6
6
0
I am separating from active duty in only four months and am confused what my path should be. I'm only 22 if that helps in any capacity. So every male in my family was a firefighter and loved it. In my state they also make a very good living, extremely well even. The benefits are excellent too and the test is in april 2020 and only happens every two years. This would be great because I could start working earlier and make a lot of money to jumpstart my life. On the other hand, I love college and do classes while active in the military. I have about 30-35 credits right now. I could also use my GI Bill and go full time for business as I would also try to go to Harvard BS for an MBA if this was my path. I'm just not sure what the smarter choice is? I would also love to work in an office setting as well. I know fireman can do school as well due to their schedule, but I would probably just pursue on or the other, not both. Thank you!
Education
Firefighting
College
Civilian Career
Transition
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 12
4
4
0
PO3 (Join to see) I defer to SFC (Join to see) comments about a plan and planning.
It may not be either or. You may be required to obtain an Associates or Bachelors in Fire Science or related field to compete to be a firefighter. Ensure you understand the requirements for your state and localality. Understand what is minimum requirements, what is "competitive", and how long you'll be in The process. Not everyone gets picked up, or they sit on an order of merit type list.
It may not be either or. You may be required to obtain an Associates or Bachelors in Fire Science or related field to compete to be a firefighter. Ensure you understand the requirements for your state and localality. Understand what is minimum requirements, what is "competitive", and how long you'll be in The process. Not everyone gets picked up, or they sit on an order of merit type list.
(4)
(0)
SFC (Join to see)
This is one of the hardest thing for me to explain to Soldiers who tell me their plan is to go into civil service. Most of them haven't talked to the locality they want to be hired in, or even know which locality they want. They haven't looked at the hiring process, length of time, how far out they can start it, what makes them competitive, or the selection and attrition rates. For anyone who's goal it is to go into civil service, I highly suggest you start the process a year out.
(2)
(0)
4
4
0
You have to follow your dream. Decide what you see yourself doing most king term. Since your brothers work Fire, do a few day ride along, I am sure it has been a while. Anyway, we cannot decide for you both are solid plans, it is truly about how you see your life in the future. Good luck and thank you for your service.
(4)
(0)
3
3
0
Tough question but if you’ve the credits already I’d say forge on ahead. Finish the bachelor’s at least.
My nephew, who had a Congressional letter for the Navy, wasn’t able to go in due to his hip. He is a full-time student (a year younger than you) at UVA & a part-time volunteer fire-fighter in Virginia.
My nephew, who had a Congressional letter for the Navy, wasn’t able to go in due to his hip. He is a full-time student (a year younger than you) at UVA & a part-time volunteer fire-fighter in Virginia.
(3)
(0)
2
2
0
If I had a dollar for every Infantryman who told me they're going to be a firefighter or cop, I'd have a lot of dollars.
Piss poor planning creates piss poor results.
Let's point out the obvious flaws in your current plan. 1 - you ETS in 4 months and have no plan in place. 2 - your testing is in 9 months but you ETS in 12 months. 3 - you don't actually know if you want to be a firefighter. 4 - you don't know how you'll pay for your MBA; your one year of undergraduate will not be enough savings for that. 5 - the benefits for being a firefighter don't matter significantly to you because you already have better benefits; if that was a driving factor you'd stay Army 6 - you don't care what the smarter path is, you didn't enlist Infantry for the smartest path, you're looking for fulfillment. Obviously, this current enlistment hasn't filled that need. So, you're thinking the next likely target is to go towards what other people do for fulfillment. That will just make you unhappy.
I would suggest you think about what you enjoy rather than what is safe. If I was a betting man, I would bet on seeing you in an OCS program in the near future, whether it's state or federal. There's no reason to use your GI Bill when the military will pay for your school free of charge. Every step you take in the military higher on the leadership scale has a direct correlation to the civilian business sector. Take this from someone who left the Army with no skills other than leadership - leadership is the best business skill you can possess, and it will get you selected and promoted above your peers
Piss poor planning creates piss poor results.
