ARLINGTON, Va., July 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Army, General Motors (NYSE: GM) and Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN), today announced they are teaming up to provide eligible transitioning Army soldiers with skills to become service technicians at GM dealerships after they return to civilian life.

The Shifting Gears: Automotive Technician Training Program, a multi-year partnership between the two companies and the Army, will begin in August at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas.

The initiative demonstrates a strong commitment to helping veterans succeed by connecting them with education and career opportunities outside of the military service. Shifting Gears will be part of the Army's Soldier for Life support program, which helps soldiers reintegrate into their communities after leaving the Army.

Raytheon and GM are committed to providing Army men and women participating in the Shifting Gears program exceptional training to aid them in post service career endeavors. The program consists of a 12-week customized, on-base technician training curriculum that includes classroom, online and hands-on technical training.  

Upon successful course completion and program graduation, veterans receive career counseling, job-placement recommendations and employment assistance from Army Soldier for Life centers, and access to available GM technician employment opportunities through GM's authorized dealer network.

"Soldiers transitioning to civilian life bring exceptional training, values and experience to American communities and their civilian workforce," said U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Howard Bromberg, Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel.  "Properly supporting our veterans requires a team approach from the Army, other government agencies and the local community."

GM's dealer network needs approximately 2,500 new technicians annually and qualified technicians are often in short supply. This initiative develops well-trained technicians who will help GM and local dealer communities, while also helping transitioning military personnel. In addition to Shifting Gears, GM provides eligible veterans free access to Web-based training through GM's Service Technical College.

"Shifting Gears illustrates GM's commitment to serving those who serve America," said Steve Hill, GM vice president, U.S. Sales and Service. "GM has supported the U.S. military for 100 years. From providing purpose-built vehicles in conflict situations to today's support for veterans and returning military personnel, we continue to be their strong allies."

The training will be conducted by Raytheon Professional Services (RPS), which is one of the world's largest training companies. RPS currently develops and delivers training solutions for GM technicians worldwide and was integral in establishing the GM Service Technical College, an in-house resource which provides comprehensive training to GM personnel.

"Young Army veterans face unemployment rates that are more than double the national average. Raytheon sees this partnership with GM and the Army as an opportunity to reduce those alarming statistics by helping position former service members for new opportunities," said Lynn Dugle, President of Raytheon Intelligence, Information and Services. "We look forward to helping train veterans through the Shifting Gears program, and continuing the work we do with the Army including our role in training almost every active service soldier."

About the U.S. Army
For more information contact the Office of the Chief of Public Affairs, Office of the Secretary of the Army at (703) 697-7550.  Or to learn more about the U.S. Army visit them online at http://www.army.mil/

About GM
With thousands of military veteran employees, General Motors' support for the United States armed forces spans generations. Today, Chevrolet assists Cell Phones for Soldiers, Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans, a variety of employment and grassroots initiatives, and is the Official Vehicle of the Army-Navy game. The GM Military Discount program offers discounts on most Chevrolet, Buick and GMC vehicles for active duty, reserves, retirees, veterans (within one year of separation) and spouses of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and National Guard. GM proudly participates in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's Hiring Our Heroes initiative aimed at finding meaningful employment for veterans transitioning to civilian life.

About Raytheon
Raytheon Company, with 2013 sales of $24 billion and 63,000 employees worldwide, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, security and civil markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 92 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as cyber security and a broad range of mission support services. Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham, Mass. For more about Raytheon, visit us at www.raytheon.com and follow us on Twitter @Raytheon.

Media Contacts
InkHouse for Raytheon
Steve Vittorioso
+1 781.966.4116
Steve@inkhouse.com

General Motors
Lesley Warnke
+1.313.316.5285
lesley.warnke@gm.com

U.S. Army
Lt. Col. S. Justin Platt
+1 703.692.1281
stephen.j.platt4.mil@mail.mil

SOURCE Raytheon Company