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Mission Ready: What Military Logistics Teaches Supply Chain Leaders

As Veterans Day approaches, I've been reflecting on a recent conversation with Chad

Moniz, ASCM Houston's VP of Education, who is himself a veteran. Our discussion

reminded me of something I've come to appreciate throughout my career, particularly

through the experiences shared by military veterans I've had the privilege of learning

from and teaching.

During my masters program, I had instructors whose military experience brought an

entirely different perspective to supply chain management. Later, as an instructor

myself, I've had students share their own experiences supporting military logistics and

operations. Their stories have stayed with me. 

We often discuss supply chain management in terms of efficiency, inventory,

transportation, cost, and customer service. But for our military, those same disciplines

take on an entirely different level of importance. Logistics supports national security

every day, whether through maintaining operational readiness, positioning critical supplies,

responding to emergencies, or supporting active missions around the world.

A delayed shipment in a commercial supply chain may affect production or customer

satisfaction. In military operations, a delay in critical supplies or equipment can affect

mission readiness and, in some circumstances, put lives at risk.

Yet the fundamentals remain familiar. Accurate planning, dependable suppliers,

inventory visibility, transportation coordination, risk management, and the ability to adapt

when circumstances change are essential in both environments.

Perhaps one of the most valuable lessons military logistics offers is that readiness isn't

something you achieve when a crisis occurs. It's something you build long before it's needed.

This November is also especially meaningful for ASCM Houston. Our chapter was

recently approved as a vendor for the Department of Veterans Affairs Veteran

Readiness and Employment (VRE) program. This represents another opportunity for

us to support eligible veterans as they develop new skills, pursue professional

certifications, and prepare for careers in supply chain management.

For nearly five decades, ASCM Houston has supported the advancement of the supply

chain profession through education, professional development, and the contributions of

our members and instructors to the body of knowledge. Supporting veterans as they

transition their experience into civilian career opportunities is a natural extension of that

commitment.

This Veterans Day, I encourage our supply chain community to recognize not only the

service and sacrifice of our veterans, but also the knowledge, leadership, and

experience they bring to our profession.

To the veterans in our ASCM Houston community, including our board members,

instructors, students, and fellow supply chain professionals, thank you for your service.

Your experience continues to strengthen our profession and the communities we serve.

Built on Expertise. Focused on the Future.

Tammy Giesler-Hagans

President, ASCM Houston