TROOPS TO IMPORT/ EXPORT SPECIALISTS

TROOPS TO IMPORT/EXPORT SPECIALISTS: Potentially Filling a Need in the Industry

By Colonel (Retired) Brian Waters, Business Analyst, SMC³, and Vice President, NDTA Atlanta Chapter and Pam Brown, Vice President, Future Forwarding, and Chairman, Atlanta International Forwarders & Brokers Association

Human resource experts will tell you there is no such thing as a recession-proof career. However, some professions are more insulated from the economy than others. In a declining economy, a company’s cash position may reduce inventories and purchasing power. On the other hand, a declining dollar makes exports more desirable to foreign producers. As a result, even in a downward trending economy, freight continues to move. As the economy rebounds, freight movement tends to accelerate, as we are beginning to see in the United States.

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 research paper produced by the Georgia Center of Innovation for Logistics identifies an emerging talent gap between the supply and demand for trained and qualified logistics professionals. 1 They cite US Department of Labor statistics showing a growth of approximately 270,200 new logistics-related jobs that will need to be filled each year through 2018. Stated another way, over the next four years, there are a projected one million logistics jobs being created in the US. This is just to keep up with projected industry growth.

The growth is quickly out-pacing the ability of the education community to produce a trained and ready logistics work force. The same research paper projects the nation’s educational institutions can only meet 28% of the demand for filling these logistics jobs in the coming years. Admit tedly, many of these jobs do not have degree or professional certificate requirements as a condition of employment. Nonetheless, job seekers holding logistics degrees or professional certificates hold significant leverage in qualifications and desirability for hiring. According to the findings of Logistics Management’s (LM) 30th Annual Salary Survey, young logistics managers are being wooed by competitive offers from large companies that come close to matching those of hightech, finance, and engineering industries. 2 In December 2012, Pam Brown, at the time President of the Atlanta International Forwarders and Brokers Association, attended the NDTA Atlanta 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). Pam was not aware of the similarities between the skill sets and training of these professionals and those of military traffic management coordinators. After additional research and conversations with NDTA Atlanta Chapter Vice President Brian Waters, Pam, and Federico “Kiko” Zuniga, Director of the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association’s Educational Institute (NEI), it was decided to pursue the

10 | Defense Transportation Journal | MARCH 2015 idea of allowing military traffic coordinators to obtain professional credentials and certification while on active duty or upon transitioning to civilian life. A white paper was developed and presented to NDTA Headquarters and, eventually, to the Army Transportation School at Fort Lee, VA.

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. According to the NEI, an Export Specialist facilitates trade from the US to foreign destinations. They require competence and knowledge in the current export regulations and the ability to keep pace with the rapidly changing market within the transportation field. Their job duties are varied, and encompass all areas of trade. Some job duties may include advising companies in transportation options and documentation and legal requirements for specific countries. They can choose to be commodity subject matter experts or trade lane experts.

A Customs Specialist facilitates trade from foreign destinations to the US. They are experts in the current import regulations, with the ability to keep up with the rapidly changing import industry. They understand the importation process, and maintain the ability to be an operations specialist in a fast paced environment. They help importers comply with the US Customs regula

tions, as well as the requirements set forth by the US Department of Agriculture, Food & Drug Administration (FDA), and other government agencies. They can choose to be commodity experts, or specialize in specific government regulations.

Similarly, an Army Movement Noncommissioned Officer (88N20) 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.

Traffic managers with military experience possess many of the same skills with the added benefit of gaining increasing levels of responsibility early in their careers. Lee Hardeman is President of LHCB, a large international customs brokerage with a network of agents in over 200 cities in 55 countries around the world. He is a former Air Force Officer with 30 years’ experience in the commercial traffic business.

He states “Many, if not most, ex-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.”

Lee agrees that gaining professional certification while on active duty or in the transition process would give anyone an advantage in the job market. “Careers would include freight forwarder, customs broker, carrier (air, land, or ocean), warehousing, and cargo operations in general. 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. Further, one of the most difficult aspects of transitioning into a civilian job that I personally experienced is that some industries do not share a commitment to personal and professional ethical practices that is required in the military. Because of

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the regulatory environment and oversight of our industry by Customs and Border Patrol, the Federal Maritime Commission, Federal Aviation Administration, and the myriad other government agencies, I found there is less unethical behavior in our industry, making for an easier transition.”

In 2013, the Army Transportation School and the NEI collaborated to begin a pilot program that would allow some active duty soldiers to gain credentials as a CES. In the program, soldiers are taking the CES Certification preparatory course. Topics covered include Export Controls, Documentation, Destination Country Controls, and Letters of Credit, just to name a few. The NEI agreed to offer military traffic management coordinators constructive credit toward the requirement for 12 months experience in the US export business. Upon completion of the course soldiers can take the certification exam that, upon successful completion, will allow them to place professional credentials on their resume.

So far, the pilot program is showing signs of success. There are now 12 soldiers

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