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Warehousing and Distribution Specialists

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.

Job Details:

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

Work Environment:

Warehousing and distribution specialists work in large general supply centers, small specialized supply rooms, or ship storerooms.

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

Opportunities:

The services have about 65,000 warehousing and distribution specialists. Each year, they need new specialists due to changes in personnel and the demands of the field. After job training, specialists stock shelves, learn about different parts and supplies, and fill supply requests. In time, they also estimate needs, order stock, and supervise others. Eventually, they may become superintendents of supply centers.

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