Supply and Warehousing Managers

Background

The military needs vast amounts of supplies to feed and supply their 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
• Direct the preparation of reports and records
• Evaluate bids and proposals submitted by potential suppliers
• Manage the inspection, shipping, handling, and packaging of supplies and equipment
• Study ways to use space and distribute supplies efficiently

Physical Demands

No information available.

Special Requirements

A four-year college degree is normally required to enter this career.

Helpful Attributes

Helpful attributes include:

• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely
• Interest in planning and directing the work of others

Helpful School Subjects

No information available.

Helpful Fields of Study

Helpful fields of study include:

• Business administration
• Inventory management
• Operations research

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.

Services offering this career:

• Army
• Coast Guard
• Marine Corps
• 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 officers.

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 two to 16 weeks of classroom instruction. Training length varies depending on specialty.

Course content typically includes:

• Administrative procedures
• Field supply management
• Handling and packaging procedures
• Planning for future supply needs
• Warehousing and storage procedures

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.

Related Civilian Careers

• Storage and Transportation Managers

Employment and Outlook

In peace time the services have about 6,000 supply and warehousing managers. In times of military action the number may be different, depending on the type of specialties required. Each year the services 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.