What is the Pilot program?

Responses like this is why I love RP! I never heard of the program, but now I know. Is there any way to enroll in this program? As an 88M, I know it may be beneficial for those that want to continue driving once they take the uniform off. I know of a few Soldiers currently pursuing a CDL.(I came in with my CDL, though)

The 88M program can actually be done by nearly any Soldier in any MOS. The Transportation School worked with all the states on a "military skills waiver." Please forgive the lack of exact answers, I PCSd away from the project two months ago, but here's the gist: Your state DMV will give you credit for the road test portion of earning a Commercial Drivers License based on two years (I think, can't recall exact number) safe driving of qualifying vehicles, signed off by your commander within 90 days on a special form. You still may need to take the written test and pay the license fee based on your state, and the class of license depends on what you drove. But, removing the road test for a CDL is no small benefit- most times you would need to provide your truck, which may prove prohibitive to newly separated Soldiers. Try Googling military skis waiver or looking on your specific states DMV page.

SGT Mickles, another tool for your kit as a leader of 88Ms: Here's the link to the Federal version of the form to count military experience towards the road test of earning a CDL. Some states have their own version of it (usually just a logo/heading swap at the top) but the content is similar. It even has pictures of the trucks so you know based on what you drove if you can earn a class A or B CDL.

I highly recommend you encourage your Soldiers to earn this while their skills are fresh, and it's something they can renew over the years of service or have immediately ready if they separate early. Note: it only waives the road test if they've driven military vehicles within 90 days- so once they're in transition or ACAP, it may be too late!

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/application-military-skills-test-waiver

thank you, sir. I will see if I can put it in the platoon area for the soldiers

MAJ Mark, a combination of both, and which one do you think would refer to me, if it is a good thing or not.

Thank you for your timely reply, let me first frame the discussion by saying that I do not consider myself a subject matter expert (SME) by any means; however, what I can do is to help kick-start the discussion by establishing a foundation, and hopefully in the process we're able to draw some SMEs into the conversation. That said, pilot programs are used in the military, gov't, and the private sector as a precursor to additional study, experimentation, time, and effort being invested into a concept or project. It is used as a way to see if a concept is feasible, will work, or will be financially viable. In this, think of a 'pilot' episode of a tv series, it is a first episode to see if a television network will chose to proceed to additional episodes. Now, moving on to how this applies to the 91B MOS and to you as a service member with the 91B designator. For this, we'll use the pilot program definition above, we can assume that this 'pilot program' has to do with either existing 'wheeled vehicles,' concept wheeled vehicles, or manning/training/education for wheeled vehicle mechanics. In the past I have been privileged to either be a part of pilot-type programs or to lead a pilot program, IMHO this is very likely a good thing, as someone must have confidence in your knowledge, skills, and abilities to recruit you into the program. Now, at this point, any additional information that you may have on the program, the career field, or how you came to be selected would prove helpful. Also, any experienced service members or veterans who can offer any information will be both helpful and appreciated.