Seeking advice and feedback for new drivers

@Birdman803

 

I leave for the Troops to Transportation CDL School Sunday. I am attending the satellite campus at Fort Benning. Same school. So far they have been great with everything. I should be hearing from them this week to set up transportation. I can keep you updated on how everything goes for me.

Where are you located?
What is your MOS?
Have you looked into getting your CDL with the military waiver? If not Do it. It will make things so much easier for you. (More truck time at school although I will confirm this.)
Do you have some leave saved up?

 

Go to your state's DMV website and search for the CDL Military Waiver. Get with your Commander to verify the types of vehicles you have driven. For example, if you are licensed on a bus you won't have airbrakes restrictions. I'm old so I was licensed from way back on a ol Deuce and a half so I don't have any restrictions on my CDL. It's all on the form and they all are the same no matter the state I belive. Once your Commander signs your form you are good to go. Next you would want to get a DOT Physical. You can search for docs or clinics in your area that do them. From there you can head to the DMV and test out. You will only have to take the written exams and not the road test.Take advantage of this and get your Class A CDL. Basically I paid $35 for the application fee and then $20 once I got my CDL. You can also get you endorsements if want but you will get them all at the CDL School.

 

Depending on how much time you have left before you get out, if you have the leave see if your chain of command will allow you to take the 28 days of leave and do Troops to Transportation even before you get out. That way you can start orientation with a company as soon as you go on terminal leave.

Research, Research, Research for companies that fit your need. Some companies have Military Apprenticeship programs that are supported by the VA and allows an additional payment from the VA while you are in the program. For example, I have been in 20 and will receive $1200 a month depending on the company I pick and their program. Right now I am looking at Schneider, (1 year Apprenticeship), Roehl(2 year Apprenticeship), and Wil-Trans(15 month Apprenticeship).

Just look around the forum at different companies threads. You can get a baseline of good companies. (First thing I learned here was stay far away from CR England lol)

Anyway if you have any more questions about Troops to Transportation just let me know.

 

Not a problem. I will be sure to update you once I get to school. The Troops To Transportation is a great program for Soldiers and I wish more knew about it. Also pay attention in ACAP(Soldier for Life) if you haven't already.