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Questions from a 4 year Army Vet

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Big_Red, Mar 8, 2012.

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  1. Mar 8, 2012 #1
    Big_Red

    Big_Red Medium Load Member

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    I have decided after four years driving truck in the army that i want to get a cdl and continue driving in the civilian world. My question is would a general discharge under honorable conditions stop me from doing so? I know that alot of people see discharge and assume that your are a terrible individual but there are many circumstances to getting a discharge. I was discharged for getting into a fight with an individual of higher rank than myself. The details sum up to be racial remarks were made and i was not going to stand for it. For this i am not ashamed. I want to know if anybody could tell me would this stop me from getting hired since it is not drug related or a dishonorable discharge. I drove truck all over germany where i was stationed for 3 years and iraq for one year and have moved everything from people to tanks. And anyone who has been to either of these places knows that being able to handle a tractor trailer in either is not a simple task. anybody who could help me your advice would be readily received and greatly appreciated.
     
    Big_Red, Mar 8, 2012
    Big_Red, Mar 8, 2012
    #1
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  3. Mar 8, 2012 #2
    Tazz

    Tazz Road Train Member

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    Shouldn't be a problem.

    The code on your DD214 will tell them honorable and that is all that should be important.It shouldn't effect getting hazmat either if you were going to get it.
     
    Tazz, Mar 8, 2012
    Tazz, Mar 8, 2012
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  4. Mar 8, 2012 #3
    lars

    lars Bobtail Member

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    Call crete and talk to them. They like to hire vets.
     
    lars, Mar 8, 2012
    lars, Mar 8, 2012
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  5. Mar 9, 2012 #4
    fortycalglock

    fortycalglock Road Train Member

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    I don't even think a dishonorable discharge would keep you from getting a trucking job. I never encountered it while I was recruiting, but some of the other problems I encountered that were acceptable would make a dishonorable look like no big deal. Good luck.
     
    fortycalglock, Mar 9, 2012
    fortycalglock, Mar 9, 2012
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  7. Mar 9, 2012 #5
    RickG

    RickG Road Train Member

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    Some states will accept your military license and give you a CDL A. Stay away from the large OTR carriers that have no respect for drivers. Try local companies like food service or beverage companies or expedite carriers like Panther or FedEx Custom Critical.
     
    RickG, Mar 9, 2012
    RickG, Mar 9, 2012
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  8. Mar 9, 2012 #6
    Big_Red

    Big_Red Medium Load Member

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    thank you all very much for your responses. Its a big relief to hear this from people who actually know about this career path. and i also appreciate the fact no one has given me the "you should be ashamed blah blah blah" speech.lol
     
    Big_Red, Mar 9, 2012
    Big_Red, Mar 9, 2012
    #6
  9. Mar 9, 2012 #7
    MNdriver

    MNdriver Road Train Member

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    MNdriver, Mar 9, 2012
    MNdriver, Mar 9, 2012
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  10. Mar 9, 2012 #8
    CondoCruiser

    CondoCruiser The Legend

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    Big Red, don't even think an early discharge will ever affect you in ANY thing you do. It was under honorable conditions. Case closed. End of story. Your service is respected by everyone.

    If you want to, there are two different kinds of DD214's you can get copies of. One with and one without the discharge info at the bottom. But every trucking job I've had, never asked for my DD214. They just ask if you had prior military. If they ask why you departed, just put honorable discharge. That's all they need to know.
     
    CondoCruiser, Mar 9, 2012
    CondoCruiser, Mar 9, 2012
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  11. Mar 9, 2012 #9
    CondoCruiser

    CondoCruiser The Legend

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    Oh yeah, there is a Walmart distribution center there where you live in Opelika. Find a company that hauls any of their products or groceries and you'll never have a problem getting home. You can even get a job with Walmart in 3 years I think it is, if you play your cards right. They are one of the better OTR companies to work for.
     
    CondoCruiser, Mar 9, 2012
    CondoCruiser, Mar 9, 2012
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  12. Mar 9, 2012 #10
    Big_Red

    Big_Red Medium Load Member

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    Thanks MNdriver for the links. Condocruiser I am worry free after your post. its nice to know this wont stick over my head forever as i was told it would.
     
    Big_Red, Mar 9, 2012
    Big_Red, Mar 9, 2012
    #10
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