Let's point out the obvious flaws in your current plan. 1 - you ETS in 4 months and have no plan in place. 2 - your testing is in 9 months but you ETS in 12 months. 3 - you don't actually know if you want to be a firefighter. 4 - you don't know how you'll pay for your MBA; your one year of undergraduate will not be enough savings for that. 5 - the benefits for being a firefighter don't matter significantly to you because you already have better benefits; if that was a driving factor you'd stay Army 6 - you don't care what the smarter path is, you didn't enlist Infantry for the smartest path, you're looking for fulfillment. Obviously, this current enlistment hasn't filled that need. So, you're thinking the next likely target is to go towards what other people do for fulfillment. That will just make you unhappy.
I would suggest you think about what you enjoy rather than what is safe. If I was a betting man, I would bet on seeing you in an OCS program in the near future, whether it's state or federal. There's no reason to use your GI Bill when the military will pay for your school free of charge. Every step you take in the military higher on the leadership scale has a direct correlation to the civilian business sector. Take this from someone who left the Army with no skills other than leadership - leadership is the best business skill you can possess, and it will get you selected and promoted above your peers
(2)
(0)
SSG Robert Webster
SFC (Join to see) Your correlation in points 1 and 2 do not match.
And your evaluation is off as well, he has two plans but is undecided on which path to take. Just because his language is not fully accurate does not mean that he does not have a clear plan for the education side of things if he decides that route.
He just does not have the knowledge and experience that you and others on this forum have. He may or may not follow the path that you describe. I am sure that you know of others that have left active duty with a similar quandary and have done quite well and successful on both the education front and as a public servant or businessman, as I do.
And your evaluation is off as well, he has two plans but is undecided on which path to take. Just because his language is not fully accurate does not mean that he does not have a clear plan for the education side of things if he decides that route.
He just does not have the knowledge and experience that you and others on this forum have. He may or may not follow the path that you describe. I am sure that you know of others that have left active duty with a similar quandary and have done quite well and successful on both the education front and as a public servant or businessman, as I do.
(1)
(0)
SFC (Join to see)
SSG Robert Webster he doesn't have a plan, he has two ideas. If he had a plan, four months out from ETS it would be well underway. The Army makes you start SFLTAP a year out now so that you can have a good plan. As someone whose job is listening to Soldiers plans, I can tell you that this Soldier does not have a plan.
The first two points correlate specifically because there is a 6 month unemployment gap between his ETS and testing, and his ETS is after school begins, but he hasn't submitted a request to ETS early for school. If his plan was for going to school he would have registered and begun the drop. If his plan was to attend the fire academy, he could extend a year, take the test, and begin the waiting process that is a part of most of these civil service jobs. Because he's 4 months out from ETS and neither path has been committed to, he has no plan, he has an idea. Four months from ETS is not the time to begin a plan.
The first two points correlate specifically because there is a 6 month unemployment gap between his ETS and testing, and his ETS is after school begins, but he hasn't submitted a request to ETS early for school. If his plan was for going to school he would have registered and begun the drop. If his plan was to attend the fire academy, he could extend a year, take the test, and begin the waiting process that is a part of most of these civil service jobs. Because he's 4 months out from ETS and neither path has been committed to, he has no plan, he has an idea. Four months from ETS is not the time to begin a plan.
(1)
(0)
SSG Robert Webster
SFC (Join to see) - Though the Army 'makes' you start SFLTAP a year out, you know as well as I do that is not the actuality of TAP whether it was 20 years ago or today. And it is even less so the actuality and reality in an Infantry unit and its related cycles.
Another thing is that the unemployment gap that you are pointing out is not actually 6 months it is probably longer and that includes whether he passes the testing or not and the employment policies of the possible departments that could/would employ him at some point. i.e. Before even being considered for employment in a lot of cases the individual has to pass the prerequisite test before even applying or tender of employment is based on passing said test. Obviously the individual concerned knows this from direct knowledge where neither you nor I do.
What is even more disconcerting is that you are chastising me without even correcting your mistakes in your original statement. And on top of that I know that you follow this type of subject here on RP and know as well as I do that what I stated in my previous statement is correct, whether you want to acknowledge it or not.
