US Army ABF TMAP Training Diary

Hello all!

I've been a member of TT for awhile, and this is the first time I actually have something to contribute to the website instead of solely being a consumer. My time in the Active Duty Army is coming to an end in a few months and I knew that despite all of the wonderful experiences I've had in my career, the ones that stick out most prominently were when I would be the driver for our unit's straight truck and hauling equipment.

A little background information on me: I'm married and have a 7 year old step son that I am in the process of adopting. I've been in the Army my entire adult life as a musician. It's one of those unique jobs in the military that affords many travel opportunities and constant contact with the general public. Because of my expertise in Jazz (saxophone), I've had the pleasure of playing in countless clubs and throughout the country. Back in the day when the military had more money to spend on recruiting, the band would go on TDY (temporary duty) and I would usually be the one who drove the truck with all of the equipment behind the charter bus. I loved those trips! As a hobby, I fly airplanes and have just under 100hrs total logged time in airplanes such as the Cessna 150/152, 172, 182, Piper Cherokee 180 and Cirrus SR-20. I am also getting into home brewing beer and cycling.

Back to trucking! Part of the separation process in the Army is to attend a program called SFL-TAP (Soldier For Life-Transition Assistance Program) that is designed to ease the transition process through informative classes and counseling. During a mandatory DoL Employment Class I learned about the ABF Teamster Military Assistance Program (TMAP). Bottom line is that the Army has an agreement with ABF to train separating Soldiers AT their duty station (there are only two that I know of right off hand and I just happened to be stationed at one of them) for 6 weeks to earn their CDL-A and then have a direct flow through for employment.

While very recently on my second deployment to Iraq, I made it a point to study in preparation for the CDL-A Permit tests. I knew that once I got back I would need to get the ball rolling since I wouldn't have much time left. So, after doing the written application, getting approved by my Command for the program, and completing the online application I went ahead and took all of the tests I could - and passed every one of them on the first try.

I truly credit TT's High Road program for the majority of my success.

The drive home with the paper copy of the permit in my wallet was an amazing feeling. I couldn't believe I was finally getting started on the road (no pun intended) to doing something I truly enjoy and getting paid very well to do it. Because ABF requires a HAZMAT endorsement, I completed the online application to schedule my screening and from there I will get a certificate that will allow me to take the HAZMAT test. According to the program coordinator, I will be taking my drug test and DOT physical about two weeks before the start of class. The class itself starts on Friday the 23rd of June, so I expect to take the physical and drug test either this next week or the week after. ABF is paying for the the drug test and physical but I'm not sure whether that's a TMAP thing or if they do that for everyone.

I think that's enough for now, but I will be updating fairly frequently on my progress up until the class starts. From there I will have daily updates about everything from the training to the challenges in completing a successful transition to civilian life.

Thanks for reading!

Good luck to you James. We look forward to reading your diary.

A quick update on my progress:

Today was my scheduled HAZMAT screening day. It took place in Topeka and was about an hour drive away. The whole process is ridiculously easy: Log onto the enrollment website for DHS, input some basic information and set up your appointment time, drive to the screening center for your appointment, show proof of ID (in my case, three different ways), do some fingerprints, pay $86 and I was on my way out the door in less than 10 minutes. Hopefully I will hear back from them soon so I can take the HAZMAT test and officially have all of the endorsements.

I did notice on my CDL-A permit that my endorsements section says "NONE" next to it. I'm planning on calling the DMV where I tested to get clarification, but does anyone know if they hold off putting endorsements on your license until you actually test for the CDL or is this a slight oversight on their part?

Now to pack and take pictures of things we are selling in preparation for our move. While I know that my situation is very specific, I hope that my experiences will at least be entertaining to read and hopefully informative.

Cheers!

Good luck to you James. We look forward to reading your diary.

Thank you G-Town! It's been a long time coming and I cannot wait to have that feeling of actually wanting to go to work.

After a quick call to the local DMV where I took my endorsement tests, I found out that my permit not showing the endorsements is an ABF specific method and should show everything upon completion of the course with my CDL-A.

James giving an update:

After a quick call to the local DMV where I took my endorsement tests, I found out that my permit not showing the endorsements is an ABF specific method and should show everything upon completion of the course with my CDL-A.

James...not trying to hijack your thread, but I suggest a quick search on LTL and Linehaul using the search bar in the upper left hand corner of this page. Lots of archived information on the subject. One of our long-time, regular contributors on the forum is a driver for Old Dominion, "6 String" and is the resident LTL expert. You might even post a specific call-out to him on the General Forum...I know he will be happy to share his experiences with you.

Good luck.

Thanks for the information G-Town!

Midweek Update:

I take my first DOT physical and drug test this Friday just off-post and am really looking forward to starting my training in two weeks!

Well, I knocked out my DOT physical and drug test today. It was fairly straightforward and only took about 45 minutes of my time. Since I already keep myself in pretty decent shape, I didn't have any trouble getting a 2 year card. After a quick trip to a local Kinko's, I have a laminated copy in my wallet.