No matter the industry, logistics
are what keeps it moving. Supply chain, operations, quality engineering, and inventory
control are all a part of making sure goods get from their point of origin to
their point of consumption. Thought to have originated from the ancient
Greek and Roman military's need to supply itself as it moved around, it is only
fitting that veterans are powering this very important job function.
Samantha Holys, a former Army Captain Medical Service Officer and instructor
of Medical Logistics, is a great example of how training in military logistics
translates into civilian logistics. Now a Corporate Warehouse Supervisor with
Best Buy, Holys explains how her military experience helps in her civilian
career: “I was very fortunate to have worked in the logistics field for the
last several years in the Army. I think it is a great fit for me. I feel like
Military Officers encompass many of the skills employers are seeking in
today's market, such as leadership and the flexibility to work under difficult
and demanding circumstances and still complete the mission.”
And completing the mission is
what logistics is really all about—making sure all the moving pieces come
together when, where, and how they’re supposed to. With this definition in
mind, here are four career fields within logistics in which veterans have found
particular success:
Supply Chain Analysis
Veterans have experience moving
people, fuel, and materiel over long distances under difficult conditions. Mission-oriented, veterans are able to
evaluate multiple variables in constantly changing conditions to get the right
amounts of what they need where they need it. Additionally, JMOs have
experience with inventory and supply databases, technology, and software
systems.
Operations Management
No two days are the same in the
military, and veterans understand how to lead while staying flexible to get the
job done. Veterans have experience
building and leading diverse teams and dealing with different groups of
people. Whether biggest customer or
hourly laborer, they maintain respect for each individual. And the military’s as a dedication to safety translates
into a safe civilian workplace environment.
From the loading dock, to the warehouse, to the pier, veterans are the
prime movers getting the job done with the highest production and lowest
possible cost.
Quality Engineering and
Improvement
During the mid to late 90s,
companies became increasingly aware of the relationship between quality, waste,
cost, and efficiency. Veterans were
brought in to help improve and influence change in the logistics trains of many
companies. This occurred through quality
initiative programs that included six sigma programs or upgrading technology
and machinery. Veterans are often the
change agents companies seek.
Inventory Control Management
From MREs to missiles, the
military has a constant need for inventory control. Veterans have experience in maintaining
inventory control with the latest computer systems and technology. From tracking cargo across oceans, to
maintaining an orderly warehouse, they are trained to do things right the first
time and know how to take care of their customers.
With 100+ different military occupational specialties (MOS) across all branches related to logistics, veterans may see a direct correlation between a Marine Corps Logistics Officer, a Senior Army Noncommissioned Logistician, or an Air Force Logistics Readiness Officer, and civilian logistics positions. But they should also consider the logistics inherent in many, many other MOSs. Indeed, officers and enlisted alike are poised to make an impact on the logistics of industries ranging from construction to manufacturing to retail.
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