All Risk Shield - Fire Defense Expert (Phase II)
The Fire Defense Expert (FDE) program is a 121–160 day immersive apprenticeship designed for transitioning Service Members seeking careers in wildfire mitigation, property defense operations, and emergency response leadership.
The Fire Defense Expert (FDE) apprentice develops the technical and leadership capabilities required to assess, prepare, and defend properties in wildfire-prone environments across California.Primary Responsibilities:• Conduct comprehensive wildfire risk assessments and property evaluations• Produce written vulnerability and mitigation reports• Design and deploy QTAC fire suppression systems• Install and operate portable drafting systems utilizing pools and static water sources• Plan and execute ground-based long-term fire retardant (LTR) applications• Lead small teams during mitigation and operational staging activities• Participate in Red Flag patrols and active wildfire incident deployments• Maintain operational readiness of pumps, vehicles, and field equipment• Operate within ICS-aligned supervision and emergency response structuresSuccessful completion may lead to employment consideration as a Fire Defense Expert with All Risk Shield.
Open to all MOS / ratings / AFSCs.
Demonstrated leadership potential• Physically capable of extended outdoor field operations• Comfortable operating in wildfire-prone terrain and heat conditions• Valid driver’s license required• Ability to lift 50+ pounds• Willingness to deploy during Red Flag warnings and wildfire incidents• Strong communication skills and professional client interaction capability• Safety-focused with ability to operate within ICS-aligned environments
No cost to participating Service Member.
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Interview prep for this program▸
- ▸ "How many of your past SkillBridge interns received full-time offers?" — a serious program knows the number.
- ▸ "Who will my day-to-day mentor be, and what does week one look like?"
- ▸ "The listing says 121 - 150 days — can that flex to my approved window if my command shortens it?"
- ▸ "Is relocation expected for a full-time offer, or can I convert where I am?"
- ▸ Confirm the eligibility notes above — ask exactly what they need from you and when.
- ✓ Your projected start window and separation date (from your profile)
- ✓ Your command's approval status — even "packet drafted" signals you're serious
- ✓ Your civilian-translated resume bullets (generate them here)
- ✓ A written training-plan ask — you'll need it for your packet anyway