This manual describes the organizations, processes, procedures, and systems involved in the rail operations across the military spectrum.

The focus of this manual is for the reader to gain an understanding of the army rail system and how it functions.

Rail transport operations in developed nations are considered to be a HN–provided service. In contingency areas, US rail units may have to be employed to support the theater of operations.

This FM sets forth transportation rail doctrine and organizational structure. It is written to explain the functions of rail transport operations service in a theater of operations. It provides basic information for commanders and staffs of supporting units and for staff officers of higher HQ. It is also intended to serve as a text for student instruction and training of rail unit personnel.

This manual remains consistent with Army operations, logistics doctrine, and concepts currently published or in the process of being published. However, the reader is cautioned that logistics doctrine is changing — and changing rapidly. The on–going efforts to reduce the Army logistics footprint and move to the Objective Force will require doctrinal change. Users acting within the scope of their authority may vary from this doctrine in this manual when such variation will result in improved operations.

The Army’s environmental strategy into the 21st century defines its philosophy and commitment in protecting and preserving the environment and natural resources for present and future generations. Sound environmental practices and considerations must be integrated into all army documents, missions, and operations.

In keeping with the Army’s vision to be a national leader in environmental stewardship, commanders and leaders must ensure that all local, state, federal, and host nation laws and regulations pertaining to the environment are included in the planning process and followed to an extent consistent with operational considerations.

An essential handbook for anyone with an interest in military procedures or survival techniques.

Detailed in this army rail instruction handbook:

CHAPTER 1 RAIL TRANSPORT OPERATIONS

  • Railway Service in the Theater
  • Establishment of Rail Operations
  • Phases of Operation
  • Methods of Operation
  • Use of existing Facilities
  • Battlefield Security
  • Communication and Automation

CHAPTER 2 RAILWAY TRAIN OPERATIONS

  • Operating and Safety Rules
  • Communications System
  • Operation of Trains
  • Track Facilities
  • Car Allocation and Distribution
  • Records and Reports
  • Ports

CHAPTER 3 RAIL OPERATIONS IN SMALLER SCALE CONTINGENCIES

  • Role of the Rail Unit
  • Unconventional Operations
  • Defense Measures
  • Attacks on the Right–of–Way
  • Train Operations
  • Armored Trains and Cars
  • Countermeasures

CHAPTER 4 RAIL DISPATCHING OPERATIONS AND PROCEDURES

  • Dispatching Operations
  • Dispatching Personnel
  • Timetable
  • Loss of Timetable Schedule
  • Superiority and Right
  • Train Orders
  • Orders Affecting Scheduled Trains
  • Train Registers
  • Track Warrants and Bulletins
  • Track Bulletin (DA Form 5706–R)
  • Extra Trains
  • Centralized Traffic Control

CHAPTER 5 MAIN LINE OPERATIONS AND PROCEDURES

  • Train Operating Company Personnel
  • Calling and Reporting
  • Automatic Signal System
  • Signals and Markers
  • Clerical Work and Train Movements
  • Safety Measures

CHAPTER 6 YARD AND TERMINAL OPERATIONS AND PROCEDURES

  • Rail Yards
  • Terminal Facilities
  • Tracks and Yard Characteristics
  • Yard Personnel Duties and Responsibilities
  • Freight Grouping and Classification

CHAPTER 7 RAILWAY STRUCTURE, RECONNAISSANCE, CONSTRUCTION, AND REHABILITATION

  • Track and Structures
  • Components and Functions
  • Track Tools
  • Effects of Terrain on Track Alignment and Profile
  • Structures
  • Effects of Cold Weather
  • Construction and Rehabilitation Requirements

CHAPTER 8 RAILWAY EQUIPMENT

  • Equipment Use
  • Rolling Stock
  • Locomotive Classification
  • Types of Railway Equipment
  • Effects of Cold Weather on Motive Power and Rolling Stock

CHAPTER 9 WRECK CREWS AND EQUIPMENT

  • Interruptions to Rail Traffic
  • Wreck Trains
  • Safety
  • Operating Rules
  • Load Formulas
  • Hoisting and Lifting Materials
  • Equipment Recovery and Line Clearing Operations
  • Locomotive Lifts
  • Inspection After Rerailing
  • Table of Contents

CHAPTER 10 RAIL PLANNING

  • Railway Intelligence
  • Rail Operations Planning
  • Line Capacity Planning
  • Yard Capacity Determination
  • Railway Equipment Requirements
  • Personnel and Unit Requirements
  • Supply Requirements

CHAPTER 11 FOREIGN SERVICE HOST NATION EQUIPMENT

  • Types of Equipment
  • Rules
  • Sustainment of Rail Operations

CHAPTER 12 RAIL ACCIDENTS AND INCIDENTS

  • Rail Hazard Issues
  • APPENDICES
  • APPENDIX A BLANK LOCALLY PRODUCABLE FORMS
  • APPENDIX B RAILWAY PLANNING EXAMPLE
  • APPENDIX C RAIL TRANSPORT ORGANIZATIONS
  • GLOSSARY
  • BIBLIOGRAPHY