The fire department is a “quasi-military operation” there is a chain of command, usually starting at 2nd LT, then 1st LT, then Captain, then possibly Assistant Chief(s) and Department Chief. My Department has 4 2nd LT’s, 4 1st’s, 4 Captains and 1 Chief with three Assistant Chiefs!
> The fire department is a “quasi-military operation” there is a chain of command, usually starting at 2nd LT, then 1st LT, then Captain, then possibly Assistant Chief(s) and Department Chief. My Department has 4 2nd LT’s, 4 1st’s, 4 Captains and 1 Chief with three Assistant Chiefs!
I know that it has been popular amongst some fire brigades and police departments to view themselves as “quasi-military” — particularly of late — but with due respect, aside from job titles you could be describing any hierarchical organization, including private corporations such as banks.
Aside from titles and structure, what aspect of the Fire Brigade is “quasi-military?”
It doesn’t carry weapons, it isn’t subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, and it isn’t staffed by military personnel or funded by the Defense budget.
There’s nothing wrong with being a Civilian who does dangerous things, and there’s nothing even wrong with being very disciplined and maybe even structured about how things are done. I’m not convinced that directly translates into being “quasi-military” in the sense that the Fire Brigade and Police Department like to view themselves.