Railroad Operations NCO
Operates diesel-electric locomotives and assembles train cars to move supplies and equipment; coordinates with civilian and government rail operators for use of track; supervises and provides technical guidance to subordinates; supervises the operation of locomotive controls and safety appliances; observes and interprets instructions received from signal towers, switches, and other trains; schedules and coordinates train loading and movements; ensures compliance with operating timetables, safety precautions, and regulations.
Railway Specialist
Assists with rail planning and assesses rail network capability and infrastructure for capacity and safety; arranges the use of host nation or contracted rail assets; performs signal tower functions and oversees operations; conducts train car coupling and uncoupling operations; communicates with internal and external agents through onboard signaling devices; identifies and isolates hazardous, flammable, and explosive cargo; supervises the loading and unloading of equipment and cargo; inspects and conducts lubrication of railway cars and makes minor repairs; verifies seals and seal numbers on freight cars.
Rail Operations Specialist
Receives, writes, transmits, and interprets train orders; keeps crews informed of road conditions and schedule changes; reviews operation and inspection reports; investigates train schedule delays and recommends corrective actions; assigns locomotive operators and crewmen; inspects cars at route stops; adjusts lashing and bracing to ensure safe hauling of cargo; advises dispatcher of arrival and departure times; records locations of all rolling stock; receives requisitions for empty cars and authorizes movement to locations for loading; supervises handling, classification and switching of cars in railway yards; maintains record of daily movement of cars.
MOS 88U - Railway Specialist (USAR only)
Major Duties. The Railway Specialist provides rail network capability and infrastructure assessments; performs and assists with rail planning; coordinates the use of Host nation or contracted rail assets; performs Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) duties to oversee contracts.
Duties for MOS 88U at each level are:
MOSC 88U10. Interprets train orders; oversees the execution of instructions received from signal towers, switches, other trains and trainmen; oversees car coupling and uncoupling operations; inspects cars at route stops to include lashing and bracing to ensure safe hauling of cargo; advises dispatcher of arrival and departure times for all passing trains; ensures locations of all rolling stock are recorded; ensures cars are sealed and seal numbers are recorded.
MOSC 88U20. Supervises and provides technical guidance to subordinates, contractors, and Host nation personnel performing rail related duties; supervises operation of the locomotive's controls and safety appliances; observes and interprets instructions received from signal towers, switches, other trains and trainmen; coordinates train movements; ensures compliance with operating timetables, rule book, and other specific instructions; ensures performance delay and locomotive reports for each trip are completed and necessary corrections are made.
MOSC 88U30. Advises and assists in the effective management of railway systems; inspects and validates track structure and roadway; supervises handling, classification, and switching of cars and trains in railway yards; evaluates records of daily movement of cars; reviews written and transmitted train orders; keeps subordinates, contractors, and HN personnel informed of changes in road/rail conditions and schedules and prioritization changes; reviews operation and inspection reports; investigates train schedule delays and recommends corrective action.
MOSC 88U40. Conduct rail network capability and infrastructure assessment, rail safety assessments, and uses assessments to inform and advise the commanders on the employment of rail in a theater of operations; establishes liaison with using agencies and representatives of civilian and military railroads; manages personnel engaged in railway operations; supervises receipt and transmission of telephonic and telegraph messages relating to train movements; reviews time sheets to keep abreast of each scheduled train passing through territory; investigates accidents, thefts, and unusual operating incidents and recommends corrective action; assists in providing staff supervision of subordinate unit, contracted, or host nation railway operating activities; evaluates host nation/contractor railway safety programs.
