The programs that Wildfire Today told you about a year ago that train military veterans to become wildland firefighters appear to be increasing and are now grouped into a new organization called Veterans Fire Corps. Three programs — operating in California, Colorado, and Arizona —  build upon the knowledge, leadership experience, and training that men and women who served in the armed forces already possess, retraining them and refocusing their mission to protect our public lands from the threat of wildfire.

It consists of a three tiered Firefighter Leadership Development Program, providing incrementally more challenging experiences for program participants. It helps veterans transition to civilian life by leveraging their leadership experience to meet pressing conservation needs on public lands while providing job training for future employment in the wildland firefighting field.

Here are some quotes about the program from people that have been involved with the Veterans Fire Corps:

Lew Sovocool, former VFC leader and supervisor:

The work is tough and dirty but is purpose-driven, which I believe is very attractive to veterans. There’s also the excitement and adrenaline rush that pushed us toward the military. There is a sense of national service which all of us are proud to be a part of.

There’s a sense of teamwork and camaraderie that exists in wildland firefighting that is very similar to that which we all experienced in the military.

Ross Schumaker, former VFC leader:

With the combination of all the classes, contacts, and me being a badass, I have landed a job on a fire engine for the upcoming season and plan on making wildland firefighting my career.

We OWE our veterans for their service to our country. The least we can do is to give them training so that they can compete for jobs.

• More information on programs in California, in partnership with the California Conservation Corps.
• More information on programs in Colorado and Arizona, in partnership with the Southwest Conservation Corps.
• More information on programs in Arizona and South Dakota, in partnership with the Student Conservation Association.

Thanks go out to Dick