Who is a Military Logistician and How to Become One?

Military Logistician

Military logistics refers to the processes, systems, and resources involved in transporting, generating, redeploying, sustaining, or reallocating materials to forces. A military logistician is a senior officer who develops and monitors logistic plans to facilitate the efficient movement of materials and troops. This military officer has expertise in mission planning, maintenance and transportation of the country’s troops.

To become a military logistician, you need an in-depth understanding of logistics and great organization skills. You will calculate the supply needs of the forces and ensure that they are supplied with the necessary resources for their operations. 

How to become a military logistician

To become a great logistician, you need:

  • intensive training
  • great skills
  • good educational background

Extensive knowledge of supply chain operations will enable you to perform military logistics operations easily. Some training elements differ from country to country depending on the military supply needs and the responsibilities bestowed on them. You will need a bachelor’s degree in:

  • Supply chain management
  • Business administration       

As a college student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration, you must work hard to understand military logistics operations. You can use military essay examples for academic needs on WritingBros to help you understand clearly how to plan for the efficient movement of troops and materials.

Studying other materials related to logistic operations is highly recommended. It will help you learn how to carry out logistic operations. A well-rounded curriculum in your bachelor’s education will prepare you to manage operations.

Military logistics branches have extensive career opportunities for officers and soldiers. Soldiers are often trained in a variety of trades that are needed to carry out different logistic missions. This could be training to be movement controllers, dispatchers, couriers and drivers.

Officer training trains the soldiers to be troop commanders. They are trained in managing logistic operations from either the field or base. You can specialize in fields like port maintenance or the food supply. It’s also possible to specialize in multiple disciplines as most military logistics areas overlap. 

Some other degree options

A master’s degree in logistics, data analytics, or supply chain management is an added advantage. Most of the courses in these disciplines are designed to provide in-depth knowledge of supply chain operations, which is vital in military logistics.

Excellent math skills are also vital in military logistic operations. If possible, you can take advantage of the math scholarships in the USA to advance your math skills. Remember that military organizations use large volumes of data on their prospects, suppliers, and other business processes. It is needed to improve their operations.

This data could be meaningless if it’s not analyzed adequately. And part of the military logistician’s job is to interpret the data and identify patterns and trends. It empowers the military to make the best decisions.

Military training

While it’s necessary to understand military logistic operations, it’s equally important to know how you can take the enemy outpost. You must fully understand how to protect the supply lines to ensure that the necessary supplies and equipment reach the troops.

Becoming a logistician requires you to complete basic military training. This training involves time spent in the field and the classroom. It usually covers survival and other tactical skills. You will be trained on using different weapons and physical training for self-defense.

Most of the skills are gained through job experience. Of course, you will start your logistician career with basic duties like:

  • Keeping records
  • Inspecting new equipment supplied to the troops
  • Managing relocation activities

As a military logistician, you will work in different capacities with the forces. You can be selected to oversee the implementation of the logistic operations. It’s also possible to work as a strategic planner, which involves helping to develop operations that will be used in the field. 

Extra skills needed to become a military logistician

Apart from business skills, there are other essential skills that are highly required for you to become a great military logistician. Problem-solving skills are highly needed to help you handle unexpected issues. It could be problems related to suppliers. You will be able to adjust your plans accordingly to resolve transportation issues. A career in logistics can be exciting and fulfilling. But you must have the great skills needed for logistical operations.

As a military logistician, you also need a great ability to stay calm under pressure. It will help you handle stressful situations while in the fields or preparing for war. Flexibility is also highly needed. It is vital to adapt to the changing job situations in military operations.

In the case of army logistics, it’s divided into four branches: quartermaster, ordinance, multi-discipline and transportation. 

What are the roles of military logisticians? 

Military logistics specialists help to manage particulars surrounding maintenance, procurement, and the transportation of the facilities, materials, and personnel. You will be tasked with developing, evaluating, supervising, and monitoring logistic plans and other programs.

These programs could be preparing you for:

  • A war
  • Support planning
  • Deployment of personnel

As a result, you must be able to integrate the disparate functions of planning. You should be able to implement different logistic programs. Military logisticians also prepare aircraft and ship supply loads. Sometimes, you will also need to perform administrative duties like data entry to the information systems. Flexibility is highly required as things keep changing depending on the ongoing operations.

Conclusion

Becoming a military logistician can be a fulfilling career. You should have a strong passion for supply chain operations. You will need a bachelor’s degree in the related field, undergo military training, and have the necessary skills for carrying out logistical operations. 

Author’s Bio

Alisia Stren is a multi-talented professional. She works as a career counselor for students and military veterans and as an online tutor teaching school and college students. She’s an academic writer, too, and her expertise is in essays, personal statements, resumes and cover letters. Her audience loves her for her punctuality in work and the quality of papers she writes and edits. 

Military logistician article and permission to publish here provided by Alisia Stren. Originally written for Supply Chain Game Changer and published on August 29, 2022.