Veterans Green Corps (VGC) is a field-based opportunity for post 9/11 era Armed Forces Veterans and Service Members modeled after the Civilian Conservation Corps. The VGC program is an experience that provides on the job training focusing in Wildland Firefighting and chainsaw technical skills. The Veterans Green Corps is based in the Central Divide (Helena, Montana) region. Trainings are largely field based and are provided through a joint partnership with the Forest Service. Project work typically includes fuels reduction and thinning projects however it may also include other types of conservation service. Participants in the past have been called upon to support wildland fire suppression efforts in Montana.

A Veteran who is in the program shared this about the Veterans Green Corps on Reddit:

  • The training program is 11 weeks long.

  • Gives you all the qualifications you need to be a wildland firefighter including S-212 Chainsaw certs, S-130/190 (Red Card/Incident Card required by all wildland firefighters).

  • Amazing networking opportunities with United States Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and other federal organizations that hire directly out of the program in Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming. If you want a job with a federal service after this term you are basically guaranteed a job.

  • You get paid to go camping in some of the most beautiful spots in the country.

  • All food is provided while you’re out and we eat GOOD. It’s not crappy backpacking food. We have fish curry, chicken and rice, bacon, eggs, you name it. All fresh, all cooked by ourselves, amazing food.

  • The camaraderie is second to none. It seriously feels just like the Army because you’re working 8 days at a time with your crew. You guys camp together, hang out by the fire at night. It’s seriously so much fun and I haven’t felt this camaraderie since leaving the Army.

  • You’re paid a living stipend and also get an education award of $1,250 once you finish your 11 weeks. I plan to use mine to get my EMT cert. You can also use it for really random things like training to be a white water rafting guide, other types of outdoor leadership courses, it’s very non-restrictive.

Learn more and apply for this program at: https://mtcorps.org/join/opportunities-for-veterans/veterans-green-corps/ 

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71 Comments

  1. Mark a esparza sr August 14, 2019 at 02:50

    Is this or any program available still and is there anvage restriction i am in my 50 but still in good shape would like more info if possible about program would like to sign up desert storm vet

  2. Dave Dutra August 11, 2019 at 06:40

    In 1974-1978, 51M20, I was an ARMY Firefighter. First stationed at Ft. Devons, Mass, then stateside swaped to HMLR Hunter Ligget Military Reservation, CA, TDY summer 1976 at Ft Irwin, CA, then transferred to Ft. Richardson, AK. I had a great time at all places but most liked the wildland fire fights at HLMR. If your on the fence about doing this , JUMP IN. It’s tough, it’s exhilarating, It’s rewarding. DO IT.

  3. Bob August 8, 2019 at 14:04

    In Arizona… “Applicants must fall between the ages of 21-37.” Are there any programs without the age restrictions? TIA. ~ SFC Bob Huey, U.S. Army (Ret.)

  4. Wesley Perdue August 6, 2019 at 21:20

    Would like more info

  5. Mr Zamora August 4, 2019 at 16:28

    What if I already did this in the Army in 2003 @ Fish Creek with 1CD 2/82 FA Ft. Hood, Tx can I still get the Certifications? Not just have it, more of wondering. I do tree trimming and would think it would settle minds of costumers.

  6. Lisa Slupianek August 2, 2019 at 13:25

    Hey folks,

    It is worth mentioning that there are several of these programs all over the nation that operate quite similarly. There are three programs that are a part of Conservation Legacy that have Veteran Fire Corps programs available at different times and for different durations as well based out of Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico and Tennessee. Here are the links to those programs:
    Colorado: https://sccorps.org/veterans-fire-corps
    Arizona: https://azcorps.org/veterans-fire-corps
    Tennessee: https://southeastconservationcorps.org/veterans-fire-corps
    New Mexico: https://corpsnm.org/veterans-fire-corps

    Many of your questions can be answered at those sites, and contact information is available for the individuals that recruit and support these crews directly. Arizona and Southwest are currently running fall programs and are looking for applicants.

  7. Anthony V Johnson August 2, 2019 at 08:42

    Sir,

    OF COURSE I’M INTERESTED!!!

