Last Updated on March 5, 2024
This guide provides information that will help you with your decision to become a Navy Supply Corps Officer during Fiscal Year 2024.
A Supply Corps Officer is a Staff Corps Officer in the United States Navy who is in charge of logistics, supply, readiness, contracting, fiscal affairs, and combat support throughout the entire Fleet. The Navy designator code for Supply Corps Officers is 3100.
Let us jump right into the details.
What Does a Supply Corps Officer Do in The Navy?
The Navy’s Supply Corps Officers are a well-trained, specialized team of Navy business professionals performing executive-level duties in:
- supply chain management
- operational logistics
- acquisition and contracting
- financial management
- physical distribution
- operations research
- customer service environment
As a Navy Supply Corps Officer (informally called SUPPO), you will quickly attain management experience in a broad range of business, supply management, and logistics disciplines, which are essential to ensuring successful naval missions.
During your career, you could serve on duty aboard a Navy ship, in an expeditionary environment, or ashore—almost anywhere in the world. The technical and leadership opportunities in this community are almost endless.
You and the Sailors you will lead will be at the forefront of every aspect of Naval Logistics.
Initial Training for Supply Corps Officers
Officer Candidate School
Those interested in becoming a Supply Corps Officer must attend Navy Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Newport, Rhode Island.
Over the course of three months, Navy OCS gives a comprehensive and intensive introduction to the responsibilities of Navy Staff Corps Officers.
They study about the U.S. Navy’s military organization, its rich history of traditions and customs, leadership development, and military etiquette.
After completing that training, you will learn the ins and outs of life as a Supply Corps Officer by participating in specialized training programs.
Also Read: Navy OCS Guide for Officer Applicants
The Navy Supply Corps School
The Navy Supply Corps School (NSCS), at Naval Station Newport in Rhode Island, provides a variety of career-long training opportunities for the Supply Corps community.
Newly commissioned junior Supply Corps officers from the United States Naval Academy, Officer Candidate School, and the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps, as well as limited duty officers or junior officers re-designated into the supply community, attend initial training to prepare them to serve in the fleet in entry-level positions.
NSCS also offers courses in supply related topics such as joint aviation supply material maintenance management, hazardous material transportation, refresher training, leadership and department head, expeditionary logistics, and foreign partner courses.
Supply Corps Officer Basic Qualification Course
The Basic Qualification Course (BQC) is an in-depth study of the Supply System, covering the following important areas of an afloat supply department:
- leadership and management
- supply management
- disbursing management
- food service
- retail operations
- personnel administration
Students will show their ability to complete and publish all forms and files in each functional area by using practical exercises, practice sets, and tests.
In addition, students will show their capacity to audit and repair issue areas presented in exercise circumstances.
The training also includes an overview of automated data processing systems such as Relational Supply (R-Supply) and Organizational Maintenance Management System—Next Generation (OMMS-NG).
The goal of the 20-week BQC is to prepare newly commissioned Supply Corps officers and other officers who may be assigned to this training for their job duties.
This course delivers extensive, job-related technical teaching while also fostering the development and application of desired attitudes and qualities.
Division Officer Leadership Course
All BQC students must take the week-long Division Officer Leadership Course while at the NSCS.
This five-day training should enable and indoctrinate all subordinate officers who will relieve afloat as Division Officers, as well as to teach the skill set required to be successful first-time leaders in an operational setting.
Students will be introduced to numerous leadership quandaries and engage in conversations on potential courses of action through interactive films, role-playing, and group-based discussions.
The curriculum is scenario-based, taking students from their first day of reporting on board through the end of their first nine months.
Competition and collaboration in an enlisted work center, creating working connections with the Chain of Command, time management, and functional administration, will be covered as leadership concepts.
Typical First Assignment of Supply Corps Officers
During your first tour—most likely at sea—you will find out what it takes to be a successful Navy logistician and professional business manager.
Your first assignment as a Supply Corps Officer will probably be onboard a ship where you will learn most aspects of shipboard operation and where you will also oversee the “back office” business matters of the ship.
Regardless of the size of your unit, you will have a challenging and rewarding assignment with a great deal of responsibility.
