fun and games but you will have plenty to put on your resume, and they are almost always hiring!

[Irish]

any idea what the recruiting is like currently? I was in the reserves and have my bmq and my driver wheel course so I would get a recruit school by-pass. what do you think my chances are?

[Powerhawk]

I have to agree with DFC. I have been in the trade for 19 years now and I would not give it up for all the tea in China. Recruiting now adays is like trying to get a job anywhere else. You still need to go thru all red tape to get in. Meaning that you have to do all the tests. Aptitude, physical, then if required you would end up in ST. jean Quebec for a basic training course. Thats about 10 weeks I think. From there hopefully there is a course for Fire Fighting that you are course loaded on. That is the QL 3 which is the basic Fire fighter. (Apprentice) It is a fairly intensive course. Along with the training there is what has already been mentioned the physical fittness test. You do that 5 times if memory serve me correctly. Right now the timing is 8 Minuits. You start with baby steps meaning that the first time is in PT gear, then gradually make your way to full bunker gear and BA on and plugged in. If you fininsh with in 8 min and still have air you are good to go.
Once all this is done, you will end up in a Fire Hall. There you will spend anywhere from 1 to 2 years all depending on your progress. While you are in the Fire Hall you are learining sprinklers, fire alarm systems, fixed systems (Karboly, CO2 Sytems and whtever else is there). You will also start working on a fours package (OJT) which will get you ready for your QL 5's course. Driving trucks both pumpers and ARFF vehicles. You will also get all your course that are required for the job ie first aid training all the different driving courses and teh like.
I could go on and on about all that has to be done. Like I said I would not give up the job I do now. Theres no job like it. I thought 19 years ago I would do this for a short time and run for the hills, well I am still in.
We may not be as busy as a comparable FD but the training is second to none. What helps us is that we preach and practice prevention. That in itself prevents many fires.
You could join and end up being a black cloud. Saying that when you are working it is always busy, everything from false alarms to actual fires. Its hard to say what might happen when you are in duty. Me personally I would say join. Do the min of three years and see what and where that takes you. BS is everywhere. Don't let that make the decision for you. 3 years is nothing in the big sceme of life. Who knows you just might like it. The qualifications are great and the brotherhood is amazing. that is my own two cents here. I hope this helps you out.

Cheers my Brothers and Sisters

[Robertson]

good to know. I just happened to put an application in online for the canadian forces as a fire fighter.

Not sure if all of you know yet but they have made it really easy now. You just go to the recruiting site and all the forms that you used to have to fill out in person can now be done over the net. The only things you have to send to them is your transcripts and a few other documents like proof of citizenship.

To me I did a year in the Army Reserves and they definitly take care of you. Im sure that being a firefighter for the airforce would be quite the experiance.

The hiring process is very comfterble and the tests are just aptitude tests.

[Tristan]

I thought about that before, and went to a recruitment site and was told that basically people already in the army with years of seniority get the firefighting positions and that you would have to start out at something else. That was just what I was told, you might have better luck with it than I.

Good Luck

[Powerhawk]

Tristan:

Do not believe all that you are told from a recuiting office. The fire trade in the military are always recruiting direct entries. That means right off the street. Yes our trade does have a high number of remusters (from different trades). But they are not the only ones getting into the trade. If you are interested apply and wait for the call. HTH

Cheers

[Lookin4Work]

Really? What the recruiter told me put me off of the whole thing but i might be interested in it again. are you in it yourself? If so, how is the living situation like? do you move around a lot, etc?

[Robertson]

let me guess... he told u to go infantry or some trade that really needs people haha

[Powerhawk]

Like I posted a few entries earlier. I have been in 19 years now. I am a direct entry FF. Some of it (moving) depends on what rank you are and the quals you have. You can expect your first posting to be around 3-5 years. Then your lucky if you get 3 years at each posting. Me personnaly I enjoyed the moving part. I have been from Trenton Ontario all the way to Victoria BC and worked my way back. I am now in Borden. When you see the commercials and they say there is no life like. They mean it. You have to take the good with the bad. Its all a state of mind. You get the BS wherever you are. Military or Civilian. Make the best and keep on trucking my friend.

Cheers my fellow Brothers and Sisters

[station50ff]

Hello, I've been trying to get in the military as a firefighter for a long time now. I live in Nova Scotia and 2 of my friends are military firefighters. One of them is in that firefighter video for the military on the website. Anyways I went to the recruitment office once they told me I needed my level one so I came back a couple months later and they told me I needed my level 2. My friend checked that out for me cause he thought it was BS along with me but it does turn out u need your level two. Like he said the military change their minds like a we change our underwear!
Anyways that's my two cents, I'm going to try again once I get my level two. If I haven't gotten on with any cilvian fire departments yet.
Cheers

[Ebon]

Hey certain bases also hire civilain firefighters. I would also consider that. I was a civilian FF with the DND before I went municipal and thought it was a decent gig. Like someone said earlier they are always hiring since they can't keep guys so keep your eyes and ears open.

[PEMS17]

I believe Shilo has civilian FF. Don't know about 17 Wing in the Peg

[iamvff]

I believe Shilo has civilian FF. Don't know about 17 Wing in the Peg
Shilo is a civilian FD for sure, A couple guys on our USAR team work there. I had heard they were hiring, but don't know much more than that. I have been trying to find a link to see when they are hiring, but have had no luck!

iamvff

[PEMS17]

Shilo is a civilian FD for sure, A couple guys on our USAR team work there. I had heard they were hiring, but don't know much more than that. I have been trying to find a link to see when they are hiring, but have had no luck!

iamvff
I know a guy in my neck of the woods whose brother is stationed there. I'll see if I can get you some info.