Army MOS · Logistics
88U Railway Specialist
Overview
Railway Specialists assess rail network capabilities and infrastructure and perform or assist with rail planning. They coordinate the use of host nation or contracted rail assets and oversee contracts as Contracting Officer's Representatives.
Minimum clearance: Secret
Core Skills
- transportation network analysis
- infrastructure assessment
- operations planning
- contract oversight and COR duties
- data collection and reporting
- logistics coordination
- risk assessment
- stakeholder coordination
- use of GIS and mapping products
- schedule and resource planning
Civilian Software & Tools
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Electronic train management systems ETMS
- Route mapping software
- Time tracking software
Civilian Career Paths
- Transportation Management
- Supply Chain Management
- Project Management
- Fleet Management
Training & Development
Getting Started
- Associate Safety Professional (ASP) · Funded · Promotion points
- Locomotive Servicing Engineers
- Student Engineers
- Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) · Funded · Promotion points
- Professional Traffic Operations Engineer® (PTOE) · Funded · Promotion points
Career Growth
- Train Service Engineer
- Certified Safety Professional (CSP) · Funded · Promotion points · STAR
- Certified Hazardous Materials Practitioner (CHMP)
- Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) · Funded · Promotion points
- Designated Supervisors of Locomotive Engineers
What the Work Involves
- Interpret train orders, signals, or railroad rules and regulations that govern the operation of locomotives.
- Confer with conductors or traffic control center personnel via radiophones to issue or receive information concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains.
- Receive starting signals from conductors and use controls such as throttles or air brakes to drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas turbine-electric locomotives.
- Monitor gauges or meters that measure speed, amperage, battery charge, or air pressure in brake lines or in main reservoirs.
- Observe tracks to detect obstructions.
Related Occupations
- Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
- Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
- Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
- Subway and Streetcar Operators
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: a high school diploma and some on-the-job training.
Formerly Known As (Legacy)
Retired codes that converted into 88U. Each legacy page documents the cited history.
65HLocomotive Operator (RC)88P1Railway Equipment Repairer (RC)88P2Railway Equipment Repairer (RC)88P3Railway Equipment Repairer (RC)88P4Railway Equipment Repairer (RC)88T1Railway Section Repairer (RC)88T2Railway Section Repairer (RC)88T3Railway Section Repairer (RC)88T4Railway Section Repairer (RC)88VTrain Crewmember (RC)88V1Train Crewmember88V2Train Crewmember88V3Train Crewmember88V4Train Crewmember88WRailway Movements Coordinator (RC)88W1Railway Mov Coord88W2Railway Mov Coord88W3Railway Mov Coord88W4Railway Mov Coord
Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.
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