10 Reasons why Military Veterans are Especially Suited for Supply Chain and Operations Roles
Thursday, January 16, 2025
Supply chain and operations professionals manage the flow of goods, services, and information within and across organizations. This ensures that products and services are delivered to customers in a timely and efficient manner.
Is a business degree a good fit for veterans? Yes, military veterans often excel in business such as supply chain and operations roles due to several key traits and skills they developed during their service.
1. Strong leadership and teamwork
Veterans are trained to lead and work as part of a team in high-pressure environments. Supply chain and operations roles require managing teams, coordinating activities across departments, and ensuring everyone works toward a common goal. Military veterans are accustomed to leading diverse groups and ensuring collaboration in dynamic and complex situations.
2. Understanding of the "people-process-equipment" triangle
All military operations are an outcome of the “people-process-equipment” triangle. Military veterans understand this interaction and can easily translate this into business operations to achieve excellence.
3. Attention to detail and precision
Military training emphasizes attention to detail, ensuring that tasks are performed with high precision and accuracy. This quality is especially valuable in supply chain management, where small errors can lead to significant disruptions, such as inventory shortages, delays, or financial losses.
4. Logistical expertise
Veterans often have hands-on experience in logistics, managing the movement of goods, personnel, and equipment under tight timelines. This real-world experience in managing resources, transportation, and distribution is directly applicable to supply chain and operations functions.
5. Adaptability and resilience
In the military, veterans are regularly required to adapt to changing environments and overcome obstacles. The same adaptability is crucial in supply chain management, where unexpected disruptions can arise and must be managed effectively.
6. Discipline and organizational skills
The military instills a strong sense of discipline, organization, and time management, which are critical in managing the many moving parts of supply chains and operations. Veterans are accustomed to working within structured systems, adhering to strict deadlines, and ensuring tasks are completed on time.
7. Experience with technology and systems
Many veterans are trained in using advanced technology and complex systems to manage equipment, resources, and logistics. These technological skills are valuable in modern supply chains, which rely heavily on software for inventory management, data analysis, and forecasting.
8. Risk management and decision-making
Veterans are trained to assess risks, weigh alternatives, and make sound decisions under pressure. In operations and supply chain roles, these skills help ensure that businesses can anticipate risks (such as supply chain disruptions) and take appropriate measures to mitigate them.
9. Global perspective
Veterans who have served in international settings often bring a global perspective to their roles. They understand the complexities of working with different cultures, managing cross-border logistics, and navigating international trade regulations—critical skills for companies with global supply chains.
10. Commitment to mission and efficiency
Veterans are accustomed to working toward a mission with a clear sense of purpose, which translates well into operations and supply chain roles where efficiency, cost control, and the achievement of business goals are paramount.
These qualities, honed through military service, make veterans well-suited to handle the diverse and demanding nature of supply chain and operations roles in the civilian workforce.
The Carlson School of Management offers support for military members who want to get a business graduate degree, making it one of the best business schools for veterans.
To learn more about the Carlson School’s Master of Science in Supply Chain Management program, military education benefits and G.I. Bill benefits, complete the form below.