The folks at the Association of American Railroads wrote to tell us that they’re committed to hiring five thousand veterans.
A CNN article says that 23% of railroad workers are retiring in the next three years and they want to replace them with veterans;
The railroad association is working with the Department of Veteran Affairs to make sure that 500 railroad companies — including freight, inter-city passenger and commuter railroads — are committed to offering military servicemen and women jobs.
“The railway industry clearly recognizes that hiring veterans is good for their companies, bottom line, and we are appreciative of their efforts to serve veterans as well as they have served the country,” said Brad Cooper, executive director of Joining Forces, a White House initiative to provide opportunities and support to service members and their families.
This is awesome! I had a friend growing up who’s father worked for the railroad, seemed to really enjoy it. Good pay, good benefits, rewarding work. Really nice to see the railroads stepping up like this. Great story.
It’s something to look into. I’ve met a couple of folks that worked for the railroad, and they really enjoy their jobs. Like with most good jobs, the trick is getting your foot in the door.
My old 1SG is a military recruiter for BNSF Railroad. Check them out if you’re looking for a job.
What a great initiative! When you need disciplined workers who can operate at peak efficiency for a prolonged period veterans make the obvious choice.
Railroads are good pay and benefits, best of luck to any who apply for these positions.
The AAR.org movie (“video”) — is good, and here’s the address:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=667Mmz5vm6E&feature=results_main
Additionally, if any vets visiting here and reading this were military law enforcement be sure to check on the Union Pacific, Burlington Northern and CSX Police Departments. Just for fun and a history lesson anybody care to guess what police agency the FBI was modeled after?
Damn! Where was this offer 10 years ago??
One of my E-5s got back from Iraq two years ago. One morning as he was eating his Fruit Loops looking through the want ads for a job, he saw an ad on TV for CSX railways.
http://www.csx.com/
On a whim he applied, got accepted, and after what he describes as the hardest school he ever went through, he is making about 80K as a train controller. I guess CSX stands behind their Veteran’s Pledge.
25 years old, no college, 80K, and my daughter with a graphic arts degree whines because “There’s no good jobs out there”