About 88U
Found only in the U.S. Army Reserve component, the U.S. Army Transportation Corps' 88U Railway Specialist provides rail network capability and infrastructure assessments. 88U Railway specialists supervise and operate the Army’s sophisticated diesel-electric locomotives that move vital supplies and equipment. They assist with rail planning, coordinates the use of host nation or contracted rail assets, and oversees the execution of instructions received from signal towers, switches, and other trains.
88U Railway Specialists are trained in:
- Train car coupling and uncoupling operations
- Sending/Receiving signals through onboard signaling devices and systems
- Signal Tower Operations
- Loading/Unloading of equipment and cargo
- Operation of Diesel-Electric Locomotives
88U Railway Specialists
88U Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) (Sergeant – Sergeant First Class)
At the NCO level, 88U Railway Specialist supervises and provides technical guidance to subordinates performing rail related duties. 88U NCOs supervise the operation of the locomotive's controls and safety appliances, observes and interprets instructions received from signal towers, switches, and other trains. They coordinate train movements; ensures compliance with operating timetables, rule book, and other specific instructions.