American Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Find Work in the Railroad Industry

The US railroad industry employs American Iraq and Afghanistan veterans coming home from fighting war abroad. More than 25% of American railroad workers come from a military background.

American veterans returning home from tours of duty in Iraq or Afghanistan are finding work in the railways. In the same way that veterans of the Civil War helped build the transcontinental railroad in the 19th century, modern military men and women are taking advantage of work opportunities in the American railroad industry that welcomes them with open arms.

The Vice-President of Human Resources of Union Pacific Roy Schroer has stated that military people have the ability to adapt to the railroad way of life, and that is one of the reasons why they fit right in. Railway officials have corroborated this statement saying that because of their military training, people with a military background are very much suited to the job. And the veterans themselves say that they are comfortable in the railroad environment.

Unemployment rate for war veterans

In the United States, reports state that unemployment amongst veterans remains high. According to the Labor Department the rate of unemployment for war veterans have improved since 9/11 but the percentage is still higher than for non-veterans, at 9.9% versus 7.9%. Veterans aged 18-24 years present less encouraging figures. Last year, the rate of unemployment for this demographic was at 20.4%. At present, there are around 800,000 veterans in the United States who are currently unemployed. And now troops from Afghanistan are coming back home, the number is only expected to increase. The last American soldier left Iraq in 2011.

Programs for hiring veterans

Given the alarming rate of unemployment the White House was compelled to initiate a program that encourages business enterprises to hire war veterans. This campaign was dubbed “Joining Forces.” The United States Chamber of Commerce also launched a similar campaign called “Hiring Our Heroes.” Railroad companies have been known to attend job fairs in pursuit of veterans looking for civilian jobs.

Amongst familiar company

Former military men and women are seeking out employment in railroad companies because of certain factors that attract them to the job environment. Mark Major, an Iraqi veteran is now managing freight trains in Oakland, California and preferred the rail lines for the challenges that the job offers. Major also likes the fact that the job allows him a lot of independence which he prefers. He also likes it that many other soldiers who served in foreign wars work in the same industry. He added that despite the similarities, there is still a big difference because at the railroad, nobody is trying to shoot him. Major has been employed by Union Pacific for two years now.

Just the type of work

A war veteran is used to following a chain of command and working for a mission. A war veteran also thrives in an exciting and high-strung environment and do not mind working 24/7. Military troops returning to civilian life would usually seek out a job that offers these very same work conditions. War veteran Mark Major said that sitting down in a cubicle for a 40-hour work week does not appeal to him. He served in the infantry during his tour of duty.

Veterans have special skills and are a great fit for positions such as mechanics and electricians. War veterans without special skills will be trained to become conductors or work other jobs in the railroad.

Photo Credit:  UPRR level junction