Troop Transition, a career transition program designed for those serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, announced Troops 2 Truckers, a program for service members who seek post-service employment in the trucking industry.


"Troops 2 Truckers not only provides a path to employment for troops but also helps meet the trucking industry's need for drivers," said Kevin M. Denny, CEO of Troop Transition. "According to industry studies, hundreds of thousands of drivers will be needed in the coming years. This huge demand for labor can be met partly by the troops that leave military service and are in need of jobs. Just as importantly, they are people who have a track record of discipline, are drug-free, clean cut, loyal and mission oriented-- everything a trucking company would want in a driver."

Troops 2 Truckers differs significantly from other driver training programs, according to Denny, because it is designed by trucking industry employers. "Our employer partners literally 'custom design' their next generation of drivers," he explained. "They develop the curriculum and skills training needed to ensure that these new hires exceed their employment standards. Troop Transition employers are willing to accept honorable military experience in lieu of civilian employment and are offering jobs as city, linehaul and long haul drivers to candidates who have earned a CDL through this program.

"While trucking companies cannot recruit directly in the military," Denny noted, "as an educational company Troops 2 Truckers provides training to service personnel while they are still on active duty. For service members, our training utilizes military tuition assistance to cover the entire training program, and leaves G.I. Bill benefits untouched for use in the future."

Upon successful completion of the Troops 2 Truckers program, transitioning service members have the option to accept a job offer from the trucking industry's leading companies. "We realize that hiring a driver is a risk management decision for trucking companies," Denny said. "By working with Troops 2 Truckers, trucking companies that are already investing large amounts of time and money to recruit, train and hire drivers can have access to candidates who are trained to their specifications."

Designed for Reservists, National Guardsmen, and Active Duty servicemen and women, the on-base Troops 2 Truckers training program lasts 12 to 14 weeks, including two weeks of classroom instruction and 10 to 12 weeks of driving training. Troops 2 Truckers is currently offered at Camp Pendelton, Calif., in conjunction with Palomar College. Troop Transition expects the program to be located on three to five additional military installations across the country by 2009.

For more information, visit www.trooptransition.com.