RAILWAY AGE, NOVEMBER 2024 ISSUE: Our armed forces are similar in culture, thought process and organization to our railroads.
“You have got to have something to believe. You have got to have leaders, organization, friendships, and contacts that help you to believe that, and help you to put out your best.”
This was stated by General and later President Dwight D. Eisenhower. His statement, made in 1954 to the United Defense Fund Leaders, is the type of team-oriented thinking engrained into the thought process of our servicemembers from their first day of training. In fact, many servicemembers have learned that everyone is a leader, no matter the paygrade.
The first leadership competency is the ability to “lead self.” In many ways our country’s armed forces are similar in culture, thought process and organization to our country’s railroads. Railroaders must learn what and how to think, and to then act, either individually or as a member of a group, to accomplish important objectives.
Organizational and operational similarities abound between the military and the railroad. A Navy ship is typically organized by departments based on the ship’s systems. Among shipboard departments are Operations, Fire Control, Engineering (Main Propulsion/Auxiliary Equipment), and Hull (Deck Department). Naval ship departments correlate strongly to railroad departments like Transportation, M/W (Track, Signals, Structures), and Mechanical. One of the most remarkable similarities is the U.S. Coast Guard’s workhorse ships, the W-Medium Endurance Cutters, which still use the famed ALCO engines made by a railroad locomotive manufacturer.
The Army’s strongest similarities to railroads (besides the Army Corps of Engineers) may well lie in organizing and leading large forces of people divided across vast regions, and in understanding the paramount role of effective planning. Front-line tactical level actions are well defined and rehearsed. Strategic decisions require assumptions and broad thinking on an elevated level. For example, a track tamping crew knows better than anyone how to achieve the best track surface results and is well trained to perform that task. The location, costs, reason, material logistics and special considerations of where they surface is decided at an elevated strategic level beyond the crew’s foreman.
In the Army, Air Force and Marines, a skill set is referred to as an MOS (Military Occupational Specialty). In the Navy and Coast Guard, one’s skill set is referred to as a Rating (sometimes called a Rate). Also, the daily oversight of an operational task typically belongs to those who are Senior Enlisted or Junior Officers in the military—very similar to that of a Track Supervisor or Road Foreman. Officers do not have a Rating or MOS (except for Warrant Officers). The high-level strategic decisions, logistics and policies in the service are typically that of the Officer, with support of Senior Enlisted as Subject Matter Experts. This is very close to the concept of railroad Division Officers. All levels come together to achieve a common goal.
Railway Age reached out to a diverse pool of seven veterans, both Officer and Enlisted, so that you may better understand how their military training and experience correlated to their railroad careers. I asked three questions: How did your military service contribute to your railroad career? What experience or training in the service was most beneficial for you? What can you tell the industry about hiring a veteran or recommending people joining the military?
John Burkard, General Superintendent for Maintenance of Way, PATH. U.S. Navy, Boiler Tech 2nd Class (BT2), 1979-1983. A BT2 performs tests on boiler water, fuel, and lubricating oils; operates and performs preventive maintenance on main boilers and boiler auxiliary equipment; operates distilling plants: “My military background gave the me the ability to understand the railroad, just as you understand and learn a ship. When I was hired at PATH, I learned the railroad systems, just as I did the ship I was on. Leadership, also the trade-specific skills that I learned in the Navy were the most beneficial. As I progressed in the Navy, I received more advanced leadership training at a young age. That was my foundation. If a veteran comes as an applicant, that person is of interest to interview because the responsibility they had in the service is carried through to the railroad. They are always a reliable employee.”
Peter A. Cannito Sr., Retired President, MTA Metro-North Railroad. U.S. Marine Corps, Sergeant E-5, 1965-1977: “Railroading and military service are very similar experiences. They are high-pressure occupations that require similar types of leadership, organizational, reactionary and disciplinary skills. They are also occupations that promote team building, quick decision-making and results-oriented actions and behaviors. These skills and traits served me well during my career. The Marine Corps trained me to be a ‘leader of men’ (that is ‘men’ in the generic sense). Probably the greatest experience and benefit I received from the Marines are the leadership and disciplinary skills I developed that served me for the rest of my life. I matured in the military and knew what I wanted to do when I got out. Of course, serving in Vietnam ensured that I did so quickly. The Marines do an excellent job of maturing and preparing men and women for life beyond the service. They will either make you or break you. You learn to work with other people as a team or, if necessary, take individual action on your own depending on what the circumstance warrants. They teach you to persist and finish your mission no matter how intense and difficult the task is. Veterans are generally good employees and people you can depend on.”