  8. Chad August 1, 2019 at 19:34

    Hello,

    Apparently this training was “recently” discontinue due to “lack of recruits”. Here is a letter from Adam Hein in return to my own inquiry about this training as advertised. I’ve also contacted the office where the author of the article works (Veteran Insights and Communications at Veterans Experience Office) in an effort to both understand the disconnect and correct the information being put out.
    Here is return email, Verbatim, from Adam Hein, Regional Director-Helena, Montana Conservation Corps.

    Hello,

    Thank you for recently expressing interest in the Veteran Green Corps program at Montana Conservation Corps! The MCC Veterans Green Corps is an intensive 11-week training program that certifies you for jobs in wildland firefighting and other natural resource careers. The program is camping-based with extended periods in remote settings. MCC is not a therapeutic program and provides no physical or mental health rehabilitation resources. Participants are enrolled as AmeriCorps national service participants and earn only a modest $650 biweekly stipend and an education award upon completion of the program.

    MCC has been running Veterans Programs for almost 10 years with a high degree of success for our participants. All along, we have struggled to connect with Veterans and recently we decided that we would not be running the program in 2020 due to lack of recruits.

    However, because of a wave of interest sparked by current members and alumni, we have decided to reassess our ability to pull together enough crews in 2020 to maintain this excellent experience in Montana.

    We need your help! Please follow the link below and complete the short survey. This valuable information will help us assess if this program is a good fit for the veteran community and perhaps for you in 2020.

    MCC Veterans Green Corps Survey

    Thank you,

    Adam

    Adam Hein
    Regional Director- Helena
    Montana Conservation Corps

  9. Charles E. Mullins August 1, 2019 at 12:37

    I’m interested in the Woodland Fire Fighting training, can you please send me a point of contact? Thank you.

    Charles Mullins – Iraq War Veteran
    charles.e.mullins@gmail.com

  10. Ronald E Palachuk jr August 1, 2019 at 11:21

    Does anyone know if there is an opportunity like this in Washington state?

  11. Adam Obest August 1, 2019 at 10:28

    Good stuff Tim. Great info and sounds really exciting. Thanks for communicating to our wonderful brotherhood of Vets. Best,

  12. Robert Slack August 1, 2019 at 09:48

    This is where you can apply for this position.
    Thank you for everyone’s interest in the VGC

    https://mtcorps.org/join/opportunities-for-veterans/veterans-green-corps/

  13. Eduardo August 1, 2019 at 06:09

    “Working 8 days at a time” – and then I knew someone from the Army typed this up.

  14. John Sheppard August 1, 2019 at 03:18

    I serv in Vietnam 67-68′ I would love to of been able to become one after my tour was done…. but they didn’t have anything close to what this is to help the Vet’s coming back. I have a Son who has train for Fire Fighting over in Hawaii already, who would love to take my place if you would let him…

  15. Diane Dorais August 1, 2019 at 02:48

    Can family members (son) apply if all other qualifications are met?

  16. Diane Dorais August 1, 2019 at 02:44

    Can family members apply if all other qualifications are met?

    • Jack Jones August 1, 2019 at 13:30

      There are other positions within MCC that your son could do, trails work, saw work, just not on a vet crew. You can see them at mtcorps.org

  17. George Webb August 1, 2019 at 00:51

    My summer after college freshman year, I signed up with the Forest Service as a fire fighter in Mt. Hood National Forest. Living quarters were reinforced canvas tents on the shore of a small reservoir. Breakfast and dinner were cooked in camp by a very adept cook and box lunches were provided when we were away from camp. The two crews were well trained in firefighting and when not doing so were involved in Timber Stand Improvement and brush disposal (cleaning up after commercial loggers as a fire prevention measure). That summer almost passed without any fires except there was a dry electric storm that started fires all throughout the district. That kept us busy almost. 24/7 for a week.
    I never was on a large fire that topped out as the ones that have been prevalent lately, but worked on several in Virginia as a team member and a crew bliss.
    I did have friends and classmates who attended fire jump school in Montana. For those veterans who enjoyed being part of a team with a definite objective, firefighting on federal land has similar tasks and rewards. I have done both in my lifetime.

  18. Matt v August 1, 2019 at 00:45

    So today right now! I work for the Forest Service. Im former active duty enlisted and now a reserve officer. I can tell you this is a scam. Do not use your GI Bill for wildland firefighting training. The USFS will pay you and train you to fight fires.

