Chairman Honorable Patrick J. Murphy addresses attendees at the Task Force Movement Credentialing Summit during The American Legion’s 104th National Convention, held on August 30 at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo: Jeric Wilhelmsen, The American Legion)
During The American Legion’s 104th National Convention, Chairman Honorable Patrick J. Murphy announced the expansion of Task Force Movement, or TFM, to include healthcare certifications alongside its existing focus on commercial trucking and cybersecurity.
The move was made in an effort to assist Veterans in entering specialized careers and addressing workforce gaps in the U.S. This expansion addresses the shortage of medical personnel in the U.S. healthcare system, intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Task Force Movement, launched in April 2022 by the Biden administration, initially focused on helping Veterans obtain commercial driving licenses to alleviate supply chain bottlenecks caused by a trucker shortage. Later, they introduced a cybersecurity portal to fast-track Veterans into a field with thousands of job vacancies.
Murphy emphasized the importance of leveraging military personnel’s skills to fill critical healthcare positions through education, training, and licensure support.
Task Force Movement’s success relies on collaboration between stakeholders, of which there are over 300 partners, and significant fundraising efforts to support Veterans and military spouses in obtaining CDL licenses and other scholarships. The initiative aims to address various industry needs, including cybersecurity in healthcare.
Following their success in trucking and cybersecurity, TFM is now extending its efforts to address the shortage of healthcare providers, particularly within the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Task Force Movement strives to bridge the gap between military communities and industry, improving economic outcomes and national security by creating opportunities for Veterans and military families in career pathways. Their mission is to enhance financial stability, purpose, and work-life balance for transitioning service members while providing quality candidates for industry stakeholders.
The Legion’s efforts, including programs like “Be the One” and partnerships with entities like USAA to combat Veteran suicide, emphasize the pressing need to address vacancies in healthcare positions.
For more information about Task Force Movement, click here.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.