Another thing is that the unemployment gap that you are pointing out is not actually 6 months it is probably longer and that includes whether he passes the testing or not and the employment policies of the possible departments that could/would employ him at some point. i.e. Before even being considered for employment in a lot of cases the individual has to pass the prerequisite test before even applying or tender of employment is based on passing said test. Obviously the individual concerned knows this from direct knowledge where neither you nor I do.
What is even more disconcerting is that you are chastising me without even correcting your mistakes in your original statement. And on top of that I know that you follow this type of subject here on RP and know as well as I do that what I stated in my previous statement is correct, whether you want to acknowledge it or not.
(1)
(0)
SFC (Join to see)
SSG Robert Webster I am a Career Counselor in an Infantry Battalion of 700. Counseling Infantrymen on their post-Army life is what I do every single day of my career. Every single day, multiple Infantryman walk into my office and tell me that their plan is either 1) Law Enforcement/Firefighter/Border Patrol or 2) College. Every day I listen to an Infantryman tell me their plan on joining civil service or going to college and I counsel them on how to achieve their goals. I have helped Soldiers research requirements for state, federal, and local positions in civil services, and helped them plan out the transition. In this specific area I have a lot of experience. About once a week my CSM pulls a handful of infantry into his office, listens to their goals and discusses the difference between having an idea, and having a plan. In the years of doing this I have seen what constitutes a successful plan and what does not. This Soldier does not have a plan, he has two competing ideas.
As for TAP, I transitioned through ACAP 18 years ago. The new program SFLTAP allows Soldiers to start 18 months out and requires them to start no less than a year out. The difference between the old and new program is the difference between Elementary school and College. SFLTAP allows for 6 months of permissive TDY for job training. This Soldier could actually take his test on active duty and attend the fire academy while still on active duty and smoothly transition into an awaiting job.
Also, I'm not chastising you. This is my area of expertise, in fact, this is my profession. The Army pays me to do this every day. I have seen which Soldiers get out and attempt to return within a year because I get a call from their recruiters. So, I believe in this case, my experience is valid in my assessment.
As for TAP, I transitioned through ACAP 18 years ago. The new program SFLTAP allows Soldiers to start 18 months out and requires them to start no less than a year out. The difference between the old and new program is the difference between Elementary school and College. SFLTAP allows for 6 months of permissive TDY for job training. This Soldier could actually take his test on active duty and attend the fire academy while still on active duty and smoothly transition into an awaiting job.
Also, I'm not chastising you. This is my area of expertise, in fact, this is my profession. The Army pays me to do this every day. I have seen which Soldiers get out and attempt to return within a year because I get a call from their recruiters. So, I believe in this case, my experience is valid in my assessment.
(1)
(0)
2
2
0
Art Fern (Johnny Carson) during his Tea Time segments used to say "When you hit a fork in the road, take it." I'll only add that if you're a hard charger who likes periodic accomplishments and redefining yourself every 3-5 years, then do one and then the other if you still have the gumption. At my point in life, I feel I've lived different lifetimes. Wouldn't have it any other way. I could have done other things, but the path I took was unique to me. Just remember that years down the road, you'll hit a point where your don't want to or can't work anymore. Know that day is coming. Whatever your plan is, keep moving forward so when you hit the won't or can't stage, you're set. BTW, in the real world, MBAs are a dime a dozen. It's who you are and what you can contribute that will make the true difference.
(2)
(0)
PO3 (Join to see) Just because other family members were firefighters, does not mean that you need to take that route. As you mentioned, you could become a firefighter while you continue your education. Good luck.
(2)
(0)
1
1
0
I love fire fighting and EMS with a passion and started off as an EMT at age 18.What I did might be an option for you. I went to college, got my nursing degree, commissioned into the Army, became a critical care nurse, and then later my paramedic. I have now volunteered at several places as a fire fighter/paramedic and have contributed both a great deal of time and money to serving in my community in addition to serving in the Army. Very fulfilling and I make a lot more than I ever would have as a fire fighter anywhere in the country.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
PO3 (Join to see) I defer to SFC (Join to see) comments about a plan and planning.
It may not be either or. You may be required to obtain an Associates or Bachelors in Fire Science or related field to compete to be a firefighter. Ensure you understand the requirements for your state and localality. Understand what is minimum requirements, what is "competitive", and how long you'll be in The process. Not everyone gets picked up, or they sit on an order of merit type list.
