Transition and Career Resources for Military/Veterans
The information and resources shared on this page serve to aid those transitioning to civilian life or those with military experience in a job search or career development.
Choose New Hampshire to live, work, serve and play!
You may be a resident of New Hampshire already and are looking for your next career move. Or, you may be outside the state considering where you want to land next. With the Northeast and New England states being in close proximity to each other, we are appreciative of those Service members and Veterans who make the choice to live and work in New Hampshire. There are many reasons to choose the Granite State as your permanent home and place of employment!
Live Free and Choose New Hampshire
Choose to Live, Work, Serve & Play in New Hampshire (employment-focused resources)
Browse through the Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services website to learn about the services, resources, and benefits available to New Hampshire Service members and Veterans.
Vocational and Career Programs
Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program
The Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program (VRRAP) offers education and training for high-demand jobs to Veterans who are unemployed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit the website to find out if you’re eligible and how to apply. The education line is open for questions at 888-442-4551.
New Hampshire's Troops to Trucks (Military CDL Skills Test Waiver)
The Military CDL Skills Test Waiver allows Veterans trained in the operation of heavy vehicles to apply for a waiver of the commercial driver license skills (road) test and obtain a New Hampshire CDL by passing the written exam.
Application for Military Skills Test Waiver
Troops to Trucks- Military Skills Test Waiver
Eligible military members and Veterans who are trained in the operation of heavy vehicles can apply for a waiver of the CDL skills test and may obtain a New Hampshire CDL by passing the written exam(s). To be eligible for the road test waiver, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be actively serving in the military or be a Veteran within 12 months of honorable or general discharge.
- Be a New Hampshire resident.
- Produce a Commanding Officer's certification on form DSMV 609.
- Successfully pass the required CDL knowledge exams.
- List all driving offenses during the past two years for both military and civilian licenses.
- Applicants must not have any alcohol-related or major driving offenses during the previous two years on both civilian and military licenses. The Division of Motor Vehicles reserves the right to disqualify applicants based on information obtained during the application process.
To apply for the waiver, service members or recent Veterans can download the waiver application and bring the completed waiver, a copy of the Military Qualification Record and Military License to the nearest DMV office or you may mail the completed form to the Concord DMV with a copy of the Military Qualification Record and Military License.
The submitted waiver application and supporting documentation will be reviewed to verify that qualifications are met as required by the Federal Motor Carrier Administration (FMCSA) and New Hampshire laws and rules. You will be contacted once the review is completed and a knowledge test appointment may be made upon approval of the application.
For more information, contact the NH Division of Motor Vehicles.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Military Driver Programs
FMCSA Military Driver Programs
FMCSA Military Driver Programs Brochure | FMCSA (dot.gov)
FMCSA has several programs that help make it easier, quicker, and less expensive for military personnel to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and transition to a civilian CMV driving career.
THE MILITARY SKILLS TEST WAIVER PROGRAM (see above)
THE EVEN EXCHANGE PROGRAM (KNOWLEDGE TEST WAIVER) This program allows qualified military drivers to be exempt from the knowledge test to obtain a CDL. When used in conjunction with the Military Skills Test Waiver, this allows a driver to exchange a military license for a CDL. Drivers must provide proof of their medical certificate to apply. Visit the FMCSA website to determine if your state currently participates.
THE UNDER 21 MILITARY DRIVER PROGRAM (see above) This program offers eligible military members the opportunity to participate in a pilot study program that allows study group drivers to operate CMVs interstate before age 21 while employed with participating motor carriers. For a list of military occupational specialty (MOS) ratings required for participation and other eligibility criteria, visit the FMCSA website page for Under 21 Military Driver Program.
THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE OPERATOR SAFETY TRAINING GRANT PROGRAM This program assists current or former members of the United States Armed Forces (including National Guard and reserve members) and their spouses in receiving training to transition to the motor carrier industry. To learn more, visit the FMCSA website.
Boot to Business
Boots to Business (B2B) is an entrepreneurial education and training program offered by the Small Business Association (SBA) as part of the Department of Defense's Transition Assistance Program (TAP). B2B provides participants with an overview of business ownership and is open to transitioning service members (including National Guard and Reserve) and their spouses.
