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As some of you know, by accident I'm responsible for a bunch of volunteers doing a great work here in my home village, not EMS (which is covered by countie's EMS where I happen to work as well) but non-transport first responding, disaster service, standby covering of events and such. Now I'm confronted with a situation I would like to discuss here - I may have my way to handle it based on my experience, but this time I will take the more scientific approach and ask you all. Situation: we have a new apprentice volunteer since february 2012. He's 16 years old, already member of his hometowns (neighbouring town) fire department youth group, member in his school's medical first responder team and now willing to get into my squad. He already got the advanced first responder course (56hr training, basic level needed for our team) from his school engagement. So far, OK. But he tends to step on my nerves. Every occasion he sees me he wants to get his equipment/clothing ASAP to be ready for service. But until now he actually had no time for a real assignment, always some excuses. After I told him there is a discrepancy between his time/age/training ability to be in service and his eager will to get proper clothing (which he will get when he needs it, sure, no need to constantly push me), he wrote me a large email. In this he did a lot of excuses about how his engagement in fire service and some duties within his family prevented him from attending our team's assignments. However, best thing in the email was a pathetic section how I dare to question his commitment to our team. Oh yeah, and how I dare! Then he described himself as a totally whacker ("even those in fire department say this") to make a proof! On the positive side: he still is young and maybe if he's a bit older he may get a clue. So the big question is: Should I throw him out now or let him some time? Due to our regulations I can give him a probation time of 2 years (!) maximum, within that I can fire him without any reason. What will be your decision or how would you try to find out? I would appreciate any input, especially from those young ones who still may see something from this in themselves. Thank you!