Purchasing, Supply and Logistics

ABOUT The success and safety of every mission depend on getting needed supplies, materials, and equipment at a moment’s notice. The service members of the Purchasing, Supply & Logistics community make sure America’s Navy has what it needs, when it needs it. Officer positions in the Supply Corps are available to college graduates, and Logistics Specialist (LS) positions are available to those without a degree. RESPONSIBILITIES Officer Role A four-year college degree is required to become a Supply Officer. In this role, you will perform executive-level duties in inventory control, financial management, physical distribution systems, petroleum management, personnel transportation, and other related areas. You might: Analyze the demand for supplies and forecast future needs Manage the inspection, shipping, handling, and packaging of supplies and equipment Direct personnel who receive inventory and issue supplies and equipment Evaluate bids and proposals submitted by potential suppliers Study ways to use space and distribute supplies efficiently Determine the fastest, most economic way to transport cargo or personnel Oversee the handling of special items, such as medicine and explosives Enlisted Role As a Logistics Specialist (no college degree required), your efforts are crucial in delivering what the Navy needs for mission success. Enlisted Sailors in the Purchasing & Supply field may: Keep fiscal records of a facility Order, store, check, and issue Naval aircraft and aeronautical equipment and accessories, including flight gear Prepare inventory reports and correspondence Keep official publications up to date Maintain financial logs and records Operate computer systems that provide logistic support information for submarine supplies and accounting functions Organize and operate Navy post offices, ashore and afloat Work under the supervision of a Supply Officer WORK ENVIRONMENT Professionals in Navy purchasing, supply, and logistics work in offices, shore-based warehouses, air cargo terminals at naval air stations, and aboard ships. The diverse working locations provide an excellent opportunity for expanding knowledge and skills in inventory management, financial management, procurement, and warehouse management. TRAINING & ADVANCEMENT Officer Training Prospective Supply Officers must first attend Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Newport, Rhode Island. From there, Supply Officers attend Navy Supply School in Newport, Rhode Island, for a 27-week Basic Qualification Course. This course emphasizes problem-solving in real shipboard situations and provides training in inventory management, food and retail operations, leadership, and management. Prospective Officers may also receive specialized training in transportation management, freight classifications, methods of working with civilian and other service carriers, and special handling of medicines and explosives. Enlisted Training Enlisted Sailors pursuing a Logistics Specialist role must first complete the 7–9 week Recruit Training (known as Boot Camp). After that, they receive technical “A” school training in Meridian, Miss., where they learn skills including automated data processing systems, financial records and accounting systems, and postal operations training. For both Supply Officers and Logistics Specialists, promotion opportunities are regularly available but are competitive and based on performance. It’s also important to note that specialized training received and work experience gained in the course of service can lead to valuable credentialing and occupational opportunities in related fields. EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES Officer Education Beyond professional credentials and certifications, Supply Officers can advance their education by: Pursuing opportunities at institutions such as Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) or Navy War College (NWC) Completing Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) at one of the various service colleges Enlisted Education Beyond offering access to professional credentials and certifications, Logistics Specialist training in the Navy can translate to credit hours toward a bachelor’s or associate degree through the American Council on Education. You may also continue your education through opportunities like the following: Navy College Program and Tuition Assistance Post-9/11 GI Bill QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS Officer Qualifications This Officer position requires at least a four-year degree. Degrees in business, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are preferred but not required. A graduate degree is preferred but not required. Enlisted Qualifications A high-school diploma or equivalent is required to become an Enlisted Sailor in the Logistics Specialist field. Those seeking this position must be able to work well with people in a customer service environment. Good arithmetic, verbal, and writing skills, as well as recordkeeping skills, are also very important. General Qualifications All candidates must also be: U.S. citizens, willing to serve worldwide, and qualified for sea duty. General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you’re currently serving, whether you’ve served before, or whether you’ve never served before.