Troops to Truckers Military Transition Program
Opportunities for Veterans in Commercial Trucking
Transitioning from military service to civilian life can be challenging, especially when it comes to finding a new career that feels as purposeful and engaging as military service. Commercial trucking is one of the industries where veterans can apply the skills, values, and discipline developed during their time in uniform.
In fact, veterans bring a unique set of characteristics that make them especially suited for careers as CDL drivers. From their focus on safety to their strong work ethic and adaptability, veterans possess qualities that not only make them ideal candidates for trucking but also give them a distinct advantage in building successful, long-lasting careers.
Why Veterans Excel as CDL Drivers
One of the fundamental reasons veterans excel as CDL drivers is the high level of discipline ingrained in them through military training. The military operates on strict schedules, protocols, and standards, and veterans are accustomed to following these with precision. In the trucking industry, this discipline is vital.
Drivers are responsible for adhering to strict schedules, maintaining logs, following safety guidelines, and managing their time effectively on the road. For a military veteran, the structured nature of trucking feels familiar and even comforting, making it easier for them to transition into this role.
Veterans are also trained to handle high-stress situations calmly and efficiently, a trait that is invaluable for truck drivers. Trucking can be a demanding career, requiring long hours on the road, often in challenging conditions.
From navigating heavy traffic to driving in adverse weather, the ability to stay calm under pressure is essential for safety. Veterans, who are often familiar with operating under stressful conditions, are more likely to remain composed and focused, which makes them safer and more reliable drivers.
Safety is another core value shared by both the military and the trucking industry. In the military, service members are taught to prioritize safety, not only for themselves but also for their comrades and equipment. This safety mindset translates directly into trucking, where the lives of other drivers on the road depend on the professionalism and caution of CDL drivers.
Veterans have been conditioned to operate safely and to make decisions that minimize risks, making them well-suited for the trucking industry, where safety is paramount.
Additionally, the military fosters a strong work ethic that becomes second nature to service members. In trucking, a solid work ethic is crucial.
The job demands long hours, strict schedules, and sometimes physically demanding tasks. Veterans’ ingrained sense of responsibility, reliability, and pride in their work drives them to excel in these areas, often going above and beyond to complete their routes on time, keep their vehicles in excellent condition, and meet the expectations of their employers.
88M Military Occupational Specialty and Beyond
For veterans who served as 88M Motor Transport Operators in the U.S. Army, the transition to commercial trucking is particularly smooth. The 88M MOS specializes in the operation and maintenance of military vehicles, which include heavy equipment and long-haul trucks.
These veterans already have experience driving large, complex vehicles and are familiar with the physical and mental demands of long-distance driving. The skills acquired through the 88M MOS—vehicle maintenance, cargo security, convoy operations, and route planning—are directly applicable to civilian trucking.
This background allows veterans with the 88M MOS to enter the trucking industry with confidence, knowing they already possess a significant amount of knowledge and practical experience.
However, it’s important to emphasize that any military experience, not just those with the 88M designation, provides veterans with skills that can be beneficial in the trucking industry.
Whether they served as infantry, engineers, medics, or in any other role, veterans bring a level of attention to detail, situational awareness, and adaptability that is incredibly valuable in trucking.
Military service teaches individuals to stay vigilant, aware of their surroundings, and prepared to respond to changing situations—qualities that are essential for truck drivers who need to make quick, safe decisions on the road.
Transferable Skills from Military Service
Military training instills a wide range of skills that are transferable to civilian careers, and trucking is no exception. Here are some of the core skills veterans bring to the industry:
Time Management: In the military, service members are required to adhere to strict schedules, often juggling multiple responsibilities and deadlines. This experience in time management is incredibly beneficial in trucking, where drivers must plan routes, make timely deliveries, and manage their rest breaks and on-duty hours in accordance with regulations.
Veterans understand the importance of punctuality and efficiency, allowing them to optimize their time on the road and deliver goods reliably.
Accountability: Military culture emphasizes accountability at all levels. Service members are held responsible for their actions, both individually and as part of a team. This sense of accountability translates well into trucking, where drivers are entrusted with valuable cargo, equipment, and, ultimately, the safety of other road users. Veterans are accustomed to taking responsibility seriously, ensuring they complete their tasks to the best of their ability.
Teamwork: While truck driving is often a solitary job, teamwork is still a crucial component of the industry. Drivers work closely with dispatchers, fleet managers, and other personnel to ensure smooth operations.
Veterans, who have spent years working alongside their comrades in the military, understand the importance of communication, collaboration, and mutual support. They know how to work well within a larger system, making them easy to integrate into any company’s structure.
Problem-Solving: Military training involves preparing for a wide variety of scenarios, teaching service members to think critically, assess situations, and make sound decisions even under pressure. This problem-solving ability is a significant asset in trucking, where drivers may encounter unexpected challenges on the road, such as traffic delays, mechanical issues, or rerouted shipments. Veterans are often adept at analyzing situations, staying calm, and finding solutions efficiently.
Adaptability: Veterans are accustomed to adapting to new environments, tasks, and challenges, which is essential in the trucking industry. Truck drivers often have to adjust to different routes, weather conditions, and delivery requirements, and veterans’ ability to remain flexible and positive in the face of change helps them thrive in this career. Adaptability is especially valuable for long-haul drivers, who regularly encounter new locations and conditions.
Stress Management: Military service can be incredibly demanding, requiring service members to operate in high-stress environments while maintaining focus and composure. Veterans have experience managing stress effectively, a skill that is essential for truck drivers who may face pressure to meet tight deadlines or navigate challenging road conditions.
Veterans’ ability to manage stress helps them make clear-headed decisions and remain calm during potentially tense situations on the road.
Support for Veterans in Obtaining CDLs
Recognizing the valuable skills veterans bring to the workforce, many states and organizations offer programs to assist veterans in obtaining their CDL. For instance, the GI Bill and workforce development grants can help cover the costs of CDL training, making it more accessible for veterans to transition into the trucking industry.
Additionally, some trucking companies and organizations, like MRC and TroopsToTruckers.com, specifically support veterans by connecting them with veteran-friendly employers and helping them navigate the CDL training and employment process. These programs help veterans overcome any initial barriers to entry, empowering them to pursue rewarding careers in trucking.
The Brotherhood of the Trucking Industry
For many veterans, one of the most challenging aspects of leaving the military is losing the camaraderie and sense of belonging that comes with service. The trucking industry offers a similar sense of community, with a unique brotherhood among drivers who share the open road. Veterans often find comfort in this environment, where they can connect with fellow drivers, support each other, and build a network of relationships similar to the bonds they experienced in the military.
In conclusion, the military provides veterans with a range of skills and values that make them ideal candidates for careers in trucking. From the discipline and work ethic to safety awareness and adaptability, veterans bring strengths that not only contribute to their own success but also enhance the safety and reliability of the trucking industry as a whole.
By leveraging their military experience and taking advantage of supportive programs, veterans can embark on fulfilling careers as CDL drivers, finding new purpose, community, and opportunities for growth on the open road.
Comments are closed