Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow offers the only intermediate-advance rail operations class within the Department of Defense. The course allows Marines and Soldiers in relating occupational fields to obtain the necessary knowledge, confidence and experience in conducting rail operations for military movements. In accordance with the MCO Manual 1200.17E, the following Marine Corps MOS’s are mandated to have this rail operations training.
0431 – Logistics/Embarkation Specialist (SSgt to PVT)
0481 – Landing Support Specialist (SSgt to PVT)
0491 – Logistics/Mobility Chief (MGySgt to GySgt)
0402 – Logistics Officer (LtCol to 2ndLt)
This course runs approximately two weeks and is scheduled to coincide with the rotational units that arrive to train at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, CA. The amount of equipment and the high-pace of operations make perfect integration for the students and allow them to experience first-hand the essence, tempo and procedures for uploading and downloading military equipment onto railcars. While the length of the class may vary depending on missions being supported, the class is over at the completion of operations.
The course covers a wide variety of subjects within rail operations including cost efficiency, safety standards and procedures, loading and downloading, equipment and railcar characteristics, and load building/planning. One day is spent within a classroom setting while the remaining days are spent in the field with rotational units loading and downloading equipment.
The main mission of this course is for students to be equipped with the knowledge and experience of rail operations that they can take back to their unit and utilize. The amount of cost savings that rail versus truck movements cannot be denied and it is intended that the Marine Corps forge a strong foundation for rail movement and capabilities within Marine Corps units and occupational fields.
The students are berthed at Building 582 and are asked to bring their sleeping systems or linen. MCLB Barstow does not have a dining facility but does have two Marine Corps Exchanges, a Family Restaurant and because of its proximity to the city of Barstow, an array of various fast-food and grocery stores right outside the gate. The following list is mandated for each student.
GEAR LIST:
1 - Hard Hat or Kevlar
1 - Pair of Boots
1 - Pair of Gloves
1 - Camelback or Water System
1- Sleeping system (the barracks have bunks but no linen)
Note taking Material
To schedule students for a class please send an e-mail to either Chad Hildebrandt at chad.hildebrandt@usmc.mil or Sgt Carrizales, D. at daniela.carrizales@usmc.mil. Both individuals can be reached at 577-7243/7781. It is requested that in the initial contact, you state how many students you will be sending, their gender, rank and full names. This allows proper berthing accommodations to be made.
The following dates are FY-16 Rail Course Dates.
TRAINING DATES:
CLASS 16-07 JUN 23 - JUL 4
CLASS 16-08 AUG 11- AUG 22
CLASS 16-09 SEP 8 - SEP 26
FY17 CLASSES:
17-01 -- 13 Oct - 24 Oct
17-02 -- 10 Nov - 21 Nov
17-03 -- 26 Jan - 13 Feb
17-04 -- 02 Mar - 27 Mar
17-05 -- 13 Apr - 24 Apr
17-06 -- 11 May - 22 May
17-07 -- 08 Jun - 19 Jun
17-08 -- 10 Aug - 28 Aug
17-09 -- 14 Sep - 25 Sep
FY17 CLASSES:
17-01 -- 13 Oct - 24 Oct
17-02 -- 10 Nov - 21 Nov
17-03 -- 26 Jan - 13 Feb
17-04 -- 02 Mar - 27 Mar
17-05 -- 13 Apr - 24 Apr
17-06 -- 11 May - 22 May
17-07 -- 08 Jun - 19 Jun
17-08 -- 10 Aug - 28 Aug
17-09 -- 14 Sep - 25 Sep