by MaineCoonCat
I'm a bit surprised at the lack of discussion that I can find about this:
On their website, [url=http://www.tea.army.mil/dodprog/RND/default.htm][img]http://www.tea.army.mil/images/Newteahome.gif[/img][/url] wrote:Click the above image or this link for their site: http://www.tea.army.mil/dodprog/RND/default.htm.
Railroads for National Defense (RND)
The Railroads for National Defense Program (RND) ensures the readiness capability of the national railroad network to support defense deployment and peacetime needs. The Program integrates defense rail needs into civil sector planning affecting the Nation’s railroad system. Rail transportation is extremely important to DOD since our heavy and tracked vehicles will deploy by rail to seaports of embarkation. The RND Program, in conjunction with the US Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), established the Strategic Rail Corridor Network (STRACNET) to ensure DOD’s minimum rail needs are identified and coordinated with appropriate transportation authorities. STRACNET is an interconnected and continuous rail line network consisting of over 36,000 miles of track serving over 130 defense installations. We work with state DOTs, the American Association of Railroads (AAR), the Surface Transportation Board (STB), the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance of Way Association (AREMA), the Railway Industrial Clearance Association (RICA), the FRA, and individual railroad companies to protect this railroad infrastructure.
Seen behind the motorman on the inside wall of a PCC departing "Riverside" many years ago: "Pickpockets are on duty for your convenience."