Question:
the way to get that gravy local job home everynight (or every other night)? Is that the only way? What are some good local driving jobs around the columbus area? Do alot of drivers actually do what I am talking about?
Im seperating from Air Force, and joining the AF reserve next month. I am going with Schneider National for my training. I am moving back to Columbus, Ohio. I actually want to go OTR for a while to get my feet wet and then maybe get a local job. But if I like OTR I might stay, but get something that gets me home on a regular basis. I say this because I have a 2.5 year old daugheter back home. I got a divorce last year and they moved back to Ohio. I miss my daugheter alot, but Im used to being TDY alot. I always spent time with her everyday when I was home though. At least when I move back I will see her more than I do now, which is a good thing!

Answer:
Welcome!
What you want and your plan to get it is very common -- you have LOTS of company. Your post like a text-book example of where many new drivers are coming from.
Local jobs requiring no experience are usually lower-paying "delivery" type jobs -- not necessarily driving big (air-brake) trucks.
The available driver pool for local "big truck" driving jobs is flooded with experience, and they generally choose those who've got a good record and a nice pitch about why they need to "go local".
If you can survive OTR -- living in the truck for days/weeks at a time -- you can probably handle anything a local job can require of you, and chances are you'll stick around a while and do a good job.
To some local employers, a couple years OTR is kind'a like getting your advanced degree in trucking.
Unlike OTR, local job employers have a large pool of experienced OTR driver to choose from. Many of these guys HAVE to get back to a regular lome life, and are likely to perform as if they don't want to go back into the OTR pool again.
Local is a empliyer's market.
OTR is a driver's market.

Answer:
Thanks..... I understand what you are saying. I guess time will tell with me. Just depends on what I want to do when I reach that 1,2 or 3 year mark.

Answer:
You might want to check the papers and the web sites for that area.
Might give you some insight on how many and how much they pay.----Might save you the trouble of aiming for a goal that's not there
Around here the local driving jobs pay almost as much as flippin burgers at Mickey Dees