    • Jack Jones August 1, 2019 at 13:35

      It is definitely not a scam. MCC is a non profit and the programs are Americorps programs. Using your GI bill is 100% optional and just allows you to earn extra income during your summer. The programs costs NOTHING. You are paid a living stipend throughout, free food on hitch, equipment provided, all your certifications and great networking with USFS and BLM project partners.

  19. Timothy C Pittman August 1, 2019 at 00:14

    I would like to know more about this program. Ita been very hard for me since i been out the army. Employment issues. Not being able to obtain certs for certain jobs. I just wish i had someone who cared enough to actually help veterans who are able to work. Homeless non drug using and non alchoholic veteran is like a unicorn. Just bad luck all around. I just need something to work for me and help me be successful in life and really make a difference.

  20. Anthony Ibarra July 31, 2019 at 23:40

    Hello Dan,

    I would be interested in more information if you would be so kind as to provide. Such information as what are the available locations and requirements to join the program.

    Thank you!

  21. J T Herchert July 31, 2019 at 23:34

    Age requirements?

  22. TONY L PATTON July 31, 2019 at 23:01

    can other vets before 911 take part in this program?

  23. Robert Radford July 31, 2019 at 22:54

    Interested in this please send info

  24. Nick Ceraldi July 31, 2019 at 22:19

    I’m interested in this program but it’s post 9/11 only. I got out in 97. Everything in recent years is POST 9/11 its frustrating as hell! I decided against the GI Bill which I regretted and had only one chance at in boot camp so that SUCKS and I think is BS! Now after 4 years active duty, combat vet., survived 9/11 as a construction worker in Manhattan, everything is POST 9/11. Prior to 9/11 it’s I guess to bad, your to old I suppose is the attitude!!!

  25. Jim July 31, 2019 at 21:52

    Wish they had something like this when I got back from the Nam ,I would have really enjoyed this opportunity

  26. J D July 31, 2019 at 21:44

    What Is the starting pay when you get hired with federal service on average?

  27. Dillon Patrick Catlett July 31, 2019 at 21:44

    I’m in. Where do I sighn up

  28. Stephen McGahey July 31, 2019 at 21:38

    I’m really interested, what is the contact information for this program?

  29. Robert Slack July 31, 2019 at 21:38

    I am a current VGC CrewLeader

    Term of service is a 450 hour Americorps term

    Pay is a basic living stipend for the duration of service

    Crew leader: February 4 – August 2
    Crew member: May 20 – August 2

    Certs earned
    WFA/WAFA
    S212
    130/190 red card

  30. Alonzo Hall July 31, 2019 at 21:34

    send me more info

  31. Joseph B Myers July 31, 2019 at 21:27

    100% interested

  32. Charlie Raymond Smith July 31, 2019 at 21:19

    What are the eligibility requirements and how do we get started? Sounds pretty frickin awesome to me! Can you please send me more info?

  33. Chris Colbert July 31, 2019 at 20:48

    You’re paid a living stipend. What’s the pay and how often will it be received.

  34. Benjamin Davis July 31, 2019 at 20:46

    This really sounds like a badass opportunity, I would be interested in any follow up information that is available.

  35. Lamar Henderson July 31, 2019 at 20:34

    I was looking at this Wildland Firefighter? Montana is Training Veterans for Free and I want to know if this applies to dependents of retirees. I am an Air Force retiree and I have a 19 year old son who wants to get into this field and I need to know if he can attend instead of me.

    Thanks

    Lamar Henderson
    Retired (MSgt)

  36. Isaiah Jackson July 31, 2019 at 20:34

    I would like to learn more about the program and what I would need to do to attend. Thank you and have a wonderful day.

  37. Isaiah Jackson July 31, 2019 at 20:31

    I am interested in this program and was wondering if I could get more information please. Thank you and have a wonderful day.

  38. Victor DiCarlo July 31, 2019 at 20:29

    Will this certify you to be a firefighter once completed?

    How much is monthly stipend?

    Thanks,

    Vic

  39. Victor DiCarlo July 31, 2019 at 20:26

    This sounds interesting- will this certify you to become a firefighter once finished? Also how much is the monthly stipend?

