(WASHINGTON) – The Teamsters, the U.S. Army and ABF Freight formally entered into a partnership today which provides for commercial driver’s license training for military personnel that are transitioning to civilian life. Teamsters, through the Teamsters Military Assistance Program, have been assisting veterans in obtaining careers in the transportation industry over the years, but today, along with partners from Soldier For Life, ABF Freight, Fort Sill, the Department of Defense and the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, marks the beginning of the first pilot program leading to a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) for active military.

“Since the earliest days of the union, Teamster members have served in the armed forces, raised money for victory bonds and our membership includes three Congressional Medal of Honor recipients,” said Jim Hoffa, Teamsters General President. “Supporting training for men and women to transition from the Army into good, full-time jobs as a result of earning the Commercial Driver’s License, is the least we can do to honor those that defend and protect our country.”

The U.S. Army installation at Ft. Sill, Lawton, Oklahoma, is the first Army base where the CDL training will occur. Already under way, there are 12 participants in the program. Training consists of classroom-style instruction as well as behind-the-wheel practical experience. Training will take six weeks and will be repeated throughout the year.

Once the CDL is earned by a participant, the Union and ABF Freight will provide job placement assistance within the nationwide ABF Freight network. With over 130,000 soldiers transitioning from military service to civilian life annually, this new program will help meet a critical need.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.