Military Career: Supply and Warehousing Managers
Overview
The military needs vast amounts of supplies to feed and supply its personnel. Tons of materials such as food, fuel, medicine, and ammunition must be ordered, stored, and distributed each day. Supply and warehousing managers plan and direct personnel who order, receive, store, and issue equipment and supplies.
What They Do
Supply and warehousing managers in the military perform some or all of the following duties:
- Analyze the demand for supplies and forecast future needs
- Direct personnel who receive, inventory, store, and issue supplies and equipment
- Manage the inspection, shipping, handling, and packaging of supplies and equipment
- Direct the preparation of reports and records
- Evaluate bids and proposals submitted by potential suppliers
- Study ways to use space and distribute supplies efficiently
Branches of the Military
Army
Navy
Air Force
Marine Corps
Coast Guard
Helpful Attributes
Helpful fields of study include business administration, inventory management, and operations research. Helpful attributes include:
- Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely
- Interest in planning and directing the work of others
Training Provided
Job training consists of 2 to 16 weeks of classroom instruction. Training length varies depending on specialty. Course content typically includes:
- Warehousing and storage procedures
- Handling and packaging procedures
- Administrative procedures
- Field supply management
- Planning for future supply needs
Work Environment
Supply and warehousing managers usually work in offices and warehouses. At times, they may be exposed to loud noise from machines and equipment.
Civilian Counterparts
Civilian supply and warehousing managers work for storage companies, manufacturers, hospitals, schools, and government agencies. They perform duties similar to those performed by military supply and warehousing managers. They may also be called warehouse managers or operations managers.
Below is a list of similar civilian occupations:
Storage and Transportation Managers
Opportunities
The services have about 6,000 supply and warehousing managers. Each year, they need new managers due to changes in personnel and the demands of the field. After job training, supply and warehousing managers are assigned to positions in supply or munitions management. With experience, they may advance to senior management or command positions.
Source: U.S.
Department of Defense, Washington D.C.
