The military maintains a large inventory of food, medicines, ammunition, spare parts, and other supplies. Keeping the military's supply system operating smoothly is an important job. The lives of combat troops in the field may depend on receiving the right supplies on time. Warehousing and distribution specialists receive, store, record, and issue military supplies.
What They Do
Warehousing and distribution specialists in the military perform some or all of the following duties:
- Perform inventory and financial management procedures, including ordering, receiving, and storing supplies
- Locate and catalog stock
- Give special handling to medicine, ammunition, and other delicate supplies
- Select the correct stock for issue
- Load, unload, and move stock using equipment such as forklifts and hand trucks
- Keep records on incoming and outgoing stock
Helpful Attributes
Helpful school subjects include math, bookkeeping, accounting and business administration. Helpful attributes include:
- Ability to keep accurate records
- Interest in operating forklifts and other warehouse equipment
- Preference for physical work
- Preference for work requiring attention to detail
Training Provided
Job training consists of classroom instruction, including practice in handling and storing stock. Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses. Course content typically includes:
- Stock control and accounting procedures
- Procedures for shipping, receiving, storing, and issuing stock
- Procedures for handling medical and food supplies
- Movement, storage, and maintenance of ammunition
Work Environment
Warehousing and distribution specialists work in large general supply centers, small specialized supply rooms, or ship storerooms.
Civilian Counterparts
Civilian warehousing and distribution specialists work for factories, parts departments in repair shops, department stores, and government warehouses and stockrooms. They perform duties similar to military warehousing and distribution specialists. Civilian warehousing and distribution specialists may also be called stock control clerks, parts clerks, or storekeepers.
