Just got of the military... options?

Yep, use your GI Bill. I only had one post 911 deployment and it paid for 60% of my school plus housing and books for that time. I was in an accelerated 160 hour program that took 1 month.
You need to find companies that are Vet friendly and are part of the VA apprenticeship program. The VA supplements your income for the first year of work up to $1000 a month. Personally I did not go that route as I landed a good job with a company I love. I do know that Swift is not part of the program.
As a side note I also have no problems with the VA health care system, but you do need to ask questions and make sure they are taking good care of you. Be responsible for yourself.

 

Here are a few companies that participate in the VA Apprenticeship program.

Con-Way Truckload
Roehl
Melton
Maverick (just entered the program, doesn't show on their site, contact a recruiter for info)
Schneider

Those are just what I could think of off the top of my head.

 

Combat Medic, US Army, KFOR1, OEF1, OIF1/2. You're in good company here.

I'm going to be honest here... there's a reason mine says "EX-" next to to "Trucker?". I don't see a future in this industry, at least not for general commodities hauling. If your heart's set on this, maybe think about a path that'll lead you to doing specialized loads, or even CDL jobs which aren't OTR truck driving. Most of my experience was in the construction industry, and, personally, I wouldn't have it any other way. Aside from being a driver, I was also an equipment operator. Sure, I may not ever see 2.5 million miles, but those that do aren't doing my job, either.

 

Hey Swede,

I am a few months from getting out myself after 24+ plus years in the Army and I also want to go into trucking. I have researched and will continue to research until I get out. From what I have been told going to a community college for your CDL is the best route for better training and no recruiting from a specific company that might be giving kickbacks to the training company.That is what I am going to do and yes I am going to use my GI Bill because I will probably never use it for any other reason. As far as Swift goes, I really haven't heard to many good things about them but it is up to the individual that can make things work.

For me, I am going with Schneider if they will hire this old man!!!! There are a lot of people that don't care for them either but again it is what I think will work for me. Just stick to your guns and best of luck.

Mark

 

Oh, I forgot about the Apprenticeship programworking for the companies listed on a previous reply to your post.It isn't 1000 bucks but 1200+ a month starting this year. That coupled with your disability check from the VA you are off to a better start then most that are breaking into the business.

Mark

 

I retired with 22 years in the Navy. and started driving. I used my GI bill to pay for school. I haven't heard a lot of good things about the companies that the paid training. a lot you have to stay with them for a certain amount of time or have to pay them back. Do a lot of research and choose wisely

 

A lot of companies these days want to see that you attended a 160 hour course. or a refresher course. again call and check with the companies you will be appling with