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65H Career Guide

Army

65H: Railway Operations Supervisor

Career transition guide for Army Railway Operations Supervisor (65H)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 65H veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Locomotive Engineer

$75K
High matchStable demand

Railroad Conductor

$68K
High matchStable demand

Railroad Dispatcher

$72K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Familiarity with specific railroad's operating rulesProficiency with dispatching software

Transportation Manager

$95K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Bachelor's degree in logistics or related fieldAPICS certification

Logistics Coordinator

$55K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Experience with specific logistics softwareSupply chain management knowledge

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 65H training built — and where they transfer.

Procedural Compliance

Adhering strictly to railway operating rules, safety regulations, and standard operating procedures to prevent accidents and ensure the safe transport of personnel and materials.

Meticulously following established protocols, guidelines, and regulatory requirements in high-stakes environments to maintain safety and operational integrity.

Situational Awareness

Maintaining constant awareness of the locomotive's status, track conditions, weather, signals, and other train movements to anticipate potential hazards and react swiftly to changing circumstances.

Continuously monitoring and interpreting complex information streams from various sources to assess risks, identify opportunities, and make informed decisions in dynamic settings.

Team Synchronization

Coordinating effectively with other crew members, dispatchers, and maintenance personnel to ensure seamless communication, efficient operations, and the safe execution of train movements.

Collaborating closely with diverse teams, communicating clearly, and synchronizing actions to achieve common objectives in time-sensitive and safety-critical situations.

Degraded-Mode Operations

Troubleshooting mechanical malfunctions, adapting to equipment failures, and implementing contingency plans to maintain operational capability and minimize disruptions under adverse conditions.

Remaining composed under pressure, diagnosing complex problems, and implementing effective solutions to maintain essential functions and mitigate the impact of unexpected events.

Resource Optimization

Managing fuel consumption, optimizing train speeds, and coordinating maintenance schedules to minimize operational costs, maximize efficiency, and extend the lifespan of equipment.

Strategically allocating and managing available resources, identifying opportunities for improvement, and implementing innovative solutions to enhance productivity and reduce waste.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Amusement and Recreation Vehicle Mechanic

SOC 49-3091

You've been responsible for the safe and efficient operation of complex machinery. As a locomotive operator, you've honed your troubleshooting and maintenance skills. That expertise directly translates to diagnosing and repairing amusement and recreation vehicles, ensuring they function safely and reliably for riders and patrons. Your understanding of intricate systems and meticulous adherence to safety protocols will make you a valuable asset in this field.

Power Plant Operator

SOC 51-8013

You're highly skilled in operating and maintaining complex electromechanical systems. Your experience managing locomotive engines, monitoring performance, and responding to malfunctions directly translates to the responsibilities of a Power Plant Operator. You're already familiar with energy generation and distribution principles, safety procedures, and the need for constant vigilance, making this a natural fit.

Logistics Coordinator

SOC 13-1081

You have a proven track record of coordinating railway operations, controlling traffic, and managing resources. You possess excellent organizational and problem-solving skills. This experience translates seamlessly to the role of a Logistics Coordinator, where you'll plan, direct, and coordinate transportation and distribution activities, ensuring efficient and timely delivery of goods.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Railway Section Training, Fort Eustis

480 training hours12 weeksUp to 9 semester hours recommended in Transportation Management and Logistics

Topics Covered

  • Locomotive Operations and Maintenance
  • Railway Traffic Control
  • Track Maintenance Procedures
  • Freight Handling and Safety
  • Railway Regulations and Safety Standards
  • Supervisory and Leadership Skills
  • Accident Investigation and Reporting
  • Personnel Management

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Railroad Conductor70% covered

Requires knowledge of specific railroad company rules, regulations, and territories. Further study of freight handling procedures and passenger safety protocols is recommended.

Locomotive Engineer Certification (Federal Railroad Administration)60% covered

Requires understanding of FRA regulations, specific locomotive maintenance procedures, and company-specific operating rules. Additional study of air brake systems and troubleshooting techniques is recommended.

OSHA 30-Hour General Industry40% covered

While the military job includes safety oversight, this OSHA certification requires in-depth knowledge of general industry safety standards. Further study of hazard communication, control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout), and confined space entry is recommended.

Recommended Next Certifications

Transportation Safety Professional (TSP)Certified Transportation Professional (CTP)Project Management Professional (PMP)

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Locomotive Control Systems (specific to military locomotives)Positive Train Control (PTC) systems
Military Railway Operations Single Army Logistics Enterprise (morale)Railroad operations management software (e.g., Tracsis, RailSys)
Air brake systems (NYAB, Westinghouse)Wabtec air brake systems
Military Standard (MIL-STD) compliant radios for train communicationCommercial railroad radios (e.g., Kenwood, Icom) using AAR standards
Defense Travel System (DTS)Corporate travel booking platforms (e.g., Concur, Egencia)
Equipment Status Reporting ToolAsset management software (e.g., IBM Maximo, Infor EAM)

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