Advanced Training for Supply Corps Officers
The Navy Supply Corps is dedicated to investing in the continued professional development and growth of its officers. Nearly all Supply Corps Officers who serve beyond their initial tour are offered fully funded postgraduate education at some of the nation’s finest business schools or the Naval Postgraduate School at Monterey, CA.
You will earn an advanced degree of your choice in business administration, supply chain management, financial management, logistics, operations research, or petroleum management.
How To Become A Navy Supply Corps Officer
To become a Navy Supply Corps Officer, applicants must be 19 to 37-year-old American citizens with at least a bachelor’s degree and an Officer Aptitude Rating exam score of 42 or higher.
With a bachelor’s degree and a competitive GPA, the first step is to work with a Navy recruiter to complete an application package. This process can begin a few months prior to graduation.
This is a competitive process where you can earn a commission if your package is selected. Upon commissioning, you will attend Officer Candidate School (OCS) immediately followed by Navy Supply Corps School (NSCS) in Newport, RI.
As mentioned, your training will include a 20-week Basic Qualification Course. This course develops critical thinking, decision-making skills and problem solving in realistic operational environments.
It provides technical training in logistics functions, financial management, retail, and food service operations. This training will teach you how to effectively lead the talented Supply department enlisted Sailors that will work for you.
The following application requirements for Supply Corps are current as of November 2023, per the Navy Personnel Command. There have been no updates issued so far.
Supply Corps Eligibility Requirements
| Citizenship | You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for the Supply Corps. |
| Age | Supply Corps Officer applicants must be 19 years old but less than 37 years old if no previous military service or 42 with prior service experience. |
| Education | B.S. or B.A. degree from an accredited college or university—STEM or Business degree preferred but not required—Minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. Transcripts must document one calculus course with at least a “C” grade or two other college level mathematics courses with at least a “B” grade for each. Eligible courses for consideration include those in algebra, trigonometry, calculus, finite mathematics, business statistics, or algebra-based probability and statistics. For these courses to be recognized, they must be substantiated with a letter grade that is reflected on an official educational transcript issued by an accredited college or university. Possessing a graduate-level degree from a regionally accredited institution, with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher in the graduate program, can compensate for an undergraduate degree that either lacks a satisfactory GPA or does not include the requisite mathematics courses. This means that the achievement of a qualifying graduate degree can override certain deficiencies in the undergraduate academic record. |
| Gender | There are no gender requirements to become a Navy Supply Corps Officer. Both men and women may apply. |
| Physical | According to Chapter 15 of the Manual of the Medical Department, individuals who have been diagnosed with chronic motion sickness are deemed ineligible for roles within the Supply Corps. It is a requirement for applicants to meet the physical qualifications necessary for sea duty and to be capable of being assigned to locations worldwide. |
| Time In Service | Active-Duty personnel and veterans must not have over 8 years of active service (or equivalent) at the time of application. |
| Aptitude | Supply Corps applicants must score 42 or higher on the Officer Aptitude Rating exam. |
The most crucial requirement that you can fully control is your OAR score. It is the primary objective criteria upon which all applicants are compared against.
To maximize your chances of obtaining an exceptional OAR score, we only recommend this OAR Study Guide for your success. All others are mediocre at best.
Immediate Selection Criteria
Under the guidelines set forth by OPNAVINST 1120.13 (series), officer applicants who fulfill the criteria for immediate selection can bypass the standard selection board for Officer Candidate School (OCS) pending an evaluation by the Officer Community Manager. These candidates are then expedited for transfer to OCS.
To qualify for immediate selection, applicants must satisfy the following conditions:
- Policy Compliance: The applicant must not need any waivers or exceptions regarding program standards or any adverse matters.
- Age Requirement: The applicant should be between 19 and 37 years old.
- Educational Qualifications:
- GPA: The applicant’s undergraduate GPA should be at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale.
- Math Competency: The applicant must meet the math qualification standards.
- Graduate Degree: If an applicant has a graduate-level degree from a regionally accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, it can override an undergraduate degree that does not meet the GPA requirement or lacks the necessary math courses.
- Officer Aptitude Rating (OAR): The applicant must have a minimum OAR score of 49.
