Manager of Track Maintenance at Union Pacific Railroad
How one officer taps his military training 
to solve problems at his civilian job.
By Warren Duffie

A warrior for efficiency and productivity, Brandon Montang regularly employs a powerful leadership weapon – the military decision-making process.

When a problem arises, the first lieutenant’s mind focuses with laser precision: State the problem, map out multiple solutions and scenarios, analyze how each solution and scenario might unfold and, finally, execute.

“This process helps me a great deal in my job,” said the Army National Guardsman. “Especially when I have to consider how long a job will take, how many employees I have available, and how to divide the tasks among my workers.”

On the Job
Montang, 28, is a manager of track maintenance for Union Pacific Railroad. Based in Alamogordo, N.M., he oversees 13 employees who help maintain and repair 259 miles of railroad track stretching from Texas to New Mexico.

“In this job, there is always something to do and not enough hours in the day,” Montang said. “To stay on task, I regularly put my Army training to use: Being adaptable, having the discipline to complete assignments and getting my workers to do the same.”

In Uniform
Montang enlisted in the Iowa National Guard in 1999 and then the Missouri National Guard a couple of years later while attending the College of the Ozarks. As a college student, he participated in ROTC, earning a commission when he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics in 2005.

Montang completed his Basic Engineer Officer Course at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. During his National Guard career, the engineering officer has served in Guatemala, Afghanistan, Missouri and Louisiana.

The Transition
In 2007, after a couple of years of working odd jobs, Montang wanted to shake up his civilian career. His father, who worked for a railroad company, encouraged him to consider looking for work in that industry.

Although Montang was deployed at the time, he came across the career website for Union Pacific Railroad, applied for several positions and lined up an interview for when he returned from deployment. After several interviews, he was hired as an engineer associate. He was promoted to his current position in 2010.

“In addition to my engineering background, I stressed the leadership skills I learned in the Army,” Montang said. “I also called attention to the ethical and moral fiber the military instilled in me.

“I think military veterans would really enjoy working for Union Pacific,” he continued. “The pay and benefits are great – the company paid the difference in my salary when I deployed to Afghanistan. There is a strong, military-style structure and many veterans work for the company, and you can work outdoors and not be cooped up in a cubicle all the time.”  

“In addition to my engineering background, I stressed the leadership skills I learned in the Army,” Montang said. “I also called attention to the ethical and moral fiber the military instilled in me.

What Montang Likes 
About His Job

• There is always a new challenge.
• Being able to work outdoors. 
  

Montang’s Advice
Have patience. “It’s an adjustment going from the military work culture to the civilian one. You need to adapt your people and communication skills. You can’t bark orders at civilians.”

2011 Military Friendly Ranking:  #12
Industry Ranking:  #3
Number of Years on List:  6

Did You Know?
Union Pacific is the largest railroad in North America, covering 23 states and 32,000 miles. It comprises 8,400 locomotives, 96,000 freight cars and 43,500 employees. The company transports everything from cars to chemicals and is the only railroad to serve all six gateways to Mexico.

 A G.I. Jobs Military Friendly Employer, Union Pacific has a military-specific recruiting plan that includes involvement at military transition offices, military education offices, Reserve units, military panels, National Guard units, career fairs, information sessions, employer panels, résumé review assistance and serving on local military committees and boards.

In addition to being recognized by G.I. Jobs, Union Pacific was presented the Military Officers Association of America Distinguished Service Award in 2009, is a member of the Army Reserve’s Employee Partnership Initiative, is a supporter of the Army Partnership for Youth Success program, and is a past recipient of the Freedom Award – the U.S. government’s highest employer recognition.