How to Become a Firefighter in the Military

by Maureen Malone

Like all communities, military bases and ships need firefighters to protect their structures, equipment and people from fires. Military firefighters do much more than fight fires. They perform inspections to minimize fire dangers, provide first aid to accident victims and respond to hazardous materials spills. Firefighting is a challenging career that can be continued as a civilian when the firefighter leaves the service.

Join the Military

1. Decide which branch of the military you want to join. You can be a firefighter in the United States Marine Corps, Navy, Army or Air Force. To enlist as a firefighter, you must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED and a valid driver's license.

2. Speak to your local recruiter. Express your interest in becoming a firefighter and ask any questions you may have. Some common questions include how long your commitment to the armed forces is and when you will leave for basic training.

3. Go to the closest Military Entrance Processing Station or MEPS. The first step is to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery or ASVAB. This is a test covering 10 subject areas including mathematics, reading comprehension and mechanical comprehension. Before you take the exam, find out from your recruiter what score you need on the ASVAB to qualify to become a firefighter. For example, in the Army, you must score an 88 or higher on the General Maintenance section.

4. Take a physical examination to ensure you are in good health and able to take on the demands of basic training and military life. The physical exam includes drug testing and vision and hearing testing. Finally, you receive your job selection and officially enlist in the military.

Complete Your Training

1. Attend basic training. Specific requirements vary based on the branch of military you join. For example, Air Force basic training is six weeks at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, while Marine basic training is 13 weeks at the Marine Corp Training Depots in either Parris Island, S.C., or San Diego, Calif.

2. Complete fire training. You will learn the principles of fighting fires and how to operate fire equipment. In addition, you will learn first aid and rescue operations. Other training includes how to perform fire inspections and minimize fire danger and how to handle hazardous materials spills. Training length and location varies by service branch. Army firefighters, for example, receive 13 weeks of Advanced Individual Training at Goodfellow Air Force Base in Texas.

3. Receive your first duty station and begin your military career as a firefighter.


  • Consider the hazardous conditions and irregular schedules associated with firefighting before committing to the career. Firefighters are required to fight fires, deal with hazardous materials spills and are exposed to blood borne illnesses when providing first aid to an accident or fire victim. In addition, they often work nights, weekends and holidays.

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