New CDL Test

49th LRS implements new CDL test

By Senior Airman Collette Brooks

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --

Holloman Air Force Base is the ninth Air Force installation to adopt the new American Association for Motor Vehicle Administrator/Commercial Driver License certifcation process.

The Air Force Headquarters standardized a lesson plan primarily based of of AAMVA standards.

“The Air Force is enhancing certifcation standards for all units and personnel operating government motor vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers to include buses, tractor-trailer combinations, fuel tankers and commercial motor vehicles,” said Staf Sgt. Cody Small, 49th Logistics Readiness Squadron training validation and operations noncommissioned ofcer in charge. “Obtaining this certifcation allows Airmen to receive a CDL in any state without undergoing further testing or an additional certifcation process at a state driver licensing agency.”

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration developed the national licensing requirements issued by the Secretary of Transportation under the Department of Transportation. The AAMVA/CDL test system is now the minimum national standard and model.

“Ground transportation Airmen and other Airmen who need a CDL due to their job or unit requirements must go through the 49th LRS now to be qualifed,” said Small.

Before this new model was in place, Airmen were able to get qualifed to operate commercial vehicles through their respective unit. However, with Airmen now required to seek CDL validation through the 49th LRS possess a new and unique opportunity.

“Coming here to be qualifed helps Airmen in the long run because their CDL certifcate will now transfer over to the civilian sector,” said Small.

This new model gives Airmen the ability to seek employment such as a commercial truck driver, a fuel tank driver, or a school bus driver without any additional tests or certifcations needed.

Only trained and appointed training validation and operation examiners can certify personnel on the four-part AAMVA/CDL qualifcation test compromised of a written multiple-choice test, a vehicle inspection, a basic con-

Senior Airman Ryan Nyars, 49th Logistics Readiness Squadron ground transportation trainer, takes an American Association for Motor Vehicle Administrator/ Commercial Driver License certifcation written test, March 6, 2020, on Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. Only trained and appointed training validation and operation examiners can certify personnel on the four-part AAMVA/CDL qualifcation test compromised of a written multiple-choice test, a vehicle inspection, a basic control skills test and a road test. (U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY SENIOR AIRMAN COLLETTE BROOKS)

Senior Airman Ryan Nyars, left, 49th Logistics Readiness Squadron ground transportation trainer, talks to Staff Sgt. Cody Small, 49th LRS training validation and operations noncommissioned offcer in charge, during an American Association for Motor Vehicle Administrator/Commercial Driver License certifcation test, March 6, 2020, on Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. Holloman Air Force Base is the ninth Air Force installation to adopt the new AAMVA/CDL certifcation process, which allows Airmen to receive a CDL in any state without undergoing further testing at a state driver licensing agency. (U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY SENIOR AIRMAN COLLETTE BROOKS)

trol skills test and a road test.

Airmen begin their qualifcation process with a written multiple-choice test that covers general CDL knowledge. They then move onto conducting an air-brake test, a combination test (if the examinee is certifying on tractor-trailer), and fnally a hazmat test, (if examinee requires hazmat endorsement).

Following the completion of the required knowledge exam(s), the examinee will then demonstrate their ability to properly inspect the vehicle, while abiding by the CDL driver manual, and reciting proper verbiage for each item on the vehicle inspection checklist.

Once this test is passed, the examinee may move on to the basic control skills test.

The basic control skills test is includes various backing maneuvers that are outlined in AFQTP 24-3-200 (Ground Transportation Training Validation and Operations Examiner’s Guide).

Following the completion and passing of the basic control skills test, examinees then take part in their fnal qualifcation portion, the road test. Airmen must demonstrate their ability to drive in a variety of trafc situations.

Not only has the AAMVA/CDL qualifcation increased profciency and certifcations available to Airmen post their Air Force career, but it also aids Airmen in their ability to perform their daily duties with more confdence and ease.

