Airmen who are certified to drive trucks in the military might have an easier time transferring that to civilian life, according to an Air Force news release.
The service plans to create a course that mirrors the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators' Commercial Driver's License Test System. By doing this, Air Force examiners can certify government motor vehicle operators on the equivalent of commercial vehicles.
Once accepted by each state's motor vehicle department, it will be easier for an airman to swap a military license for a commercial license without taking additional tests, the release said.
Seven Air Force bases will test and the evaluate the new certification process. They are:
- Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri.
- MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.
- Seymour-Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina.
- Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.
- Yokota, Misawa and Kadena Air Bases in Japan.
The service aims to have the program up and running in each state by October, the release said.
Air Force examiners will complete a 40-hour American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators certification course to administer and score the new licensing exam.
Other services are also working through ways to allow troops to more easily transfer credentials and licenses from the military to the civilian workforce.
Sergeant Major of the Army Dan Dailey, the service's top enlisted soldier, said during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Feb. 14 that it's a "complicated matter."
The service is reviewing an initiative to expand the ability of soldiers to earn certificates and licensing, but the Army has to figure out the requirements for each U.S. state and territory that license the trucks.
Charlsy Panzino covers the Guard and Reserve, training, technology, operations and features for Army Times and Air Force Times. Email her at cpanzino@militarytimes.com.
Charlsy is a Reporter and Engagement Manager for Military Times. Email her at cpanzino@militarytimes.com.