Fransisca Shuler, Manager, Business Services, PATH. U.S. Army, Administrative Specialist, 1997-2001. An Administrative Specialist is responsible for a variety of duties, making sure that information is recorded, stored and delivered to keep operations running as smoothly as possible.: “My MOS was Admin Specialist, in the Reception Battalion. We took care of recruits and processed them into the Army. Now I take care of the railroad’s administrative work for the Human Resources Department, as well as business logistics. In high school I took typing. This was beneficial for my position in the Army. Also, I used the GI Bill for my tuition in Business Management. All this training put down a path for success. Give our veterans an opportunity. These are people who put themselves on the line. If they can serve your country, they can serve your company.”
Phil Spinelli, Assistant Director, Way & Power, PATCO. U.S. Army, Transportation Officer, 88A, 1985-2006. Transportation Officers manage all elements of distribution related to the planning, operation, coordination, and evaluation of all modes of transportation (air, sea, rail and ground) to move units, personnel, equipment and supplies: “Military service instilled essential skills and values that are highly applicable in the rail industry. The discipline and strong work ethic I developed during my training have been crucial in maintaining the high standards expected in railroad operations. The formal courses I participated in focused on leadership principles, strategy and management, providing me with a solid foundation for leading diverse teams effectively. This skill is particularly crucial in high-pressure environments like railroads, where teamwork is vital for success. Trained to adapt and overcome challenges, veterans excel in the dynamic nature of railroad operations, with strong critical thinking and decision-making skills that are crucial for addressing high-pressure situations.”
Bud Scott Jr., Labor Relations Manager, SEPTA. U.S. Coast Guard, Boatswain’s Mate Third Class (BM3), 1983-1990. A BM3 performs any task in connection with deck maintenance including small boat operations, ship navigation, maritime law enforcement, and supervising personnel assigned to a ship’s work force or small boat station: “My Coast Guard time taught me the importance of establishing and conforming to rules and structure. In the military, you are required to learn and follow rules daily. To accomplish a goal as a team, or organization team members must follow the rules, but also be flexible to meet changes to the mission or task. My current assignment at SEPTA requires the ability to value the necessity of adhering to company policy, standing operating procedures and safety. I had several positive experiences during my time in the Coast Guard. I believe the most beneficial was learning the importance of being able to work as a team member or leader, give and follow directions, and work with all types of people regardless of race, gender, age, or religion. There are several advantages regarding hiring a military veteran. Veterans work well in teams, are self-disciplined and possess an excellent work ethic. They are known for their collaboration, technical skills and specialized training. Joining the military provides individuals the opportunity to gain these valuable skills and experience as well as education and training.”
Kemmery Kendrick, Systems Program Manager, New Jersey Transit. U.S. Army, Fire Control Systems Tech, 1983-1986, responsible for placement, operation, and maintenance of the Patriot Fire Control system. U.S. Air Force, ADSC Intel Ops Specialist IN071, 1997-2015, supervising all aspect of Air Force operations by collating, analyzing, evaluating and disseminating intelligence information in support of the Command: “I was in Signal Department maintenance on the railroad. Then I worked my way to Electronic Technician. When I went to school for Supervision (two schools), I learned how to handle a staff of people. You get experienced people when you hire a veteran. Now, if I must present to the FRA or FTA, I can stand and present on highly technical matters.”
Luigi Moschitti, Retired Amtrak Supervisor and ARSA Union Local President. U.S. Army Quarter Master, 1968-1970: “In Southeast Asia, my job was base security. I learned how to get along with others, not only taking, but giving. It was essential that I followed my daily orders and did my job precisely because base security was at stake. If you are interested in a challenge and doing something great, as well as gaining life experience and traveling, join! I think very highly of the military. My son joined and is still in the Coast Guard.”
The author, a U.S. Coast Guard Reservist, would like to gratefully acknowledge PATH and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for its support of Veterans and Reservists, as well as all other railroads that have supported active and prior servicemembers.