- Time in Service: For those already in the fleet, applicants must have no more than 6 years of total active military service or its equivalent.
Who May Apply
The sources for accession into the program include:
- Civilians who meet the necessary eligibility requirements.
- Enlisted personnel from the regular Navy or Navy Reserve, whether currently active or inactive. Enlisted members from other branches of the armed services are also eligible, provided they have obtained an approved conditional release for inter-service transfer to participate in this program.
Upon Selection
Selected candidates are expected to begin their training within one year of being chosen for the program. In certain cases, a one-year extension can be provided due to hardship, although this extension is not applicable for the purpose of pursuing further education.
The initial phase of training takes place at Officer Candidate School (OCS) for a duration of 12 weeks, focusing on the fundamental indoctrination required for naval officers. Successful completion of the training, as specified by the Commander of the Naval Education and Training Command (NETC), is mandatory for appointment.
Following their commissioning, officers proceed to the Navy Supply Corps School to undertake a 26-week Basic Qualification Course, which is essential for their role in the Supply Corps.
Regarding enlistment:
- Civilian applicants and enlisted applicants who are currently at the E-4 paygrade or below and are selected for the program will be appointed as officer candidates and will be promoted to the E-5 paygrade upon their arrival at OCS.
- Enlisted applicants who are already at the E-5 paygrade or higher will maintain their current paygrades as they assume the role of officer candidates.
Upon being commissioned, candidates will join the staff corps of the U.S. Navy as Supply Corps Ensigns, with the designator 3100. From the start of OCS, selectees are entitled to receive pay and benefits corresponding to their designated paygrades.
Service Obligation
The service commitment for Navy Supply Corps appointees is set at four years starting from the date of their official appointment. To fulfill the total service obligation of eight years, individuals have the option to serve the remaining time in a Ready Reserve status after completing the initial four-year active duty period.
Navy Reserve Supply Corps Officer Program
Officers in the United States Navy Reserve Supply Corps have a diverse range of expertise and come from a variety of backgrounds.
The Supply Corps Reserves is looking for you if you have:
- Civilian or prior military job experience in business, business management, financial management, business operations, supply chain management, contracts, procurement, warehouse management, logistics, or a related field.
- Supervisory and leadership experience.
- Government procurement and contracting experience, including certifications such as the Defense Acquisition Workplace Improvement Act (DAWIA) certification.
Serving in the Navy Reserve
Have everything in the U.S. Navy Reserve.
You will be subject to the same high standards as active-duty personnel.
As a fully integrated member of the United States Navy, you will supply critical talents to support our nation’s interests across the globe.
But as a Reserve Naval Officer, you will improve your civilian job by having access to amazing training and leadership development opportunities that will help you advance in the Navy and in your civilian profession.
The Navy will work with you to make your Navy Reserve time as flexible as possible. It combines the finest of both worlds.
Navy Reserve Service Benefits
Your leadership abilities will be challenged and rewarded as a Navy Reserve Supply Officer. Lead the men and women who have sworn allegiance to our nation.
This duty is only assigned to the most devoted Officers. You will be tested beyond your expectations. You will be appropriately rewarded.
If you have already served in the military, America’s Navy Reserve permits you to keep your rank and retirement benefits earned while on active service.
Service provides a feeling of pride and success for newly commissioned officers, while also allowing you to develop the technical and leadership abilities that will propel your civilian career to new heights.
The TRICARE For Life (TFL) Health Care Program provides Medicare-wraparound coverage to all Medicare-eligible TRICARE beneficiaries, regardless of age, who have Medicare Parts A and B.
The TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) Health Care Plan is a premium-based health plan available to qualifying Reserve Service Members.
In fact, the TRS health care plan was reformed on October 1, 2007, and it is now accessible to all members of the chosen reserve, regardless of active-duty service.
The following Navy Reserve benefits enhance both your military and civilian lives:
- Receive four days of basic pay for each drill weekend
- Receive educational financial aid, with the possibility of a Webb post-9/11 GI Bill
- VA home loans eligibility
- Low-cost insurance alternatives, including up to $400,000 in life insurance.
