AboutDominick G. Kasmauskas Expertise Former NFPA Fire Service Section, Director, Executive Board. NJ Certified Firefighter, Fire Instructor, Fire Inspector, Haz Mat Instructor. Volunteer Firefighter since 1974, Capt. Lieut. and President. National Fire Academy Fire Officer II certified. Presently a Regional Manager for the Natl Fire Sprinkler Assn and a certified fire protection specialist and a certified code enforcement official in NY State.
Experience Various awards and citations.
My oddest "call" was at my company picnic, in a remote area, when someone at the picnic had heart failure. While trying to perform CPR I was also giving directions to ALS and BLS to get to the scene.
Every alarm is an accomplishment.
Question Hello, I'm 22 years old and seriously considering a job in fire fighting. However, I would also like to serve in the military. If I do go that route, in your opinion what branch has the largest F/F field, and what advantages would serving give me over someone who did not? I'm unsure if serving in the military would hinder me trying to get a civilian job in an urban or wildland setting. Thank you for taking the time to read this question,
Dominic
Answer Dominic~
Two of the best services one can offer to his/her fellow citizns; the fire service and the military. Thank you for considering one or both.
I believe the US Army is using a lot of civilian Civil Service firefighters now, but I think the Air Force would be my first choice as they have structural and aircraft crash/rescue. The Navy may be equal to the Air Force as they have plenty of aircaft too. You'll need to research and evaluate. Maybe the Coast Guard?
The military should enhance your pursuit of any civil service job in the future, in my opinion. If you are looking to Smoke Jump, there is the possibility of going to Airborne School while in the military as well. Many states' civil service applications award points for Honorable Dicharge from the military to give a veteran an edge over those that did not
Hope this helps in making your decision. I only wish I had made firefighting my career path when I was in the Army for 4 years...I probably may havedoe 20 or 30 years.
