Sales and Stock Specialists
Background
The military operates retail stores that sell food and merchandise to make it easier for personnel to obtain whatever they need where they are stationed. Sales and stock specialists perform a variety of duties to support the operation of these stores whether working aboard a ship or overseas in a remote location.
What They Do
Sales and stock specialists in the military perform some or all of the following duties:
- Count merchandise and supplies during inventory checks
- Inspect food and merchandise for spoilage or damage
- Operate cash registers
- Order and receive merchandise and food for retail sales
- Price retail sales items, using stamping machines
- Record money received and prepare bank deposits
- Stock shelves and racks for the display of products
Physical Demands
The ability to speak clearly is required. Sales and stock specialists may have to lift and carry heavy objects.
Special Requirements
No information available.
Helpful Attributes
Helpful attributes include:
- Ability to use cash registers and calculators
- Interest in marketing and sales work
- Interest in working with people
Helpful School Subjects
Helpful school subjects include:
- Bookkeeping
- Math
Helpful Fields of Study
No information available.
Work Environment
Sales and stock specialists work on land and aboard ships in retail stores and storerooms.
Services offering this career:
- Air Force
- Navy
Hiring Practices
To serve in the military, a person must be at least 17; the maximum age for enlistment varies. To enlist, a person must pass a physical exam and an aptitude test. An enlistee must also meet military standards of discipline and be a US citizen or permanent resident alien.
This position is for enlisted personnel.
Wages
The military is competitive with the civilian world when it comes to pay and benefits. All branches offer the same basic pay and benefits.
Pay depends mainly on rank or grade as well as length of service. Bonuses and the situation in which the person is serving (for example: flight duty, sea duty, hazardous duty) also affect pay.
Cost-of-living increases usually occur every year, based on inflation. The military also pays allowances for food, clothing, and housing. All these factors combined are called Regular Military Compensation (RMC). They should all be considered when comparing military pay to civilian pay.
There are two main parts to RMC: basic pay and allowances. There are also additional incentives for special abilities, training, or hazardous duty.
Check out the RMC Calculator to calculate your RMC based on your inputs.
Training Provided
Job training consists of six to seven weeks of classroom instruction for some specialties. For others, training occurs on the job.
Course content includes:
- Recordkeeping and bookkeeping procedures
- Stock procedures
Further training occurs on the job.
Civilian Counterparts
Civilian sales and stock specialists work in many kinds of retail businesses, such as grocery stores and department stores. They perform duties similar to military sales and stock specialists. They may also be called sales clerks or stock clerks.
Related Civilian Careers
Employment and Outlook
In peace time the services have about 1,500 sales and stock specialists. In times of military action the number may be different, depending on the type of specialties required. Each year the services need new specialists due to change in personnel and the demands of the field. After job training, sales and stock specialists are assigned to retail stores and storerooms. Initially, they work under close supervision. With experience, they work more independently, train new workers, and assume more responsibility for sales and stock activities.