DoD Fire Captain

Does anyone know the criteria to make fire captain in DOD agencies? Actually in state as well because Im curious. Im thinking of starting DOD, Im still working on getting all my certs. Other than that I have a B.S. in Business Management and currently work in DA as a GS9 financial management analyst. Thanks for the input.

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Permalink Reply by Doug on July 27, 2010 at 10:53am

Former military firefighter here, who worked along side DOD guys. I highly doubt you can step right into being a fire captain. Though already being a GS9, and working on getting your certs ahead of time, will certainly get your foot in the door, and you should be able to progress quickly through the fire ranks.

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Permalink Reply by john smith on July 27, 2010 at 11:20am

Thanks for the response. Ya i would not expect to step right in a position like that. Im trying to plan ahead somewhat and I was curious how long it typically takes to get to that level. I aspire to be more than just a shift firefighter.

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Permalink Reply by lang on July 28, 2010 at 9:09pm

To become a dod capt. Pretty sure you need to have insp. 3 instructer 3 and fire officer 3. If your trying to go GS 9 to GS 9 you'll have to have officer 4 because a GS 9 is a station capt. and they fill in as A/C when he or she is on k-day or leave

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Permalink Reply by Chief Dino on July 29, 2010 at 7:49am

You can find the requirements here:

http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/Standards/IORs/gs0000/0081.htm

and here:

http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/605506m.pdf

Good luck. Look at table C2.T1 for requirements. Your Bachelors needs to be fire related, however you might be able to fill in the gaps with experience.

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Permalink Reply by john smith on July 29, 2010 at 10:59am

Thanks guys that helps alot. Im finishing up firefighter 1 & 2 now before anything else. Im just concerned about making the switch I cant step down too far in pay or the switch isnt even an option. Im hoping with my degree and some training classes I can come in as a 5 or 7. How long would it take to make it to the 9 level besides the time it takes to reach the cert requirement?