- Military commissary and Navy Exchange benefits for you and your family
- TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) Health Care Plan
Contribute to the Navy Part-Time
Reserve Supply Corps Officers can often make rapid and substantial contributions by using their prior civilian or military expertise.
Apply your deck-plate leadership experience and people skills from active service and your civilian career.
Share the same camaraderie and feeling of professional pride you had while on active service.
Compensation for serving in the Navy Reserve might make up a significant portion of your salary.
Allow your active-duty time to be used to build toward a retirement plan.
The current annuity values of retirement pay at age 60 for an LCDR who serves 20 years (10 overall active and 10 as a drilling reserve) are expected to be $400,000 (assumes reaching age 60 and starting retirement within a year).
Navy Reserve Supply Corps Officer Requirements
To become a Supply Corps Officer position in the Navy Reserve, applicants must be American citizens between 19 and 42 years of age, who have at least a bachelor’s degree in a business-related field along with a significant management-level work experience.
The detailed requirements applicants must meet are listed below.
These requirements are current as of February 2022, per the Navy Personnel Command. No updates have been issued so far.
Citizenship
Applicants must be United States citizens.
Age
At the time of commissioning, applicants must be at least 19 years old and no older than 42 years old. Up to the age of 52, prior qualified service will be evaluated for year-for-year credit.
Education
Applicants must have at least a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
Business degrees or majors in science, mathematics, technology, and engineering are recommended but not essential.
Degrees in other subjects may be considered provided candidates have relevant leadership and management experience.
Physical
Applicants must fulfill all standards outlined in Chapter 15 of the Manual of the Medical Department.
Marital Status
There are no restrictions to marital status.
Gender
Applications are open for both women and men.
Work Experience
Civilian or prior military professional expertise in business management/operations, finance, contracting, supply chain management, acquisition management, or a related field is highly preferred.
It is preferable to have a work experience that displays interpersonal skills, effective communication, project management, time management, and leadership/supervisory performance, or the capacity to lead.
Applicants with civilian employment experience must provide a resume and at least three references.
Two of the three references must be employment-related, with the third being a character reference.
Applicants must authenticate their military employment experience by submitting documents from their service record, such as the most recently observed performance assessments and the past five service performance evaluations, all positions held, and military training and education completed.
Provide proof of any past military service discharge (Form DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, and, if applicable, the Annual Statement of Service History (ASOSH).
Leadership experience in a civilian job, past military service, or within the community is highly desired.
Professional Interview
Applicants must submit two interviews (3105/3107) conducted by a panel of O4 – O6 Supply Corps Officers.
The Supply Corps Regional DCO Recruiting Manager will manage and schedule interview panels.
Interview panels will be held yearly from January to May of each year.
To record observations and applicant evaluations, the current version of NAVCRUIT 1131/5, Interviewer’s Appraisal Sheet, will be used.
The community professional recommendation board will receive only three Supply Corps interviews.
Interviews for the Navy Supply Corps are valid for one year from the date of the interview.
As a result, interviews submitted with applications must be only one year old when the professional recommendation board meets.
The professional recommendation board will not accept applications that do not fulfill this condition.
Security Clearance
Applicants must be able to receive and maintain a secret security clearance.
Prior Enlisted Service
At the time of application (deadline), enlisted personnel must have no more than 12 years of cumulative active service.
Upon Commissioning
Within three years of commissioning, selectees must complete the initial training at the Navy Reserve Supply Officer Qualification Course or the Supply Officer Basic Qualification Course at the Navy Supply Corps School in Newport, Rhode Island.
Failure to fulfill these professional minimums will cause separation under SECNAVINST 1920.6D (Administrative Separation of Officers).
Service Obligation
Selectees will be required to serve an eight-year ready reserve duty, the first three of which must be in the Selected Reserve (SELRES). Selectees must keep their eligibility for global assignment.
More Information
If you want more information about becoming a Supply Corps Officer, the next logical step is to contact a Naval Officer Recruiter.
Let us figure out how you can benefit from becoming a Navy Supply Officer—or if it is even a right fit for you.
You might also be interested in other Navy Staff jobs, such as Navy Nurse or Navy Chaplain. Check them out.
Hope you found this helpful as you plan your career.
