<p>I understand that I sounded arrogant in that post, and I apologize. I obviously didn’t explain myself well in my post, and came off sounding like I know what is needed. I don’t. That’s why I’m planning on going to school. And working. And learning. Especially from those with lots of experience. I don’t mean to speak badly in any way of those working in the field right now. The efforts I witnessed first hand from a ground level in Alabama were incredible, and I know that I’m nowhere near able to respond like that. Experience is absolutely necessary. </p>
<p>The people in the field by accident was not meant to reflect on the people coming from fire/police/military. Instead I’m talking about some of the incredible people I work with who learned about the possibilities of working in emergency management when they were assigned the side duty of making a disaster plan for their office, doing an otherwise unrelated job. Obviously, they have learned and experienced a lot, and are completely qualified for what they are doing now. I’ve just had conversations where they’ve expressed that they wish they could have started earlier, instead of learning as they went. This isn’t to say they haven’t learned. </p>
<p>As I believe I mentioned repeatedly, classroom learning is only the starting point. Years of experience are definitely needed in order to have any ability to be the boss of anyone. At this point, I’m attempting to learn everything I can by watching and working with those currently in the field. Some of my current supervisor are in the military, were in firefighting, or were in other roles, and they are all incredible at their jobs. I’m incredibly grateful for that fact that they have let me watch what they do and try to learn from them.</p>
<p>The reason that I think programs like this are needed is because not everyone is cut out to be a firefighter, police officer, or in the military. While I highly respect those who are, and am incredibly grateful for the work they do, I don’t think it should be the only path to becoming an emergency manager. Programs that encourage both hands-on and in classroom experience can give a foundation for students who are choosing a different route into learning about disaster management.</p>