Trucking: transitioning, otr truck driver, cdl drivers

Question
hello,
I have just a few questions I'm hoping you can answer or help me find my answers. I'm currently a truck driver in the US Army and I will be getting out in 2 months I'm thinking about becoming a civilian OTR truck driver. what is the process to getting my CDL? How to do I get hazmat certified? and does my military experience count towards my CDL?

Answer
James.  Your prospects are good.  Even in the current economy there is a demand for safe qualified drivers.  Your military experience is a plus.  The CDL's are issued by the states but follow federal guidelines:
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration-licensing/cdl/cdl.htm
Check also your state DOT website for more details.
You can find lot's of opportunities by browsing driver recruitment websites as well as the websites of most mid size and larger carriers.
Do a search on "CDL DRIVERS" and you will find a lot to look at.  If you have two years of verifiable experience and can pass the CDL in your state, you probably don't need the driving schools, however if you do want to go to driver school most will be covered by your GI benefits.
Best of luck and thanks for your service to the country.
Jim