LibGuides: Military Veterans in the Fire Service: Considering the Transition

Considering the Transition

The resources below talk about the link between firefighting and the military and give general advice about what you need to do to become a firefighter after being in the military. Resources on other pages in this LibGuide can connect you with specific organizations or training programs once you have decided to make the transition.

Becoming a Firefighter as a Veteran
" Military service not only cultivates crucial skills and attitudes, but provides veteran’s benefits that can aid soon-to-be firefighters."
How Veterans Can Continue to Serve in the Firefighting Professions
The fire service has similarly rigorous physical fitness requirements as the armed services. Here, the specific tests for firefighters are explained, and the writer touches briefly on programs that help veterans become employable in the first responder industry.
A Common Bond Between Military and Fire Service Vets
This article reflects on the similar mindsets of military service members and firefighters, and relates how serving in the military allowed the writer to become a firefighter when he might have otherwise been rejected.
The Military is a Good First Step to Becoming a Firefighter
This article is directed at those who are looking at joining the military service specifically in order to become a firefighter.

250 U.S. Army soldiers from Lewis-McChord join effort fighting Idaho’s West Mountain Complex fires
This article shows how military personnel can be called on to fight fires while in service, and how well the skills gained as a soldier transition to fighting fires.