UP helps facilitate U.S. Army training exercise

Union Pacific Railroad this summer facilitated one of the largest military movements by rail on record, transporting equipment for a full U.S. Army division — consisting of three brigades and about 12,000 soldiers — as part of a major training rotation.

Throughout the training exercise, 25 trains carried combat vehicles, trucks, support equipment and supplies between Fort Carson, Colorado, and Yermo, California. 

The first of 13 outbound  trains departed in early June; subsequent departures occurred every 48 hours through early July. Redeployment upon completion of the exercise took place in August, UP officials said in a press release. In addition to returning equipment to Fort Carson, some assets were shipped to three separate depot locations. 

“This effort demonstrates the scale, reliability and precision of rail transportation,” said Jacque Bendon, UP’s senior vice president, marketing and sales. “We’re proud to work alongside our military partners to safely and efficiently move the vehicles, equipment and supplies needed for this critical training mission and the readiness of our nation’s armed forces.”

The shipments required extensive coordination among military and UP personnel and showcased rail's unique ability to handle complex military logistics, UP officials said.