Can a Soldier with a CDL-A, who works for a transportation company (e.g. SWIFT, Schneider), have their license converted to military license?

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 09:25:48 -0400

I've looked into AR 600-55, Drivers Qualification. I'm looking to see if a Soldier who has a CDL-A and works for a company, (i.e. SWIFT, Schneider) can have their civilian drivers license converted to military license. As a CDL driver they work under the DoT umbrella, but maybe there is something I'm missing.

I know there are programs for Soldiers with military driving experience to obtain their CDL, but is there something for the reverse? Is this something a Commander can assumes risk for?

Any assistance on this would be greatly appreciated.

Have a great day all.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2020 9:51 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 09:51:48 -0400

a couple of years ago, I did this. I don't work for a company like SWIFT, etc, but I do have a CDL-A through my job since, occasionally I do have to move equipment short distances for testing. All I had to do was go to the Transportation office on the nearest army post and take a test.

Response by A1C Allen Coons made Sep 21 at 2020 10:59 AM

A1C Allen Coons — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 10:59:24 -0400

Could that be something like a "Direct Duty Assignment?" When I joined up, there were a couple guys who went from boot camp to duty assignments with A1C rank because they were already trained. Civilian to Military transfer shouldn't be a problem. I'll get back to you after some research.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Sep 21 at 2020 12:28 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 12:28:21 -0400

Depends on the Unit, in the Guard the responsibility for adding things could be the Unit Commander, BMO/BMT/BMS, or some other designated person. If you demonstrate the skill, should not be an issue.

Response by SGT Carl Watson made Sep 21 at 2020 1:46 PM

SGT Carl Watson — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 13:46:04 -0400

I have never been qualified to drive any vehicle or helicopter in the Army, but if I needed to borrow a jeep, duce and a half, fork lift or 18 wheeler was approved by the soldiers that were responsible for the vehicles. I learned to shift the gear in the 18 wheeler assisted by the driver. Prior to joining the Army I was an aircraft mechanic manufacturer which do not have to be licensed as the aircraft mechanics do with the FAA. I became a crew chief who was taught to fly by my pilot and the military had never sent me to mechanic school but it realized that I had civilian training.

What I am trying to say is that the military can easily classify anyone to be legally able to drive based upon your experience, but I met a soldier who requested for a higher rank because of his previous experience. He would not sign an enlistment until the Army agreed to give him a higher rank based upon his previous experience. I listen to the word "license" and I am just saying that in the military we get as you should know MOS classifications and not licenses. I could incorrect but I would check it out.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Oct 29 at 2020 1:35 PM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Thu, 29 Oct 2020 13:35:08 -0400

Does your Soldier already have a DA348? If so, is an easy fix: have him/her bring all civ credentials to the Master Driver, the do a quick drive check (a 1-2 days block of instruction on equip won’t hurt), done!

Why the headache? Because you want to care for your both your Soldiers and your commander!

Response by 1SG Mitchell Smith made Jul 29 at 2021 12:14 PM

1SG Mitchell Smith — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 12:14:25 -0400

Short answer Yes. However, there's a Company's/Battalion driver's training program for a reason.

Just because that soldier worked under the civilian umbrella doesn't means he/she can drive. Ie...how many accidents have they had in X amount of years or qualified to transport hazardous material. In each company each soldier coming in will at A MINIMUM will have to show his skills on a road test...backing etc.. with several runs before I would allow the CO to sign off on his paperwork.

Transportation was my life.