Helmets to Hardhats
Helmets to Hardhats is a national, nonprofit program that connects transitioning active-duty military service members, Veterans, National Guard and Reservists with skilled training and quality career opportunities in the construction industry. The program is designed to help military service members successfully transition back into civilian life by offering them the means to secure a quality career in the construction industry. Most career opportunities offered by the program are connected to federally-approved apprenticeship training programs. Such training is provided by the trade organizations themselves at no cost to the Veteran. No prior experience is needed; in fact, most successful placements start with virtually no experience in their chosen field. All participating trade organizations conduct three to five year earn-while-you-learn apprenticeship training programs that teach service members everything they need to know to become a construction industry professional with a specialization in a particular craft. And, because these apprenticeship programs are regulated and approved at both federal and state levels, Veterans can utilize their G.I. Bill benefits to supplement their income while they are learning valuable skills and on the job training. In 2007, Helmets to Hardhats supplemented its existing program with a disabled American veteran program known as the “Wounded Warrior” program, which serves to connect disabled veterans with employment opportunities in the construction industry and the careers that support construction.
US Department of Labor VETS Program
The US Department of Labor VETS Program prepares America's Veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses for meaningful careers by providing them with employment resources and expertise, protecting their employment rights, and connecting them with employment opportunities. A variety of resources are available through the website--Off-Base Transition Training, Find a Job, information about rights through USERRA, Transition Employment Assistance for Military Spouses, Employment Navigator & Partnership Pilot.
NH Veteran-Friendly Businesses
The Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services and NH Employment Security recognize businesses in the state that meet criteria considered to be "veteran-friendly". Veteran-friendly businesses in a variety of sectors can be found on the following list. They appreciate applicants and customers with military experience!
Check out the list of NH Veteran-Friendly Businesses on our website!
The following businesses have vocational or career programs specifically for military members and Veterans.
BAE Systems--Warrior Integration Program
The Warrior Integration Program (WIP) at BAE Systems is gaining national attention! WIP is a multi-year rotational program designed to integrate Post 9/11 service members who have suffered service connected wounds, injuries, or illnesses, into BAE Systems, setting the stage for progression in a new career. This is accomplished through challenging and rewarding rotational assignments, technical and leadership training, advanced education, leadership opportunities, as well as; exposure/networking, sponsorship, transition assistance, and connection to Veteran resources.
Rotations are typically focused within the Operations functions of the company. Common rotations include, but are not limited to:
- Supply Chain
- Facilities Management
- Program Management
- Quality
- Engineering Support
- Project Management
- Value Stream Lead/Supervisor
Hear more about the WIP from those who have participated in this corporation news magazine article. Electronic Systems Pulse, Vol 25, May 2019
Apply for this program or any job via their website--BAE Systems.
NH Employment Security
NH Employment Security is the place to start when you're looking for your first job, your next job, a better job, or a whole new career. They have free services, resources, and tools to help you with the entire job search process. You do not need to be claiming unemployment benefits or be out of work to use services. Veterans and eligible spouses are given priority of service for the receipt of employment, training and placement services in all workforce programs funded by the Department of Labor. This means that those Veterans or eligible spouses who meet all the eligibility requirements for a program or service receive access to that program or service either earlier than others who are not eligible for priority of service, or if resources are limited, the Veteran or eligible spouse receives access to the service or resource instead of or before others.
If you are a Veteran or eligible spouse, please identify yourself as such when inquiring about any NHES programs or services or upon visiting a NH Works office. By doing so, you will be able to take full advantage of this priority. Visit NHES for more information about services available.
In the News
Making the jump to the skilled trades--Military Times, March 5, 2022
Building a social network in the civilian world--Military Times, March 3, 2022
What you need to know about salary negotiations--Military Times, March 10, 2022
You're leaving the military. Should you pursue your passion or just find a job?--Military Times, February 17, 2022
Updating your military resume could help you land a private sector job--Military Times, February 7, 2022
White House pushing to get more veterans into the trucking industry--Military Times, February 7, 2022