Military CDL Act of 2012 approved in ALL 50 States. How come our transportation units and Soldiers aren't aware of this program?

2015-09-11T10:51:28-04:00

As I travel around installations and attend job fairs I'm amazed and disappointed that our transportation Soldiers are unaware of this program. I have previous motor transport operators call me daily that got out in the last few years and didn't know about it and now can't use it to get their CDL.

I am addressing it with The Army Transportation Command and we'll see if we can make an impact. I have also sent it up to the Pentagon Transition Team and see what they can get done.

This was approved to assist those military drivers with a transition opportunity into the civilian Trucking industry that has a shortfall of drivers. Yet, our folks are not aware that it exists, many states have from 90 days to 12 months after separation to take the application signed by their commander to DMV take the written test and the DMV waives the Road test and they get their CDL.

Companies like mine will also use that form to grant them experience so we can hire them. It is much harder to locate a commander after they have been out for any amount of time after 90 days to get the form signed and be able to use it to get their CDL and employment.

How can we get this fixed leaders, our industry wants and needs these great Americans? This is certification for their experience and gets them gainfully employed.

How do we get the word out to all of the Transportation Commands in all of the Branches, National Guard and Reserve units nationwide?

This can be done in their home state or where they are transitioning out of the military.

It is a win-win for our companies and our Soldiers.

Response by CSM David Heidke made Sep 11 at 2015 11:01 AM

2015-09-11T11:01:26-04:00

I have a few transportation companies that I would love to promote this to...

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2015 11:57 AM

2015-09-11T11:57:49-04:00

For additional information:
o Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/application-military-skills-test-waiver

o APPLICATION FOR MILITARY SKILLS TEST WAIVER: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/docs/APPLICATION-FOR-MILITARY-SKILLS-TEST-WAIVER.pdf

Application for Military Skills Test Waiver

This document addresses all of the issues captured in the new regulation including which violations can deny the waiver; identifying the specific type(s) of vehicle which the service member was licensed to drive; and, an endorsement by the service member's commanding officer of the safe driving record.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2015 2:19 PM

2015-09-11T14:19:04-04:00

CSM Michael Lynch CSM David Heidke We (Air Force Civil Engineer community) have been working to provide CDL level training to all of our operators in support of the Military CDL act. We stood up the first Professional Truck Drivers Institute accredited course on a military location at Dobbins ARB, GA earlier this year and the Army followed suit at Ft. Sill (I believe). We are currently working with the OSD Chief of Force Readiness, the OSD Transition to Veteran Program Office and the DoT FMCSA to bring this level of training to all of the DoD. Here are a couple videos of where we are at currently including our recent stand up of training in Germany. If you have questions, please e-mail me at [login to see] .mil and I can provide further info on how to bring this training to your soldiers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEktI3qg9hk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KUxKHISRpo

3T Military Life Cycle

The CDL Act of 2012 allows states to accept a military operator’s license and training certificate, along with approval from a commander, to issue active and...

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2015 2:23 PM

2015-09-11T14:23:29-04:00

Also...see this flyer from a recent event hosted at Ft. Benning, GA which was put on by FASTPORT. Again, e-mail me and I can provide you with tons of information.

Response by CSM Michael Lynch made Sep 11 at 2015 3:34 PM

2015-09-11T15:34:11-04:00

Feel Free to share our FB page and twitter with your service members also to see what we post for our veterans and drivers. http://www.facebook.com/troopstotankers and twitter @TroopsToTankers

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2015 1:16 PM

2015-09-18T13:16:48-04:00

I absolutely agree. I have been visiting Guard units in NC and SC as well reserve units. I am fully aware of this program and I visit these units to inform them if this opportunity. I am FedEx Ground account manager and I need drivers yesterday. I have the ability to hire over a hundred drivers. Soon I will hire military mechanics as well. If anyone here needs a job that's a vet call me. I can arrange living quarters, trans, and training without upfront cost. [login to see] .