Overview

Army firefighters are responsible for protecting lives and property from fire. They control fires and help prevent them in buildings, aircrafts and ships.

Job Duties

• Perform rescue and firefighting operations during structural fires, aircraft crashes, vehicle emergencies and natural cover fires
  
• Drive firefighting trucks and emergency rescue vehicles
  
• Give first aid to injured personnel
  
• Perform emergency response duties during hazardous materials incidents
  
• Inspect aircraft, buildings and equipment for fire hazards
  
• Teach fire protection procedures and repair/refill firefighting equipment
  

Requirements

Those who want to serve must first take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, a series of tests that helps you better understand your strengths and identify which Army jobs are best for you.

Training

Job training for firefighter requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 13 weeks of Advanced Individual Training. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part in the field, including practice in fighting fires.

Some of the skills you’ll learn about:

• Fighting different types of fires
  
• Firefighting equipment operations, first aid and rescue procedures

Helpful Skills

• Ability to remain calm under stress
  
• Willingness to risk injury to help others
  
• Ability to think and act decisively

Required ASVAB Score(s)

Learn more about the ASVAB and see what jobs you could qualify for.

Compensation

Total compensation includes housing, medical, food, special pay, and vacation time. Learn more about total compensation.

Education Benefits

In the Army, qualified students can earn full-tuition, merit-based scholarships, allowances for books and fees, plus an annual stipend for living expenses. Learn more about education benefits.

Future Civilian Careers

The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career with city or county fire departments and other firefighting agencies.