A supply chain is defined as the movement of goods from the point of production to the hands of the customer. Logistics is concerned with the management of this supply chain. Its important components are transportation and distribution, warehousing, inventory management, and all these using scientific methods. The primary purpose is to control the movement of men and material from the point of origin or production to the point of consumption or use, at the minimum possible cost. If you are interested in a military career, you will find a lot of opportunities there.
For developing a career in logistics, you need to have management skills and influential power so that you can control your subordinates. Furthermore, creative and innovative skills clubbed with a dynamic personality can land you at higher and successful positions.
Academically, it is expected to have a degree on a related field like SCM (Supply Chain Management) or transport before you apply for a job in this field. Masters in these fields can also be done to get into higher positions. Furthermore, the capability of analyzing diverse data of large quantities and an insight into the transportation business is also required to become successful.
There are some important skills required in this field. One of them is the ability to cut down costs at inventory management and transportation level as the most important task of the manager is to perform his duties at the lowest possible cost. He also has to keep the track of the resources available and their requirement at different destinations. So he needs the skill to manipulate large quantities of data. In military logistics, you need to know the basics of the army and the knowledge of weapons. The ability to live in a difficult environment while working with the military is also required.
Training is very important in this field. As different fields contain different supply chains it is important for a manager to be trained in that specified field. In the military, it is important that you are trained with the location and maps, so that transfer of goods and men can be done without any hassle. Usually, 2-3 months of training is provided and the rate of consumption of goods and food is also taken care of. All routes of transportation expenses occurred should be known.
Having 2-3 years of prior experience can help you get to higher positions in relatively lesser time. In the military a new recruit enjoys lower positions, but as experience increases your positions vary proportionately, provided you are doing a good job. Companies placed with better positions look for youth who are dynamic and creative but have some experience so that they do not have to spend much time on training.
Different positions are available depending on the type of responsibilities. One of them is Logistics Manager. He is required to be able to take correct and quick decisions. He also needs to be well versed with the latest technology such as e-mail, internet usage, and using common computer software. He will have to work under strict deadlines and short timelines. The other one is the Logistics Analyst, whose job is to analyze different logistical procedures and look into improving them in efficiency and reduction of cost. He should be a good observer and innovative. The third one is a Supply Chain Manager, who will manage the flow of goods from the production house to the hands of the user. He should be an expert in employee supervision and all the components leading to warehousing.
Salary of a manager in this field varies with experience and also with the position enjoyed. It may vary from $40,000 to $90,000 annually. The average salary of a Logistics Manager is around $71,000, but it can be around $50,000 for a new employee. The average salary for a Supply Chain Manager is $91,000 and that of a Warehouse Manager is $49,000. This can be increased if worked with dedication and as experience grows.
This is a career that is recruiting very heavily as the companies cannot afford higher costs in transportation and material management. Even then, in today’s world, computerized solutions like ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) are being developed and adapted.