As for college as a plan, your 30+ credits are all subject to the capricious and fickle whims of the gaining institution. They could take all or none. It's up to them. They are usually elective or general ed box checks. If you have transferred credit from an accreditated institution your odds go up. What is your goal after graduation? Your immediate task will be pounding the pavement and trying to find a job. The degree will not guarantee a job, or "the" job. Simply ask people working very hard at Chilli's to scratch out an honest living. Be prepare to move to find the job you want, in the field you want, in the industry you want.
Don't get wound up on a Harvard MBA. If you are going to live in the metro Boston Area, there over 300+ colleges And universities inside the 495 loop. Look for an institution with the highest AASCB (longest) accreditation for their business program. You pay for a name, it doesn't make you any smarter than you were yesterday, especially since you'll have to carry that on your back financially for decades. As an example California State University San Bernardino was a ten year accreditation (and a US News and World Report Top Business Program) when I went for my MBA , meaning they come back in 10 years to check. That's the highest accreditation. Your immediate obstacle is to be accepted to a four year institution. Then you'll have to get a good score on the GMAT To get into the graduate program and be accepted into the MBA program. You may want to see if there is a 3+2 program to earn a masters and bachelor's concurrently, especially as an undergraduate business major. The beauty of an MBA is that you can easily do another major undergrad. My under grad was in Civil Engineering.
You may want to closely examine related fields to business. Business Analytics is up and coming, you'll need a knowledge of analytical and database platforms such as SQL, Python, SAAS, and possibly even ERPs like SAP, Oracle's cloud platform, and PeopleSoft. You may even need some programming and network knowledge to make those work. I mention Cyber Security and IT last as they are always recommended, perhaps over recommended. Look at the industry field/trade professional association news letters/magazines to see what they are talking about.
This is all predicated on your financial situation and being able to support yourself while you do all this.
It may not be either or. You may be required to obtain an Associates or Bachelors in Fire Science or related field to compete to be a firefighter. Ensure you understand the requirements for your state and localality. Understand what is minimum requirements, what is "competitive", and how long you'll be in The process. Not everyone gets picked up, or they sit on an order of merit type list.
As for college as a plan, your 30+ credits are all subject to the capricious and fickle whims of the gaining institution. They could take all or none. It's up to them. They are usually elective or general ed box checks. If you have transferred credit from an accreditated institution your odds go up. What is your goal after graduation? Your immediate task will be pounding the pavement and trying to find a job. The degree will not guarantee a job, or "the" job. Simply ask people working very hard at Chilli's to scratch out an honest living. Be prepare to move to find the job you want, in the field you want, in the industry you want.
Don't get wound up on a Harvard MBA. If you are going to live in the metro Boston Area, there over 300+ colleges And universities inside the 495 loop. Look for an institution with the highest AASCB (longest) accreditation for their business program. You pay for a name, it doesn't make you any smarter than you were yesterday, especially since you'll have to carry that on your back financially for decades. As an example California State University San Bernardino was a ten year accreditation (and a US News and World Report Top Business Program) when I went for my MBA , meaning they come back in 10 years to check. That's the highest accreditation. Your immediate obstacle is to be accepted to a four year institution. Then you'll have to get a good score on the GMAT To get into the graduate program and be accepted into the MBA program. You may want to see if there is a 3+2 program to earn a masters and bachelor's concurrently, especially as an undergraduate business major. The beauty of an MBA is that you can easily do another major undergrad. My under grad was in Civil Engineering.
You may want to closely examine related fields to business. Business Analytics is up and coming, you'll need a knowledge of analytical and database platforms such as SQL, Python, SAAS, and possibly even ERPs like SAP, Oracle's cloud platform, and PeopleSoft. You may even need some programming and network knowledge to make those work. I mention Cyber Security and IT last as they are always recommended, perhaps over recommended. Look at the industry field/trade professional association news letters/magazines to see what they are talking about.
This is all predicated on your financial situation and being able to support yourself while you do all this.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
You can still be a Wildland firefighter for the Forest Service or Dept. of Lands and still go to school. My nephew did it for six years while going to college.
(1)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google