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To help fill thousands of positions this year, Union Pacific Railroad is trying to recruit people with experience in an industry not usually associated with railroading— the Armed Forces. The Class I is interested in hiring people who either are retiring from the military or seeking employment while remaining in the Reserves or National Guard.

UP recruiters believe many of the railroad’s technical positions – such as diesel locomotive mechanics, electricians and rail-car mechanics – require skills similar to maintaining military equipment. In addition, military and railroad lifestyles, and working conditions and hours are very similar. So, four UP recruiters now devote half their time to military recruiting.

“Over the next decade, nearly 40 percent of our employees will reach retirement age,” said UP Senior Vice President of Human Resources Barb Schaefer in a prepared statement. “We want retiring and transitioning military personnel to know that we are looking for men and women with armed services experience to join our workforce.”

Last year, G.I. Jobs magazine recognized UP as a Top 25 military friendly employer.