  40. Joe Gonzalez July 31, 2019 at 20:25

    Anything in Oregon that offers the same program. I am a father of 5 , going to school to finish my bachelors and fighting fires has been a job I’ve been wanting to give back to and try

  41. Daniel Allen Edwards July 31, 2019 at 20:19

    I am 35 years old and I retired from the military in 2012. I would love to have this opportunity. How do I sign up to guarantee a slot?

  42. Heath Buckner July 31, 2019 at 20:04

    (redacted) externally interested!

  43. Daniel Fisher July 30, 2019 at 07:43

    11 weeks is quite a long time. Hope it will be worth it.

    • Jason Getty July 31, 2019 at 22:20

      Daniel, come to Lakeview, Oregon and go to the Carmen Thomas memorial fire school. What Montana is offering in 11 weeks, Oregon will do in five days four nights. All the qualifications mentioned in the article you will receive. Montana is a joke.

  44. Richard Anthony July 30, 2019 at 07:37

    Great opportunity for the interested ones. What are the requirements to join please?

  45. Elias Hernandez July 22, 2019 at 02:01

    Interested in this program. Please send more info. Thank you.

    • Dan Cottrell July 25, 2019 at 00:30

      I run a similar program for the US forest service. Shoot me an email and I will send you some information.

      • THOMAS HRUBY July 31, 2019 at 20:35

        (redacted)

      • Mike Blade July 31, 2019 at 20:58

        Hi Dan,
        Saw your post on this subject matter would be interested in any information you can provide

      • Justin L Hubbard July 31, 2019 at 21:21

        Anything in or around colorado?

      • Justin Hubbard July 31, 2019 at 21:22

        Anything in or around colorado?

      • Maurice Cromartie July 31, 2019 at 21:25

        Can I receive the information about your program. My email address is (redacted)

      • Mark Leonard July 31, 2019 at 21:50

        Dan may I speak with you about your program?

      • Kevin Eagen July 31, 2019 at 21:58

        I am interested in more information about this and the US Forest Service. Can someone send me more info on how to join?

      • Clint Sanchezn-Navarrete July 31, 2019 at 21:59

        Hey Dan, would that training be usable in Southern California?
        Please email me any info on that. Also, i’m still pretty fit but i’m 42, 43 in sept.
        Was Airborne & AirAssault in the Army.
        Let me know please. thanks!

        Warm Regards,

        Clint

      • Xavier July 31, 2019 at 22:24

        I’m interested

      • Michael Watson July 31, 2019 at 22:33

        Hi Dan, I’m interested in hearing a little more about your program I e. Pay, how long does your program last, what qualifications are needed, and are you located in or near Washington State?

      • LEVITICUS July 31, 2019 at 22:46

        Is that the Wildland Firefighter Apprentice Program?

      • Jason Long July 31, 2019 at 23:25

        (redacted)

      • shane baker August 1, 2019 at 00:01

        I’d like to hear about the program you are involved in.

      • Chad Ausbrooks August 1, 2019 at 00:09

        Dan do you mind sending me information for the US Forest service?

      • Kelly Zasada August 1, 2019 at 00:42

        I’m interested please.

      • Peter Kwong August 1, 2019 at 01:15

        Yes, i would love some more information about your program and the Montana one also.

      • Leilani Parrish August 1, 2019 at 01:53

        Hi Mr. Cottrell, could you send me more info regarding the US forest service training program. Thx

      • Fred T Brackens August 1, 2019 at 07:20

        Hi Dan

        US Army and Vietnam Era draftee. I’m interested in any and all information you can furnish me if it’s not a problem. I’m an older guy but in great shape and very serious after reading the Montana story. I appreciate your offering the info. Thank you very much
        Brother in Arms
        F. Brackens

      • Nathan Potter August 1, 2019 at 07:51

        Mr. Cottrell,

        Interested in any and all opportunities if you don’t mind emailing.

        VR
        Nathan P.

      • Gary Hicks August 1, 2019 at 07:57

        Dan,

        Please provide a link, or send a document to newmedia@va.gov and we will forward to those interested. We do not allow public posting of email addresses.

      • Robert Gable August 1, 2019 at 10:09

        Can you send me some information on the woodland fire fighting and where I need to go thank you in advance

        Robert Gable retired army

      • Dan August 1, 2019 at 13:27

        Dan Cotrell,
        please send me more info on joining US Forest service

Comments are closed.

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