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LS Career Guide

Navy

LS: Logistics Specialist

Career transition guide for Navy Logistics Specialist (LS)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for LS veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Logistics Analyst

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

APICS certificationAdvanced data analysisSupply chain optimization software

Inventory Manager

$68K
High matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

ERP systems experience (SAP, Oracle)Lean inventory managementSupply chain management principles

Postal Service Clerk

$50K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Excellent Customer ServiceProficient with USPS specific software/systemsFamiliarity with Postal regulations

Procurement Specialist

$72K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Contract negotiation skillsKnowledge of procurement regulationsSupplier relationship management

Financial Analyst

$80K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Financial modelingAccounting certifications (CPA, CMA)Investment analysisAdvanced Excel skills

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your LS training built — and where they transfer.

Resource Optimization

As an LS, you constantly optimize resources by forecasting demand, managing inventory levels, and ensuring timely delivery of supplies to various units. This involves balancing costs, storage capacity, and operational needs to achieve maximum efficiency.

In civilian settings, this translates to effectively managing budgets, minimizing waste, and maximizing productivity. You are adept at identifying inefficiencies and implementing solutions to improve resource allocation and reduce costs.

Procedural Compliance

LSs adhere to strict protocols and regulations for inventory management, financial accounting, and mail distribution. This ensures accuracy, accountability, and compliance with legal and organizational standards.

This skill means you excel at following established procedures and maintaining meticulous records. You understand the importance of compliance in highly regulated environments and are committed to upholding ethical and legal standards.

System Modeling

You are required to understand how different logistical systems interact. This includes financial accounting, inventory management databases, and supply chain networks. As an LS, you leverage system knowledge to identify vulnerabilities and improve system performance.

System Modeling translates to a strong capability to learn how different systems interact and influence one another. You are able to use this knowledge to model new systems, identify areas of improvement, and predict negative outcomes.

Rapid Prioritization

Handling inventory for ships, squadrons and shore facilities means you’re constantly triaging competing demands for supplies and repair parts, figuring out what's needed most urgently to keep operations running smoothly. You rapidly assess situations and allocate resources effectively.

In a civilian role, your ability to quickly assess needs and prioritize tasks ensures critical issues are addressed promptly and efficiently. You excel in fast-paced environments where adaptability and decisive action are crucial.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Logistics Consultant

SOC 13-1199

You've been managing complex supply chains and inventories in the military. Now, as a Logistics Consultant, you can leverage that experience to help businesses optimize their operations, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. Your skills in resource optimization and procedural compliance make you a valuable asset.

Compliance Officer

SOC 13-1041

You're already an expert in following and enforcing regulations. As a Compliance Officer, you'll ensure that organizations adhere to legal standards and internal policies. Your military experience in procedural compliance and attention to detail makes you a perfect fit.

Fraud Investigator

SOC 13-2099

You possess a keen eye for detail and a thorough understanding of financial systems. As a Fraud Investigator, you can use these skills to detect and prevent fraudulent activities. Your experience in financial accounting and inventory management makes you uniquely qualified to uncover discrepancies and irregularities.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Logistics Specialist (LS) 'A' School, Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Global Logistics Support Center, Brunswick, GA

480 training hours12 weeksUp to 9 semester hours in Logistics Management

Topics Covered

  • Navy Supply System Operations
  • Inventory Management Principles
  • Financial Accounting Procedures
  • Database Management Systems
  • Material Procurement and Receipt
  • Storage and Issue Procedures
  • Mail Distribution Procedures
  • Hazardous Material Handling

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)60% covered

Requires study in advanced supply chain concepts, global logistics, and end-to-end supply chain management strategies beyond basic inventory and financial management.

Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)50% covered

Requires study in strategic sourcing, contract management, negotiation, and supplier relationship management.

Certified Inventory Management (CIM)70% covered

Requires study of forecasting, planning, scheduling, and managing inventory across the supply chain. Focus on quantitative inventory management techniques.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Six Sigma Green BeltCertified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Navy Enterprise Resource Planning (Navy ERP)SAP ERP, Oracle ERP Cloud
Relational Supply (RSupply)Inventory management software (e.g., Fishbowl Inventory, Zoho Inventory)
One Touch Support (OTS)Mobile inventory management apps
Haystack GoldParts database and search tools (e.g., IHS Markit Haystack)
Automated Manifesting System – Tactical Air (AMS-TAC)Shipping and manifest management software (e.g., FedEx Ship Manager, UPS WorldShip)
Defense Travel System (DTS)Concur Travel, Expensify

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