The total process of managing how resources are bought, stored, and transported to their eventual destination is referred to as logistics. Identification of potential distributors and suppliers, as well as their effectiveness and accessibility, are all part of logistics management, and logisticians is a term that is used to describe logistics managers. In the Military, logistics is the science of planning and executing military force movement, supply, and maintenance. In the broadest sense, it refers to the parts of military operations that deal with material that is designed, developed, acquired, stored, distributed, maintained, evacuated, and disposed of personnel transportation, facilities acquisition, construction, maintenance, operation, and disposal. It also involves purchasing or providing services and support for medical and health-care services.
A logistics officer is a member of the Armed Forces or the Coast Guard who is in charge of directing the support of a taskforce of the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, or Coast Guard at home and abroad. Logistics officers can work on military bases or as active members of a field Army, Air Force, Naval Force, or Coast Guard fleet. Logistics Officers responsibilities differ based on where they are placed or deployed and what tasks they are assigned and given.
On an ACF (Army Cadet Force) base in an ACF mission, the Logistics Officer is in charge of coordinating, consolidating, and ensuring the smooth execution and adherence to logistic and security regulations, as well as providing logistical assistance to the Nutrition, Food Security, Water, and Sanitation cadets. The Logistics Officer is responsible for increasing the capabilities of the base's local logistics support staff. The Logistics Officer reports to the Log Coordinator or the Head of Mission, depending on the size and structure of the mission.
Furthermore, Logistics Officers play distinct duties in different countries. Regardless of where they are stationed, the fundamental responsibility of these officers is to guarantee that the force has enough food, water, fuel, ammunition, and other products and services to execute the mission. Responsibilities of a Logistics Officer aren’t the same every day and is a very long list. Responsibilities range from forming new operations, developing logistics, as well as support plans, set budget requirements, and deployment timelines, creating logistical planning for current operations as well as contingency logistics plans, preparing a liquidation and downsizing strategy and developing and implementing tools and procedures that will allow logistic strategies to be implemented effectively.
It is a big issue that black women in the Army are not respected even when they deserve to be respected. This is a big issue because the dual issues of racism and sexism are reflected in this occurrence. Sexism in the army has been a big and vocal issue, add to that being a member of the African American community, and you find yourself to be on the end of scale which says 0 respect. This is especially an issue because it creates disturbance in the discipline of the Army and creates a culture of toxicity. It can lead to inequality in promotions as well as lead to negatively impacting other important areas of growth and opportunity for us black women. It can also lead to active black women Army members to face constraining and discriminatory behavior. Even when promoted and while being on a senior rank, it is still very likely to receive less respect than our white and/or male peers.
This will also impact the potential black women and girls who wish to join the Army as they would now not be willing to join the army, or at least become very cautious and hesitant about subjecting themselves to the discrimination that we have to face. There are three reasons leaders fail to execute. First, they don't follow their own plan with discipline. Second, they fail to keep score on what matters. Third, they don't have the right people in the right jobs to make it happen. However, in the absence of leadership, you can help them do a better job if you lead by example. Encourage participation from everyone by asking even the quiet members their opinions. Make statements that try to keep discussion on topic and help with time management. Leaders with creative problem-solving skills have the ability to stimulate, challenge and inspire others to continually pursue prominent problems and create creative solutions to feed future organizational growth and success. Focus on results and solutions the leader must create. We have to remind ourselves of our strengths and motivations to help our gain confidence. The confidence we need to have. We need to set detailed goals that include measurable milestones and reasonable and realistic deadlines. If possible, provide additional resources or manpower necessary to help us as leaders.
A few practical and effective strategies that work for the challenges we face is developing your personal leadership style; see what style works best for you and the most efficient and effective, learn from experience; remind yourself of the things that make you improve. Not only learn from your own experience, try learning from others as well, don't be afraid to fail; if we continue to be scared of failing, the result will be resisting to move forward. When we allow fear to stop us from moving forward in life, we risk missing out on some fantastic opportunities, and most importantly, motivate yourself and inspire others.
When it comes to sexual harassment that is a huge issue for all women in the military. Some many military members have been sexually assaulted but have been left to accept and/ or forced to suffer in silence for fear of being not taken seriously, fired or even persecuted against for reporting it. Despite significant steps taken by the Department of Defense (DOD) over the last decade to address sexual assault and sexual harassment in the United States military, these behavior patterns continue to be a significant and constant problem. In 2018, there were 20,500 documented cases of service members being sexually assaulted or raped. The Army confirmed in a briefing acquired by PBS News Hour that soldiers are more likely to be raped by someone wearing their own uniform than to be shot by the enemy. The power disparity is obvious. The majority of victims were assaulted by someone in their line of command, and women made up two-thirds of those who claimed retribution after submitting a sexual assault complaint.
As a result, more than one in every four survivors of sexual assault or harassment/discrimination left the military. Sexual Harassment really needs to be addressed in the military. To begin, we must rethink the military's approach to combating sexual harassment assault. The existing system, in which commanding officers are in charge of prosecuting sexual assault allegations, is manifestly ineffective. Because the chain of command is involved in the prosecution process, survivors are frequently unwilling to disclose sexual assault or harassment for fear of reprisal or a lack of faith in the system owing to inherent conflicts of interest. However, we don't just want to address sexual abuse when it occurs; we also want to address the culture at large that has hindered women's military engagement for years, such as underrepresentation in leadership positions and discriminatory physical training and equipment requirements. This will not only result in a safer and more fair workplace, but it will also ensure force preparedness, engagement, and military capabilities, all of which are important to US global defense.
Specialist Vanessa Guillen's was a US Army service member at the Fort Hood military station who was murdered after being sexually assaulted and tormented. Her death in April 2020 brought a lot of attention to the subject of sexual assault and harassment in the United States military. A comprehensive investigation into her death revealed that it was not a unique incidence at Fort Hood, but rather a widespread problem throughout the armed services. In response to the horrific death of Vanessa Guillen, the Army established a three-month investigation at Fort Hood, which concluded that the armed services military command and leadership structure and environment were unsuccessful in keeping people safe from assaults and guarding vulnerable individuals. Particularly women and women of color.
Sexual assault and sexual harassment will continue to have a negative impact on the military unless bold action is taken. Some strategies that can be implemented to deal with inappropriate sexual behavior in the work force is making sure there is proper implementation of strict anti-harassment policies at work such as SHARP (Sexual Harassment Assault Response Prevention), zero tolerance policy towards sexual harassment and sexual assault-related complains, prompt investigation and proper resolution of any harassment complaints, strict actions against those found guilty of such acts, and regular monitoring of work-place behavior of soldiers and regular communication with the soldiers. Addressing sexual assault in the military, as the nation's largest workplace, is necessary to guarantee healthier, safer, and more equal work conditions for everyone. As well as force development, recruitment, and military success.