Firefighting Programs in the Military

Hey all, so firefighting has always been my dream job and I'm aware that military has some of the best firefighting programs. Any clue which branch of the military offers the best firefighting program? Would appreciate some insights!

Hey there! Several branches of the U.S. military indeed offer firefighting programs, each with their own strengths. Take into account that what determines the 'best' program can depend on what factors you weigh the most—type of training, quality of life, or opportunities after service, for example.

The U.S. Air Force, for instance, offers a comprehensive Fire Protection program. Enlistees receive training on various types of extinguishing agents, firefighting equipment, and how to maintain fire alarms and fire prevention systems. They also work on emergency incident management, which includes disaster response, hazardous materials, and airfield emergencies like aircraft fires.

In contrast, the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy both have a joint Firefighting School (USN CTT A “C” School) in San Diego, California. Recruits in these branches are trained in naval shipboard firefighting, damage control, and Chemical Biological and Radiological Defense (CBR-D) operations. This could be beneficial if you're interested in marine environments or firefighting on naval vessels.

The U.S. Army doesn't specifically have a firefighting MOS, but they do have firefighters embedded in Engineer units, and the training is done at the U.S. Air Force firefighting school.

Though the Coast Guard is smaller and has fewer firefighting roles, they still require firefighting skills, especially with boat crews and damage control teams.

Lastly, it's also important to factor in the long-term benefits of each program. Some branches may offer more attractive benefits like educational opportunities, progression structure, and translating military skills to civilian skills if you plan to continue firefighting once you leave military service.

I hope this gives you a good starting point on the different firefighting programs in the military!