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U.S. Department of Homeland Security rookies are erasing the chalkboard and cracking open books to gain a better understanding of the railroad industry. Newly hired department employees recently attended a week-long "introduction to railroading" course at Burlington Northern Santa Fe's Technical Training Center (TTC) in Overland Park, Kan.

The course covered railroad job descriptions, operating and radio rules, safety, signals and hazardous materials. Attendees also obtained hands-on experience in BNSF's training yard and toured Argentine Yard.

"Given the importance of security in today's world, government and industry need to work together toward a mutual understanding," said Mike Lorkiewicz, Department of Homeland Security physical security specialist, in a prepared statement. "This exchange of information helps us to be more effective in the department in ensuring the safety of our communities and our rail infrastructure."

The Class I expects to conduct similar training sessions for the department, said Dave Tolle, BNSF assistant vice president of technical training and rules.