“This process increased my knowledge of the names and functions of the tractor-trailer engine, what I should be looking for during a vehicle pre-inspection and how to couple a tractor-trailer to the CDL standard,” said Airman 1st Class Zaire Rivers, 49th LRS grounds transportation operator. “Obtaining my AAMVA/CDL was a great experience.”

Although Rivers increased her CDL knowledge and skill-set during the certifcation process, her experience did still come with a challenges that she fought to overcome.

“The main challenge I faced during my qualifcation process was backing up the tractor-trailer,” said Rivers. “It took a while for me to get the hang of it because lef is right and right is lef when backing up a tractor. Although that portion of the test was difcult for me, I know practice makes perfect, so I never gave up and continued my reversing skills until I got it right.”

First group of Airmen from Hill AFB’s 34th Fighter Squadron return home

By Micah Garbarino, 388th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah (AFNS)

-- The frst wave of Airmen from the active duty 388th Fighter Wing and Reserve 419th Fighter Wing returned home, May 7, following a six-month deployment to the Middle East.

The 34th Fighter Squadron’s deployment, which started in November 2019, was the frst F-35 Immediate Response Force deployment as well as the second F-35A Lightning II combat deployment. The Airmen supported the United States Air Force Central Command mission in the region.

During the deployment, the Airmen performed close air support, ofensive and defensive counter-air, and maritime escort which enabled regional deterrence, said Lt. Col. Aaron Cavazos, 34th Fighter Squadron commander. They also operated simultaneously from two diferent bases for more than three months and participated in multinational exercises, strengthening partnerships with regional allies.

“We’re extremely proud of the mission these Airmen carried out during their deployment. It’s what we train for here every day,” said Col. Steven Behmer, 388th FW commander. “We have a lot of happy families here today. It’s great to have them home and we look forward to the rest of our Airmen returning.”

Another group of Airmen from the 34th FS will remain in the region supporting operations there.

The Airmen are made up of pilots from the active duty 34th FS and Reserve 466th FS, as well as active duty and Reserve Airmen in the 34th and 466th Aircraf Maintenance Units, and personnel in other support functions.

The returning Airmen will be quar

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY TODD CROMAR The frst wave of Airmen from the active duty 388th and Reserve 419th Fighter Wings returned home to Hill Air Force Base, Utah, May 7, 2020, following a sixmonth deployment to the Middle East.

antined for 14 days as a precaution against the spread of the coronavirus. Most will quarantine at home with their families, but there is also temporary lodging on base for those who have family members at higher-risk. “It’s always great to see our people come home from deployment afer a job well done,” said Col. Brian Silkey,

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY CYNTHIA GRIGGS The family of Maj. Steve Jensen, 466th Fighter Squadron with the 419th Fighter Wing, wait in their van for Jensen to arrive, May 7, 2020, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, following a sixmonth deployment to the Middle East. Families practiced social distancing while awaiting their Airmen and they will be quarantined for 14 days as a precaution against the spread of the coronavirus. The 34th Fighter Squadron’s deployment, which started in November, 2019, supported the United States Air Force Central Command mission in the Middle East.

acting commander of the 419th FW. “I want to extend my sincere gratitude to all the family members who held things together here at home during this difcult time for our nation. I also want to thank the civilian employers of our reservists who’ve also made many sacrifces so their employees can serve our country. We simply

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY TODD CROMAR Families practiced social distancing by staying in their cars while awaiting their Airmen from the active duty 388th and Reserve 419th Fighter Wings, as they returned home to Hill Air Force Base, Utah, May 7, 2020, following a six-month deployment to the Middle East.

can’t do what we do without the unwavering support of our families and the community.”

The F-35A, the conventional takeof and landing variant of the joint strike fghter, provides operational fexibility by combining advanced stealth capabilities with the latest weapons technology.

The 388th and 419th FW are the Air Force frst combat-capable F-35A units. The frst operational F-35As arrived at Hill AFB in October 2015. The active duty 388th FW and Air Force Reserve 419th FW fy and maintain the jet in a total force partnership, which capitalizes on the strength of both components.