Purchasing, Supply and Logistics

Position Overview

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 ensure that America’s Navy has what it needs, when it needs it. There are two distinct paths available: Officer positions in the Supply Corps for college graduates and Logistics Specialist (LS) positions for those without a degree.

Key Responsibilities

Officer Role

• 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
• Identify efficient ways to use space and distribute supplies
• Determine the fastest, most economic method to transport cargo or personnel
• Oversee the handling of special items such as medicine and explosives

Enlisted Role

• Maintain fiscal records of a facility
• Order, store, check, and issue Naval aircraft, aeronautical equipment, and accessories
• Prepare inventory reports and correspondence
• Keep official publications up to date
• Maintain financial logs and records
• Operate computer systems to provide logistic support information for submarine supplies and accounting functions
• Organize and operate Navy post offices both ashore and afloat
• Work under the supervision of a Supply Officer

Work Environment

Professionals in Navy purchasing, supply, and logistics work in diverse environments including offices, shore-based warehouses, air cargo terminals at naval air stations, and aboard ships. These varied locations offer excellent opportunities for expanding knowledge and skills in inventory, financial, procurement, and warehouse management.

Training & Advancement

Officer Training: Prospective Supply Officers attend Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Newport, Rhode Island, followed by a 27‐week Basic Qualification Course at Navy Supply School emphasizing real shipboard problem-solving and training in inventory management, food and retail operations, leadership, and management. Additional specialized training may be provided in areas such as transportation management and the special handling of medicines and explosives.

Enlisted Training: Enlisted Sailors begin with 7–9 weeks of Recruit Training (Boot Camp) followed by technical “A” school training in Meridian, Mississippi, where they gain skills in automated data processing, financial records, accounting systems, and postal operations. For both Supply Officers and Logistics Specialists, promotion opportunities are competitive and based on performance, with specialized training and experience leading to valuable credentialing and career advancements.

Education Opportunities

Officer Education: Beyond professional credentials and certifications, Supply Officers can advance their education at institutions such as the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) or Navy War College (NWC) and by completing Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) courses.

Enlisted Education: Logistics Specialist training can translate to academic credit toward a bachelor’s or associate degree through the American Council on Education. Additional educational opportunities include the Navy College Program, Tuition Assistance, and benefits available through the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Officer Qualifications: A four-year college degree is required. Degrees in business, science, technology, engineering, or mathematics are preferred, and while a graduate degree is advantageous, it is not mandatory.
• Enlisted Qualifications: A high-school diploma or equivalent is required, along with strong customer service, arithmetic, verbal and writing, and recordkeeping skills.
• All candidates must be U.S. citizens, willing to serve worldwide, and qualified for sea duty. Requirements may vary based on prior service experience.