THE U.S. UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IS HOVERING JUST A BIT OVER
4 percent. A steadily improving economy means that most people who
want work are finding it. Yet there remains a group of people who are
not finding employment as easily as they should in a tight job market. I
am speaking of military veterans.
During my conversation with our November Thought Leader, Chris
Andrews (see p. 28), he pointed out that there are many veterans who
remain unemployed months, even years, after leaving the service. While
they have the skills for the jobs they seek, they often have to accept positions that are beneath their abilities simply because they lack a résumé
demonstrating accomplishments in private industry.
Many vets also lack the connections that their counterparts in the private sector have garnered during years
of working for a variety of employers.
Veterans can bring solid skill sets acquired during
their service. Those who have been in military logistics offer experience working for one of the largest
and most complex supply chain operations in the
world—an operation that connects every continent
and involves multiple modes of transportation.
Veterans also bring a dedication to their work
that has been honed with military precision. They
are disciplined, skilled in following directions, and
used to working in teams, and they understand the
responsibility that comes with service. In addition to
being self-starters, they are loyal and conscientious. In supervisory roles,
veterans understand the chain of command and the value of mentorship.
So, how do we as supply chain professionals tap into the benefits of this
potential work force? Andrews suggests that employers contact nearby
military bases to connect with officers working on local transition teams.
They will know of servicemen and women who will soon transition to
civilian life and have the particular skills that employers are seeking.
Another great way to connect is to get involved with the “Vets to
WERC” program, an initiative aimed at matching veterans who have
supply chain experience with employers needing their skills (and of
which DC VELOCITY is a co-founder). You can find information about
the program at the Warehousing Education and Research Council’s
website, www.werc.org, along with stories about veterans who have successfully transitioned into private-sector roles, and resources for getting
your own initiative started at your workplace.
As we observe Veterans Day this month, let us all strive to offer more
than just our thanks for their service. Let us help put these veterans into
meaningful roles that benefit our companies and our industry.
bigpicture
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