I love the fact that after serving my country for 8 years as a navy firefighter I get out to find that I have no marketable skills, not even in civilian firefighting! I should’ve been a G-----mn Jarhead, at least I’d have desirable experience for law enforcement or security and had more fun while I was in.
Don’t mind me guys I’m just venting, as the bills are piling up and I’m not good at this college shit.
I suppose you have rejected the idea of rejoining and getting an MOS that would transfer to the civilian world?
M_P
I’m 31 and kind of wanting to plant roots up here in washington. I’ve served my time, 4 deployments, achieved the rank of E6 in 6 1/2 years, been there done that. I just wish I had more show for it other than good stories.
My best friend was an AB in Crash & Salvage for 8 years and was able to go to the hot shit Federal Fire Academy in Texas. He recently passed away at 34 years old and was unable to pursue his civilian dream of becoming a firefighter but this could be an option for you as well if you were to reenlist and get it in your contract, just a thought. FYI - We both did our first 4 years on the Lincoln based out of Everett and did a yard period in Bremerton getting kicked out of every bar in town 
At the fire academy.
A word of encouragment.
You do have marketable skills.
There is no doubt its the toughest market in a long time.
However, when I am hiring people, if skill set is close to equal… I take the veteran every time.
I know this does not pay the bills, but you need to know what you learned in the service has value.
Best Regards,
HD
It might be that jobs simply don’t exist, I know a lot of cities have but a stop to all new hiring since their budget are all f$%ked up due to loss in tax revenue. So I wouldn’t worry.
As a former Jarhead 0331 (M-60 machine gunner) I feel your pain. I was qualified to be an outstanding janitor when I graduated from the University of Science, Music and Culture.
High Desert is right, though. You learned a great deal as a Sailor.
And in case no one else will tell you, I appreciate your service to our country, and thank you for it. I wish you the best of luck in school.
Glad I went Army commo… 
$$$
Why don’t you look into one for the federal jobs in the firefighting field. I have a friend that is a fireman on a military post here in Va. He is a civil service guy not military. You as a mil veteran do get a leg up on federal jobs versus a non veteran.
Matt
Hang in there - it is a very tough economy.
High Desert is right - you have proven to have the core skills people will want. I too would higher a vetran over a non vet.
You never know when you might come across another vetran.
Go to community college as long as you can, get 60-90 credits, preferably in some career track that isn’t going away anytime soon (IE the medical field, criminal justice, etc). It’s cheaper, more laid back, don’t buy books unless you have to, copy them or get them through the inter-library-loan. Go to school year round and you’ll be through it in no time. If you can only take a little bit of it at a time, that’s fine too.
I’ve met former LEO’s who were on oral boards, they were just looking for smart, level headed people with good ethics, and a reasonably clean record. Sounds right up your alley. Some areas of the country are still hiring for it.
High Desert had some sage advice.
I was aviation life support for 5 years in the Marines, kind of in the same boat. Except I want to get into law enforcement. Shit happens man, use that GI Bill to get an education in what ever you want to do, go to a fire academy and be a fireman. Whatever. GI Bill it up and use those skills mentioned above, showing up to work on time, following orders and so on.
I truly appreciate all your guys encouragement, as I said earlier I’m just venting a bit. On good news, I was chatting with a former marine in class tonight and got a lead on job, it’s nothing spectacular but it’ll hopefully be enough to keep the bills at bay while i’m in school and I start volunteering with a FD when they hire in a few months.
FWIW USAJOBS has numerous positions listed with the Interior, Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service for fire fighters. Unfortunately not in WA, just ID & UT. But it is a good place to watch.
In WA:
Spokane County Fire District 8
and 28 hits on Indeed including Bonney Lake, Everett, San Juan County, Bainbridge Island and more
Firefighter Washington State
Chillax, dude.
For what it’s worth, this is quite possibly the worst job market in 80 years.
Don’t sell yourself short…like others have mentioned.
I got out in 1972 after 3+ years as a BOMB LOADER in the USAF. Try finding a job with those qualifications. LOL.
Best of Luck and Thanks for your Service!
FN in MT
This is nice, unfortunately that fact that I was a Navy Firefighter for 8 years doesn’t count to a single hour of work experience leaving me at the same level as an 18yo high school grad. It takes on average 1.5-3 years to get hired onto a fire dept. Military experience gives you an extra 5 or so points during that process no matter what your MOS or rate was in service.
Sorry to hear of your circumstance and situation.
I hear your frustration w/ ruthless compassion.
Your right it does SUCK big time.
If it’s it’s any comfort YOU are not alone, as there are MANY people are in your shoes.
WE need to get the right people in office to make it happen next time around.
I hear and see it all the time in my travels. I travel a lot and I cannot believe our own government is so misinformed and disjointed.
I feel very forutnate to be working at something I enjoy.
I hope you get some breaks and find some good opportunties etc.
Stay focused and positive, tough times don’t last BUT tough men do…