What do you want to be when you grow up? This August will be my 15th year of service and I still do not know the answer to that question. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, mind you. If I terminate service now, in addition to leadership experience, I’ll have a heavily padded resume that rivals those of my infantry brethren. Perhaps, you are unsure of where your life will be in 20 years? Choosing a branch that offers training beneficial in the civilian workforce may be an indicator that you possess the traits necessary to plan for contingencies. If this is the case, you are what the Logistics Corps needs.
First, it is important to note the Logistics Branch is actually a combination of multiple branches. It includes the Transportation Corps, Ordnance Corps, and Quartermaster Corps. All three basic branches offer unique benefits focused on distribution management, maintenance management, and supply chain management; these are critical skills needed in every Fortune 500 company.
The quote above, by Elon Musk, is truly incredible. Here he is, one of the most influential and brilliant minds of our time, acknowledging that supply chain management is difficult. Do a Google search for “logistics quotes”. You may be surprised at at how many leaders, throughout history, developed a respect for their logisticians.
Moment of truth…I did not pick a logistics branch as my first choice. In the Army’s lottery of picks, I did not receive my first choice of Aviation (shocker), or my second of Infantry (shocking). The Army selected me for my third choice, as a Quartermaster, and I’m here to say that the Army did me a favor.
I’ve had the honor and privilege to serve with the finest Soldiers across all branches. As such, most of my leaders were superb. In fact, most were not logisticians. I’ve had tremendous Infantry, Engineer, and Signal leaders who were instrumental in my development as an officer. You may ask, how does a non-logistician develop you? It’s easy, these leaders let me do my job. To quote one of my former bosses, “I can’t spell logistics, so just make sure we get what we need when we need it!” I held a level of responsibility that was make-or-break. Top logisticians find themselves in these situations every day.
Why be a Logistician?
Hindsight is 20/20, but I can say in hindsight that I am happy to be logistician. Every Army unit requires supplies, and as such the Army assigns Logistics Soldiers to every type of unit. Not having the limitations of branch specific units definitely helps when you start looking for assignments around the world. If location isn’t your number one priority, then you have the opportunity to request the type of units you want to support. I desired to fall out of perfectly good airplanes for eight years. Due to widespread need, you have flexibility as a logistician. Whatever floats your boat (we have those too in the Logistics Corps).
Being a logistics officer isn’t hard. As a junior lieutenant, you’ll find yourself surrounded by technical experts. Do your best to learn their jobs. Do better to learn the branch you support. If you find yourself in a Brigade Combat Team, strive to understand the maneuver force mission. Always remember, the concept of operations comes before the sustainment paragraph in any operations order.
Everyone supports the Infantry
Logistics isn’t something our Army wants, it’s something it needs. General Washington realized this two days after assuming command of the Continental Army as he appointed the first Quartermaster General. Alexander the Great realized how important his logisticians were when he conquered the known world. We’re still seeing it as we continue to train Iraq and Afghan National Forces. No matter how well the infantry fights, lacking an effective sustainment force renders an army ineffective without third-party assistance.
I’ve supported the Infantry my entire career. If you really study our force structure, everyone supports the Infantry. My Armor friends may argue, but their force structure does not support, by its design, urban clearance and fighting. If it sounds like I make fun of my brothers and sisters-in-arms, its friendly banter known to those who serve. Trust me, there are hundreds of jokes about troops that are in the rear with the gear!
Professionals Talk Logistics
Our 34th President, Dwight D. Eisenhower said, “You will not find it difficult to prove that battles, campaigns, and even wars have been won or lost primarily because of logistics”. No matter how you choose to serve, please know that past, current, and future service members are grateful. I challenge all leaders to continue to educate themselves on the missions of warfighters to their left and right. Finally, understand that in this author’s humble opinion, everyone who serves deserves the title of warfighter, no matter in what branch you serve.
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