Need advice getting a Diesel Locomotive Mechanic position

[larryrob]

I am currently in the military and I want to get a job with a railroad company after I retire in late 2018. At that time I will be 58 years old. The job I want is a Diesel Locomotive Mechanic. I don’t have a specific company or location that I want. I realize that this will probably be my last job and ever since I was a little kid, I’ve always loved trains. My mechanical background jobs were a typewriter repairer, small gas engine mechanic, jet engine mechanic, and water purification equipment service technician. My question for the forum is how do I increase my odds getting hired with the railroad? I know my age is not helpful. Should I take a course in Diesel Mechanics while I’m still in the military? Any advice will be appreciated.