Commentary: Troops to import/export specialists

Economic growth is quickly outpacing the ability of the education community to produce a trained and ready logistics work force.    Human Resource experts will tell you there’s no such thing as a recession-proof career; however, some professions are more insulated than others. 
   In a declining economy, a company’s cash position may reduce inventories and purchasing power, but a declining dollar makes exports more desirable to foreign producers. As a result, even in a downward trending economy, freight continues to move. 
   The same is true for job opportunities in the logistics industry. The need for skilled logistics professionals did not cease during the recession, and the numbers of projected requirements for logistics professionals in the coming years is staggering. A recent report by the Georgia Center of Innovation for Logistics identified a talent gap between the supply and demand for trained, qualified logistics professionals. The U.S. Department of Labor shows an annual growth rate of 270,200 logistics-related jobs that will need to be filled through 2018.  
   The growth is quickly outpacing the ability of the education community to produce a trained and ready logistics work force. 
   In December 2012, Pam Brown was president of the Atlanta International Forwarders and Brokers Association and attended the Atlanta National Defense Transportation Association Chapter’s monthly luncheon. The talent gap was a matter of discussion, particularly as it pertains to Certified Export Specialists (CES) and Certified Customs Specialists (CCS). Brown was not aware of the similarities in the skill sets and training of these professionals and military traffic management coordinators. After additional research and conversations with Brian Waters, vice president of the Atlanta Chapter of NDTA; Brown; and Federico “Kiko” Zuniga, director of the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association’s Educational Institute (NEI), decided to pursue allowing military traffic coordinators to obtain professional credentials while on active duty or upon transitioning to civilian life.  
   The military traffic management career field closely parallels the CES and CCS profession.  While the missions and working environments may differ, they share a foundational skill set that seems to be a good match for transitioning service members. An Army Movement Noncommissioned Officer requests and coordinates transport capability to meet a movement mission; prepares transportation movement documents and related forms for the type of shipment and mode of travel; monitors all freight, cargo, and materiel shipments to ensure accountability; requests, coordinates, and monitors movement schedules and programs; ensures transport capability is appropriate, cost effective, and meets mission requirements; operates automated data processing equipment to document movement information; responds to shipment inquiries, discrepancies, and routine transactions.
   Lee Hardeman, a former Air Force officer, is president of LHCB, a large international customs brokerage. He sees that most former military members “are used to applying government regulations in real situations, and I have found they are ideally suited for a career in transportation, both domestic and international.”
   Hardeman said freight forwarder, warehousing and cargo operations careers would suit former military members well.  
   “Taking the CCS or CES in preparation for separation would be a very smart move in that these certifications demonstrate not only knowledge of the field but also a level of dedication that, as an employer, I would find very appealing,” he said. 
   In 2013, the Army Transportation School and NEI collaborated to begin a pilot program that would allow some active duty soldiers to gain credentials as a CES. Topics covered include export controls, documentation, destination country controls, and letters of credit. NEI agreed to offer military traffic management coordinators constructive credit toward the requirement for 12 months experience in the U.S. export business. Upon completion of the course soldiers can take the certification exam that could allow them to place professional credentials on their resume.  
   So far, the pilot program is showing signs of success. There are now 12 soldiers enrolled in the course that consists of 106 modules. 
   Working together on the initiative, NEI and NDTA see great potential for the industry and the military.  Both organizations are working through the administrative mazes to learn how the programs can be recognized by the Defense Department and Veterans Administration to allow tuition assistance and GI Bill funds to be applied to NEI training and certification tests. This could accelerate the program’s interest as the industry’s talent gap can tap the potential of dedicated and talented service members who are entering a new phase in their careers.  

Brian Waters,
Business Analyst, SMC³ 
and Vice President, Atlanta Chapter, National Defense Transportation Association,
Atlanta

and 

Pam Brown,
Vice President, Future Forwarding
and Chairman, Atlanta International Forwarders & Brokers Association
Atlanta

This commentary was published in the October 2014 issue of American Shipper.