More Drivers, More Flexibility for Washington Army National Guard
Recently the Washington Army National Guard increased the organization's transportation capability after completing a four-day bus driver certification course Aug. 10-13, 2026, at Yakima Training Center Wash. that saw 38 Guardsmen become licensed to drive buses.
"Having our own qualified drivers gives our units much more flexibility," said Sgt. 1st Class Austin Hiatt, course manager. "Instead of working around commercial bus schedules, we can manage our own transportation."
The course provided soldiers with the classroom instruction and hands-on training required to safely operate passenger buses while giving units more qualified drivers to support training and domestic operations. Soldiers began the course in the classroom, learning state, local and installation laws and regulations, air brake operation, emergency procedures, accident response and requirements for transporting personnel. Training quickly transitioned to practical application, where soldiers conducted preventive maintenance checks and services before getting behind the wheel and operating buses in rural areas, urban traffic, at night and on steep grades. They also practiced responding to vehicle breakdowns, navigating railway crossings and operating in challenging conditions before completing their final performance tests.
"Operating a large passenger bus requires a high level of spatial awareness," said Hiatt. "Drivers must master the vehicle's wide turning radius, which makes navigating tight city streets, winding state roads or narrow training site access routes particularly challenging."
Developing more qualified operators also gives units another option for moving soldiers when commercial transportation is limited or unavailable.
"With limited funding for commercial charter buses, we needed a more cost-effective way to support recurring training like OCS Phase III," said Hiatt. "When it comes to domestic operations like wildfires or floods, having our own pool of drivers means we can respond immediately to help our communities without relying on external assets."
By the final day, soldiers were required to demonstrate their ability to inspect and safely control the vehicle through turns, backing and stopping before completing a final road test.
"These 38 new operators are a great asset for our units," Hiatt said. "It means we have reliable, in-house transportation support readily available. This capability reduces friction and creates a viable pathway in a limited funding environment."
For those interested in earning the qualification, the next course is scheduled for March 2027.
"Soldiers interested in obtaining their bus driver qualification should coordinate with their first-line leader to engage with their readiness and training NCOs," Hiatt said. "Our next course is in March; let's make it happen."
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