JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- The Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center approved the 87th Logistics Readiness Squadron Transportation Flight on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ, to initiate the Commercial Motor Vehicles Program, Feb. 17.
The program guarantees new and future operators of CMV on Joint Base MDL to successfully receive proper training within national standards before achieving a State Commercial Drivers License.
Tech. Sgt. Justin Nolan, 87th LRS NCO in charge of training validation and operations, and Ivan Ochoa-Chacon, 87th LRS commercial examiner, are in charge of the program.
“The training should take a recommended 40 hours to get through the certification process, which consists of a written test, pre-trip inspections, basic skills and a road test,” said Nolan. “We do not train the base, we certify the base.”
As individuals go through the certification program, they will be provided an adequate amount of training that leads them to success, both on and off the installation. This motive will be a major benefit to all CMV license holders.
“Essentially, this program will impact units that have the equipment to fulfill the requirements to achieve a State CDL license,” said Ochoa-Chacon. “This is for units on the installation that are in need of operators to drive buses, tractor trailers or any class of CMVs. Our goal of this program is to improve safety and efficiency of our commercial vehicle operators.”
Joint Base MDL is one of the few installations allowed to utilize the program. So far, over half of Air Force installations have access to the CMV certification program with only nine states having reciprocity. The CMV program teaches licensed operators to promote safety operations on public highways.