A big part of life on a Navy ship is making sure the right items arrive at the right time. As a Supply Corps Officer, that means you're making sure the right sonar parts arrive so technicians can make repairs, or the right medicines show up on the way to a humanitarian mission across the world, or simply that tonight's meal is ready for Sailors on your ship. Navy missions rely on having logistics down to a science, which is why Supply Corps Officers are so valuable. These Sailors know how to get just about anything to anywhere at any time, no matter the distance.
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What to Expect Navy Supply Corps Officer
More Information Responsibilities
The success and safety of every mission depends on getting needed supplies, materials and equipment at a moment's notice. Supply Corps Officers make sure the Navy has what it needs, when it needs it. Responsibilities for this job may include:
- Analyzing the demand for supplies and forecast future needs
- Ensuring all parts and equipment needed for ship maintenance and repairs are ordered and received on time
- Overseeing all retail services, logistics and culinary operations
- Managing the inspection, shipping, handling and packaging of supplies and equipment
- Directing personnel who receive inventory and issue supplies and equipment
- Evaluating bids and proposals submitted by potential suppliers
- Maintaining budgets
- Studying ways to use space and distribute supplies efficiently
- Determining the fastest, most economical way to transport cargo or personnel
- Overseeing the handling of special items such as medicine and explosives
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 and submarines. The diverse working locations provide a variety of excellent opportunities for expanding knowledge and skills in inventory management, financial management, procurement and warehouse management.
Training & Advancement
Those pursuing a Supply Corps Officer position are required to attend Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Newport, RI. OCS is a program that provides a comprehensive and intense introduction to the responsibilities of Navy Staff Corps Officers over the course of approximately three months. Here they learn about the military structure of the U.S. Navy, its rich history of traditions and customs, leadership development and military etiquette.
Once that training is complete, you will learn the ins and outs of life as a Supply Corps Officer through the following specialized training programs:
Navy Supply School (27 weeks) in Newport, RI, for training in inventory management, food and retail operations, leadership, management and problem solving.
Advanced Training Advanced training for prospective Supply Corps Officers may also be available. This specialized training may cover subjects including transportation management, freight classifications, methods of working with civilian carriers and special handling of medical goods and explosives.
Promotion opportunities are regularly available but competitive and based on performance.
Post-Service Opportunities 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 like logistics and business management.
Education Opportunities
Wherever you are in your professional career, the Navy can help ease your financial burdens and advance your career with generous financial assistance and continuing education programs. Opportunities for further education within this platform include:
- A Master of Science in Operations Research or one of four other defense management areas from The Naval Postgraduate School (NPS)
- An MBA from approved Civilian Institutions (CIVINS) or an MBA in Petroleum Management from the University of Kansas
- Navy College Program
- VOLED Assistance Center
- VOLED Region Advisors
- Navy War College (NWC)
- USAF Air University Air Command and Staff College
Qualifications & Requirements
A degree from a four-year college or university is a minimum educational requirement to become a Commissioned Officer . You must also attend Officer Training. There may be exceptions to the degree requirements based on extensive service experience.
To qualify for employment consideration as a Supply Corps Officer in the Navy, you must be a U.S. citizen, be qualified for sea duty and be willing to serve worldwide. Degrees in business, science, technology, engineering and mathematics are preferred but not required. A graduate degree is preferred by not required.
General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you're currently serving , whether you've served before or whether you've never served before .
Part-Time Opportunities
Serving part-time in the Navy Reserve, your duties will be carried out during your scheduled drilling and training periods. During monthly drilling, Supply Corps Officers in the Navy Reserve typically work at a location close to their homes. This gives you the flexibility to expand your profession in the Navy without compromising your civilian career at home.
For annual training, Supply Corps Officers may serve anywhere in the world, whether at sea or on shore stations at home and abroad.
Take a moment to learn more about the general roles and responsibilities of Navy Reserve Sailors .
Most of what you do in the Navy Reserve is considered training. The basic Navy Reserve commitment involves training a minimum of one weekend a month (referred to as drilling) and two weeks a year (referred to as Annual Training) - or the equivalent.
Supply Corps Officers in the Navy Reserve serve in an Officer role. Before receiving the ongoing professional training that comes with this job, initial training requirements must first be met.
For current or former Navy Officers (NAVET): Prior experience satisfies the initial leadership training requirement - so you will not need to go through Officer Training again.
Officers who previously held a commission in another United States Military Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Public Health Service, or United States Coast Guard are exempt from attending ODS or LDO/CWO Academy.
