In the Air Force:
Fire Protection; Fire Protection Helper; Fire Protection Superintendent; Fuels Helper; In-Flight Refueling Specialist; In-Flight Refueling Specialist Apprentice, KC-135; In-Flight Refueling Specialist Craftsman, KC-135; In-Flight Refueling Specialist Journeyman; In-Flight Refueling Specialist Superintendent; Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) Craftsman; Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) Superintendent
In the Army:
Cannon Crewmember; Cavalry Scout; Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Specialist; Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Warrant Officer; Combat Engineer; Firefighter; Infantryman; M1 Armor Crewman; Military Police; Unit Supply Specialist
In the Navy:
Air Operations Technician; Aircraft Director; Aviation Boatswain's Mate, Aircraft Handling; Aviation Boatswain's Mate, Fuels; Conversion NEC AB Aviation Boatswain's Mate Basic; Conversion NEC ABH Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Aircraft Handling); Crash and Salvage Fire Fighter; Electromagnetic Aircraft Launching System (EMALS) Operator/Maintainer; Flight Deck Officer; Shipboard Aircraft Rescue, Firefighting and Salvage Specialists; Shore Base Airport and Aircraft Firefighter
Courage, strength, and a cool head under pressure are some of the most important qualities needed by firefighters. Firefighters control and put out fires, and respond to crisis situations where life and the environment are at risk. Firefighters enter burning buildings to extinguish fires and rescue people, sometimes carrying them. They connect hoses to hydrants, operate pumps, climb ladders, and use other tools to break through debris. The majority of calls they receive are for medical emergencies, so many firefighters also provide medical attention. Some firefighters clean up hazardous materials, such as oil spills and chemical accidents, while others are specially trained to control forest fires. Most firefighters work for local governments. Some work for federal and state governments, or at airports, chemical plants, and other industrial sites. Volunteer firefighters serve the same roles as paid firefighters and account for a large portion of the workforce in this field. Firefighters’ schedules are typically on duty at the fire station for 24 hours at a time, then off for 48 to 72 hours. Wildland firefighters may work for extended periods to get a forest fire under control. Firefighters have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations. They must wear heavy, hot protective gear. Firefighters typically need a high school diploma, valid driver’s license, and an emergency medical technician certification. Candidates must successfully complete interviews, written and physical fitness tests, fire academy training, and, once hired, they must pass random drug tests.
What they do:
Control and extinguish fires or respond to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk. Duties may include fire prevention, emergency medical service, hazardous material response, search and rescue, and disaster assistance.
On the job, you would:
Rescue victims from burning buildings, accident sites, and water hazards.
Dress with equipment such as fire-resistant clothing and breathing apparatus.
Assess fires and situations and report conditions to superiors to receive instructions, using two-way radios.
Safety and Government
public safety and security
law and government
Engineering and Technology
building and construction
mechanical
Business
customer service
management
Education and Training
teaching and course design
Basic Skills
keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
Social
changing what is done based on other people's actions
looking for ways to help people
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Controlled Movement
use your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down
quickly decide if you should move your hand, foot, or other body part
Endurance
exercise for a long time without getting out of breath
Hand and Finger Use
keep your arm or hand steady
hold or move items with your hands
Verbal
listen and understand what people say
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.