Supply Chain and Logistics - The one skill we ALL can do and transfer to a civilian career

Maj Randall Mauldin — Sun, 10 Aug 2014 12:36:17 -0400

Supply chain management has become quite the thing in business.

Business executives recognize the value to their profits and sustainability that good supply chain management brings to the table.

Even thought they see the value, according to a recent survey from PwC, less than 15% of CEOs believed their current supply chain could survive a major disruption like a hurricane, labor strike, or war.

That means 85% of companies would feel the pain of a major disaster.

And yet, this is something our experience, no matter what your MOS or designation, allows us to do and add value to a company.

We know how to plan and manage logistics and supply chains to support operations.

As you can see, there are a lot of companies that need this skill.

How would you feel about a career in supply chain management?

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Aug 10 at 2014 10:03 PM

CPT Jacob Swartout — Sun, 10 Aug 2014 22:03:02 -0400

Sir, if only I was retired by now and not having 5 more years to go, I would be quite interested in supply chain management. I'm hoping to get accepted for Army Acquisitions which deals with logistics here. I've always wanted to be in logistics and know it can provide a great career while on duty and after the Army.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2014 10:31 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Aug 2014 10:31:24 -0400

As an Army Logistician I would probably really enjoy a career in supply chain management or a similar logistics based field. I have six years of experience under my belt so far, with one of my best experiences being both the company commander and the SPO for an Ordnance Battalion responsible for 5 ammunition depots in southern Japan that supported all of PACOM and USARJ's ammo needs. I learned a ton about ammo storage, shipment, surveillance, forcasting, and safety/hazmat in those positions! I figure once I get a masters degree in supply chain management or logistics I will look a lot more valuable to a company whenever I do decide to hang up the uniform. Everyone needs logistics! I plan on maximizing my experience and knowledge as much as possible to better serve the Army and then using that to further a fulfilling civilian career when I feel the time is right.

Response by Sgt Jarrod Tallman made Aug 11 at 2014 2:46 PM

Sgt Jarrod Tallman — Mon, 11 Aug 2014 14:46:08 -0400

The statement above is very accurate about supply chain risks and how companies have strategies around mitigating those risks. I think the military does a great job with managing of the logistics aspect of their supply chains but do they do a good job when it comes to managing the category of suppliers?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2014 10:32 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 10:32:38 -0400

I would recommend all to check out the three part webinar series that I am completing for Kinaxis's Supply Chain Community on the Logistics/Supply Chain Talent Challenge. For those transitioning from the military, Part 3 should be of interest which should be posted in the next couple of days. If you follow Randall's advice there are many companies who need your skill sets. And yes you can add value to a company. Best thing is that there is a shortage of talent that needs to be filled by you!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2015 2:54 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 14:54:29 -0500

I am extremely interested in Supply Chain Management. I have close to 8 years of experience with supply, and I am currently trying to find a way to get accepted into a LSS course, but I keep getting removed due to senior enlisted/officers submitting their requests.

I am also currently taking classes on Defense Acquisition University for Life Cycle Logistics.

Is there anything else I could complete while still enlisted, that would give me an advantage on my competition?