military/police/fire
becoming employed in public service
There are many honorable ways to serve your community and country. Read about the different eligibility requirements for public service and emergency response positions below.
info for military, police, fire, & border patrol
Military
Police
Conduct your ASVAB. This is a test that helps tell your strengths and jobs that you qualify for Reach out to a recruiter to schedule this.
You will need your high school diploma or GED in order to enlist. Your criminal record and your physical fitness matter!
BRANCH REQUIREMENTS
Air Force
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Be between the ages of 17-27. *
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Have no more than two dependents.
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Pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude test. (Minimum AFQT Score: 50)
Army
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Be between the ages of 17-34. *
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Have no more than two dependents.
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Pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude test. (Minimum AFQT Score: 31)
Coast Guard
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Be between the ages of 17- 39*
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Have no more than two dependents.
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Pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test. (Minimum AFQT Score: 45)
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Have a willingness to serve on or around the water.
Marines
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Meet exacting physical, mental, and moral standards.
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Be between the ages of 17-29. *
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Pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test. (Minimum AFQT Score: 32)
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Women are eligible to enlist in all occupational exception of combat arms specialties: infantry, tank and amphibian tractor crew.
Navy
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Be between the ages of 17-34. *
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Pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test. (Minimum AFQT Score: 50)
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Women are eligible to enlist in all occupational fields, with the exception of serving in the Navy Seals or on submarines.
What are the minimum requirements for police recruits?
For the entry level position for the San Diego Police Department; applicants must be at least 20 years old. You must be a U.S. Citizen or a permanent resident alien; and you must possess at least a high school diploma or a G.E.D.
What types of questions are on the written test?
The 100-question multiple-choice written test covers reading and writing skills at a high school level. Other sections include decision making, reading comprehension and checking ability.
How long does the hiring process take?
Approximately 3 to 4 months.
What will disqualify an applicant?
Any felony convictions as a juvenile or an adult, and any misdemeanor domestic violence convictions will automatically disqualify an applicant.
How long is the Police Academy training program?
The police academy is a six-month college course.
How much running is required in the academy?
Recruits will be required to run at least 3 1/2 miles each day at the start of the academy.
What happens when I graduate from the academy?
Upon graduation, Police Recruits are promoted to Police Officers and will be scheduled for an additional four-month training program with a Field Training Officer.
Will I be paid while attending the academy?
SDPD Recruits will be paid while attending the academy.
Fire
Firefighter Recruit: This position is very rare to come up. This position has a lot of applicants and is hard to get.
Firefighter I: must complete fire academy, Current state of California Emergency Medical Technician Certificate, and Driver's License Class C, CPR card, 18 years old, graduated high school. The website reports that these jobs come up 1-2 years. Miramar Paramedic program randomly chooses people in order to be a part of the San Diego Fire Academy.
Fire Dispatcher: Answers 911 calls in order to dispatch help
Fire Cadet Program: Minimum age of 16 and in the 10th grade to 21 years old, Enrollment in an accredited high school (maintaining a grade point average of 2.0) or high school graduate attending college, Eyesight corrected to 20/20 and color vision acceptable, Applicant must successfully pass the 6 month Probationary period and an oral interview, New Cadets are currently accepted into the program twice a year.
Lifeguard Services: 18 years of age or older, American Red Cross Emergency Medical Response (EMR) Certificate, American Red Cross CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers OR American Heart Association CPR/AED for Healthcare Providers Certificate, Certificate of completion for the Miramar College Introduction to Open Water Lifeguarding course (San Diego Regional Lifeguard Academy) dated within the last two years.
Border Patrol
There are three levels in the border patrol.
GL5: need experience, education, or a combination
GL7: specialized experience, graduate education, combination of experience and education, superior academic achievement
GL9: Specialized Experience