Army to Civilian

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by irish16lep, Apr 14, 2012.

  1. irish16lep

    irish16lep Bobtail Member

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    Apr 14, 2012
    Fort Campbell, KY
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    In 2 years I'll be leaving the Army and going back to civilian life. I am a truck driver for the past 4 years. When I get out I'll have 6 years in. I plan to go to school to get my CDL-A. Now with my experience as a truck driver with flatbed trailers will all this be taken into consideration for a good job? And how is regional work and the money? I'm looking for regional and local, will have to do OTR if I absolutely have too, but I've been informed of what companies to stay away from but it is what it is. I'm more interested in doing auto hauling or dry reefer as well. Any information would be great thanks!
     
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  3. irish16lep

    irish16lep Bobtail Member

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    Apr 14, 2012
    Fort Campbell, KY
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    OH I also forgot to mention how well do you guys think these truck companies will work with me on being in the national guard cause I plan on going guard when I leave the army.
     
  4. dude6710

    dude6710 Road Train Member

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    You will need to be re-trained and any exp will be thrown out for the most part because military and DOT have different standards.

    Roehl has the honor program and will train you for free without a 1 year/xxx mile contract. Thats what I did.
     
  5. irish16lep

    irish16lep Bobtail Member

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    Apr 14, 2012
    Fort Campbell, KY
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    so has Roehl been good?
     
  6. Ruckie

    Ruckie Road Train Member

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    I'm in the guard also if you go over the road regional companies count drill as home time
     
  7. MNdriver

    MNdriver Road Train Member

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    I won't agree with all that.....

    states are giving waivers so that if you leave the military as an 88M, you will be allowed to get your CDL-A.

    An example I will give is MN since I live here. Check your HOR state and check with them on their specific program.

    https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/Pa...ommercial Driver&filter3=Active Military Duty

    This is also a federal program so most, if not all states, will be similar to this.


    When I was an OTR driver and early in my guard career, some companies pushed for me to get my guard unit to allow me to make up several (3-6) months worth of drills so I could avoid coming home more often.
     
    RickG Thanks this.
  8. dude6710

    dude6710 Road Train Member

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    Ive had problems with companies not accepting my 88m driving as experience.
     
  9. MNdriver

    MNdriver Road Train Member

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    I've had people in general not accept anything the military teaches.

    As if it's a "black hole" in your career time.

    All that experience inside it and nothing counts.

    I'd take a decent 88M over a CDL mill driver any day of the week.
     
  10. Clasix1055

    Clasix1055 Even when I'm wrong I'm right

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    Toledo, Ohio
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    It's been a while since I did this but I believe they will not count your time driving in the military as experience but will accept the 88M training so you only have to take the written to obtain your CDL-A and can get a shortened training time with a trainer, at least that's how I was treated back in '97 with Stevens.
     
  11. GasHauler

    GasHauler Master FMCSA Interpreter

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    I believe the OP is asking about companies honoring his military exp. so he can get a good job. The answer to that is slim to none. I had a very hard time with my military experience and I was on special programs going OTR with specialized heavy equipment in a civilian truck. I also worked part time for a civilian company running 8 southern states. The companies look at military driving as driving a 2½ truck on base. They will have a very hard time comparing military with OTR.

    As far as getting a CDL you'll need to check with your state because some of those DO honor the military experience.
     
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