On the application, what do you mean by Periodic Performance Evaluations (last three)?

Different service branches have different names for their annual or monthly supervision and evaluation documentation. Please provide the most recent three evaluations which provide us with a sense of your performance in the military.

Where are you located?

Hero to Hero works with academies and departments across the U.S. We have locations in CT, VA, NH, MA, NC, IA, OH, TX, IN and more. We have a few partnerships which accept multiple Hero to Hero participants, and many more that just have one Hero to Hero member. We are always seeking new partners in new locations.

You don’t list a placement location near me. Why?

If Hero to Hero does not have a placement in your desired location, we will ask you to help us connect to the right department and then try to arrange a placement for you.

I won’t be eligible for Skillbridge for another year. Is it too early to apply?

No, apply now! The earlier the better, as some placements take 9 – 12 months. Each branch of the military has differing guidelines for how far in advance paperwork must be completed. Please talk with your local transition office/Skillbridge representative.

How long is my placement?

Each individual placement is different. The plan is to use, up to your final 180 days in the military with a placement for education or training resulting in a successful transition to a first responder career. As such, the timeline can be as short as 90 days, but often fills the entire 180 days. Each branch of the military also has restrictions on how long the placement can be. Please talk with your local transition office/Skillbridge representative.

How do you decide my placement?

You are assigned a placement based on your desired location when you exit the military, your choice of first responder career (Fire/Police/EMS), and your EAS date. Flexibility of desired location will open more options to you. Some departments also have an application process to determine eligibility.

Can you give me details about the training before I apply?

Hero to Hero does not provide separate, independent training for participants. We match you with existing departments and/or training academies/programs. Each academy and department has its own training schedule, so there is not one generic schedule we can provide. Once you are matched with a partner, you will have the specific details of your training.

Is there any cost?

We aim to help cover as many costs as possible. For example, we have been able to secure donations to provide the necessary firefighter equipment for the trainees at a fire academy. There are instances where you may be required to use your GI Bill.

Once I’m accepted by Hero to Hero, do I get an Acceptance Letter to start the paperwork with my Command?

You will be provided with your Acceptance Letter and necessary forms when we have secured a placement for you. Completing the Hero to Hero paperwork starts the process but does not guarantee a placement.

Does Hero to Hero guarantee a placement?

While we will do our best to accommodate all qualified candidates, we cannot guarantee your placement. There are many variables that affect one’s ability to be placed. We try our best to find a location that works for you and your future goals. Placement will also be dependent upon approval from the service member’s chain of command.

Is there anything I can do now to make the most of this Skillbridge opportunity?

All first responders generally need basic EMT training. We have found Hero to Hero participants are often able to successfully complete an EMT course on their own while on active duty. These can be found with a local search of your city, county, or region. If you are going to a Fire Academy, you will need this training in advance of the academy's start date. If you are interested in becoming an EMT, this will give you a head start, so you can achieve advanced training and more practical experience.

What happens once I start my placement?

We ask you to send us weekly updates. We love to get training photos that we can share on social media. We work with you and your placement agency to ensure a successful transition to a first responder career.