CASTING VETS INTO THE PRIVATE SECTOR

摘要

Te word logistics comes from the French term l'art logistique-the art of quartering troops. So it's not surprising that the logistics and supply chain sector is closely aligned with the military in many of its processes, strategies, and, increas- ingly, its workforce. As several branches of the U.S. military draw down troops, many private sec- tor companies are looking to leverage those skills. Many supply chain managers who work with veterans give glowing reviews of the teamwork, discipline, and focus they bring to private sector jobs. Employers agree that veterans have valuable experience to offer-even if they didn't specifically serve in logistics or transportation roles. "Veterans have all been logisticians," notes Dr. Carmen Mousel, active duty Army logistics officer and instructor at Charleston, W.V.-based American Public University, which offers degree and other programs to departing soldiers. "Waging war requires acquiring, shipping, storing, and utilizing personnel, equipment, money, food, and clothing -wherever it's needed. Doing battle means moving constantly."