WSI Houston May 17th, 2010

[FireDude87]

Going to Houston On May 17th, 2010. Is anybody else going that day? Also for the guys that have already been there or are still there here are a couple of questions:

What exactly happens in houston (a day to day breakdown please)?
Do they test your BMI in houston or is what your doctor writes what they go by and also what about the physical agility test?
What are the hours like, days off and overtime?
What is the daily schedule on a normal day?
What is there to do in you off time?
What are items should I definetly bring that isn't on the packing list provided by WSI?
How is the gear and items issued to you by WSI?

Add any other useful info of knowledge!

Thanks

[peterbound]

You're asking for a lot there. Do a thread search and most of you question will be answered, many times over.
I'm surprised they're still hiring, i thought they had a freeze on that.

[FireDude87]

they have a group on the 17th and on june 7th. about the questions they are answered vaguely in other posts and don't answer all my questions?

[peterbound]

*Sigh*

What exactly happens in houston (a day to day breakdown please)?
You inprocess, if you have any prior military time you know what this means

Do they test your BMI in houston or is what your doctor writes what they go by and also what about the physical agility test?

If you are worried about this you must be one of the guys that got his Dr. buddy to fudge the BMI results. Last i heard they are checking coming into country. If you don't pass you can't come. I'd also heard they are doing random checks in country. The PT test is a joke, don't sweat that.

What are the hours like, days off and overtime?
don't know about the hours now.. with a group going over they can't be getting much better though

What is the daily schedule on a normal day?
same as any other fire department, roll call, check the trucks, train.

What is there to do in you off time?
Time off? You don't want time off.

What are items should I definetly bring that isn't on the packing list provided by WSI?
Pack light

How is the gear and items issued to you by WSI?
all items issued pass NFPA standards for wear.

[jwaskow]

There is nothing to worry about in Houston or any of your other questions... There is an OLD thread with OLD info on it that I'm sure may still be current or maybe not.... I just spent MY time researching a post I put on there when I got into theater in Sept of 08, but apparently someone had it removed from the thread...

Houston like already stated you inprocess, which means you do alot of paperwork, bs classes, and alot of drinking when not doing the other stuff... Stick a little bit to the packing list, travel light, as what YOU pack YOU carry...
Work life like already stated is the same, atleast when I was there, other than fire inspections....
If you get a day off, hope you have plenty of lotion or water based lubricant to keep from chaffing your skin..

[FireDude87]

Hey peterbound, I am right on the edge of the BMI thing I make it but a 1/4 to 1/2 pound and I am over. I was just curious if I had to diet hard until I get tested in Houston or not. I don't fell like getting sent home.

[jwaskow]

Dude, here ya go, I found the most current info as it was before I left, and anyone else was afraid to get a special letter from the man when he was there... http://www.firehouse.com/forums/showthread.php?t=102950 (New Info on Iraq thread, WSI/WSLLC types) hope it helps a bit, I did however get one of those special little don't do it again letters from 'Big Brother' when I was there for some of the postings I had, but I found it a little stupid.... From what I hear to people I talk to that are still over there, WSI is doing the BMI thing, whether in Houston or BDad I don't know, but if it the way I think it is, they'll go strictly by the BMI and not take into consideration how tall and weight ratio... If you're that worried about being that close to pushing over, just diet and work out a little bit before you go, and you should be fine....

[Outdispiece]

As a firefighter, maybe your goal shouldn't be to 'just make it' when it comes to BMI. There are enough out of shape employees in WSI already. I'm not trying to attack you personally, but it's a huge pet peeve of mine in the fire service as a whole.

[FireDude87]

Just for for everyones information I am good to go with the BMI thing. Also not out of shape just short and stocky, can't help I still have my build from playing college D-line LOL.

[jwaskow]

Dude, no one is knocking you for anything... I however am just telling you from my experience with WSI and KBR, that if they are checking BMI now which they are (don't know if Houston or BDad) but they will just go with the number, not if you're skinny and built, or short, healthy and stocky... I'm just telling you from my time with the companies when I was there how simple they are... just be careful if you think you are close to being over....

[Rutang99]

I am going to Houston on the 7th of June. So all this info is great. Much appreciated.

[SandBox4410]

how many are heading out in June? I was scheduled to leave last August and got 2nd and 3rd degree burns on 27% of my body 4 days before my flight. Trying to get back on the list with WSI or anybody else going over. Kinda tight on a firefighter salary right now in North Carolina.

[Rutang99]

All I know of is me and 1 other guy from my department. I know they had deployment dates of May 3rd, 17th, and June 7th not sure how many people for each deployment.

[Bent101]

Are any of you that are going over ARFF or ARFF D/O?

[FireDude87]

No, they said that we have the option of getting it when we get over there.

[Rutang99]

I am pretty excited for all the training over there. Does anyone know or been through the training and if so what certs did you actually get?

[FireDude87]

the only one that i have been told we will definetly get is DOD fire inspector and maybe DOD ARFF. some of the guys that have been there told me that there are alot of cert. opportunities that they offer but if they offer don't turn them down they won't ask again.

[Rutang99]

I just sent my last packet (medical) in today so now for the waiting period. Next I believe I should get my plain ticket.

[FireDude87]

Just got my plane ticket and travel packet in the mail today. Can't wait until Monday.

[Rutang99]

I can't wait either I am only 3 weeks behind you man