THE RIGHT STUFF

Why veterans thrive in logistics

- DAMIEN MARTIN

Strategic planning, organization, and distribution of far-flung supplies; resourcefulness and teamwork. These are all qualities of a successful logistics operation. They're also skills one can acquire in the course of military service. So, it should come as no surprise that veterans tend to excel in logistics, supply chain, and manufacturing jobs that require such skills. Connecting them with employers has proved the biggest challenge, but that's beginning to change.

STRONG SUITS

Veterans have specialized training in critical fields, skills which are highly transferable and in high demand, Mission Roll Call CEO Jim Whaley and Hire Heroes USA CEO Ross Dickman point out.

"Veterans are among the most disciplined, resourceful, and dedicated professionals in the job market," they wrote in Stars and Stripes.

"Their military service has equipped them with a range of valuable leadership and technical skills, including problem-solving, learning agility, resiliency, and teamwork."

Both agencies work to help veterans transition to civilian careers. Veterans often report being underemployed years after service has ended, frequently because of mismatches between the jobs they performed in the military and what civilian employers are looking for. But when it comes to logistics, veterans are uniquely suited to perform well.