BACKBONE CONTRIBUTOR - MIKE WEST We sat down with Former Permanent Employee, Mike West, to get insight from his years spent in the forest service and ultimately why he left: MR: What would you tell your 18-year-old self? Mike: Dude, be careful! You can get killed. Also, pay attention to your health – both mental and physical. It's okay to get scared. It's okay to cry when really bad shit happens. Be kind to all your coworkers. Don't get caught up in the mob mentality. Have a good time. Observe, don't absorb. Remember what happens to you in this job and how you react to it affects other people – it especially affects the people who love you. MR: What does it take to be successful on an interagency hotshot crew? And how much time is dedicated to being successful in the off-season? Mike: To be successful on a hotshot crew, having common sense is key. Obviously, show up in shape. In the beginning, just watch the experienced people and do what they do. Volunteer for hard tasks. As the y...