What is the process to go from Civilian Firefighter to Army Firefighter? Do I still need to go to school or can I get it waived?

2020-10-17T17:29:07-04:00

Just became a Firefighter, wondering if i can change my 74D mos to 12M. If so do you know any units in Southern california?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2020 5:39 PM

2020-10-17T17:39:27-04:00

Talk with a Recruiter/Career Counselor. There used to be a program (not sure if it still exists) where if you had the right quals from the civilian world that transitions to an MOS, you could go to Basic and then onto your duty assignment. I knew a Welder that did that, along with a Medic. But that was years ago.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Oct 17 at 2020 5:59 PM

2020-10-17T17:59:11-04:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member you labeled the post for 12M, there are several NCOs on here that are 12M . They'll chime in fairly quick.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2020 6:23 PM

2020-10-17T18:23:40-04:00

What you're thinking of is called ACASP Army Civilian Acquired Skills Program. If an MOS is part of ACASP the requirements are located in DA Pam 611-21 chapter 10C and Table 9-1. 12M is an ACASP MOS

Response by GySgt Gary Cordeiro made Oct 17 at 2020 6:47 PM

2020-10-17T18:47:42-04:00

I am a former volunteer firefighter which became a fully endorsed fire station. There are a few things that I would recommend.
1) Take a fire fighting 101 course, that gives you an appreciation of the civilian function vs. military; they are different.
2) Become EMT 1 certified at a minimum.
3) Maintain peak physical condition, smoke the civilians.
4) Become ICS certified through FEMA, it’s a free course.
Study, keep current on the fires around the world. Global warming is a real threat.
You know how the wear and care for your uniform and equipment. Research new technology. There is some great equipment that I wish I had, real game changers.
Above all maintain your military bearing. Speak when spoken to.
Don’t be the hero in training unless it is warranted. They will set you up.
I congratulate you on your choice of service, get on LinkedIn and connect with firefighters where you want to serve.
If you are near water, become fast water certified. As I’ve stated earlier, global warming is a real threat. Weather patterns are changing in an attempt to stay in balance. Polar melt is rapid to balance the ocean becoming more acidified.
I hope to hear more from you in your career pursuit. God Bless.

Response by WO1(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2020 7:21 PM

2020-10-17T19:21:29-04:00

I (a 12M) went through the military academy with some folks that were civilian firefighters. They went through basic like everyone else and when they got to AIT they got to skip some of the courses if they were already certified in them. One kid finished the 3 month AIT in about 2 weeks because of all the certs he showed up with. They all went through the same enlistment process, worked with a recruiter, and were able to get slots for the 12M MOS.

Don’t necessarily count on getting to skip courses at AIT. It is all dependent on if there are open slots in the class ahead of you. They don’t like to have more than about 16 people in each class.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2020 10:52 PM

2020-10-18T22:52:21-04:00

To be qualified as an Army firefighter, you need Fire 1, Fire 2, EMT, Hazmat Awareness, and Hazmat Ops certifications. Also, active Army firefighter slots are extremely limited, as the occupation is mostly run by civilians now.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2020 8:54 PM

2020-11-05T20:54:38-05:00

There are couple of 12M units in Southern California, an ordinance unit and a Firefighter detachment, but the first thing you need to do is talk to a Recruiter/ Career Counselor. There are slots available for junior enlisted and Sergeants but they can be hard to come by. You just have to stay on it