this job is perfect for me! I have my associates in diesel power technology and im an honorable veteran! thanks for the info... 
riverrat i hope you already grabbed an app because they stopped giving them out last wednesday. Sorry if you missed out. They wont give apps out again for another 2 years.
I am a local 12 operating engineer and work for sukut and make a pretty decent living .remember for the guys trying to get in its not just a job playing on a sitting on tractors .work can be tough mentally and physically.
And what keith is saying is true, it is a very cut throat industry and you have to make your own way. Nothing will be handed to you. I have worked for Security Paving and currently work for Las Vegas Paving and have found my place there. Good luck guys.