Army Rail Operations
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.
ARMY RAIL OPERATIONS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREFACE
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