Logistics and the military have a strong affinity: After all, the U.S. military runs the world's largest logistics operation, and the very term "logistics" originated with the U.S. Army. So it seems fitting that Toyota Material Handling U.S.A. (TMHU) has launched a program to provide discounted forklift-operator safety training for veterans. Toyota has committed $25,000 to its new Giving Veterans a Lift program, which makes training available through participating dealers.

The company says it initiated the program to help ease unemployment among Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans, which can be as high as 15.2 percent. "We're glad our dealer time and knowledge base will help equip veterans with tools needed for those who seek a career in the material handling industry," said Brett Wood, president of TMHU, in a statement.

The deadline to apply for the Giving Veterans a Lift tuition break is Dec. 31, 2011. Training must be completed by Jan. 31, 2012. For more information, visit www.toyotaforklift.com/veterans.