Air Force Firefighter Requirements

One of the most demanding careers within the Air Force is fire protection. Recruits are taught how to control fires, prevent fires and assist those in danger. Those interested in a career as a firefighter in the Air Force should have a high school diploma or GED, meet all the necessary requirements for entrance into the Air Force and demonstrate physical endurance with the ability to perform under pressure.

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is required for entrance into the Air Force. The ASVAB ranks scores recruits in arithmetic reasoning, word knowledge, paragraph comprehension and mathematics knowledge in order to determine which jobs an applicant is eligible for. A higher score leads to more opportunities. One of the most important sub-components of the ASVAB is the Armed Forces Qualifications Test (AFQT). According to Military.com, an AFQT score of 45 is required for entrance into the Air Force and the minimum score for Fire Protection as an Air Force career is G38.

The Air National Guard recommends preparation in chemistry, science and math for their recruits. Recruits are required to have a high school diploma or GED. Enlisted recruits taught how to control fires in technical training. They are educated in hazardous materials, fire investigation principles and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

All enlisted Air Force recruits go through basic military training, demonstrating physical endurance. Firefighters wear fire protective clothing, hold and carry water hoses, and escort people out of danger. Work conditions include controlled and uncontrolled fires both indoors and outdoors. It is a physically demanding and emotionally challenging career that requires a person to be in physical shape.