Ops Careers
Supply Chain Careers
If you moved people or equipment in uniform, you’ve already done supply chain.
What is supply chain?
Plan → source → produce → move → deliver → handle returns. You’re optimizing how stuff gets from idea to customer.
Military translation
Military role | Civilian equivalent |
|---|---|
Unit logistics officer/NCO | Supply chain planner, logistics lead |
Maintenance/readiness NCO | Asset management, fleet ops |
Movement control / S4 | Distribution, freight, load planning |
Contracting / acquisitions | Procurement analyst, sourcing specialist |
Company XO | Operations manager, DC/fulfillment lead |
Common titles
Entry/mid roles | Senior roles |
|---|---|
Logistics analyst | Supply chain manager |
Operations associate | Director of operations |
Inventory planner | Procurement manager |
Warehouse supervisor | Distribution center manager |
Supply chain analyst | VP global supply chain |
Salary ranges
Role | Base salary |
|---|---|
Supply chain analyst | $65K–$90K |
Logistics coordinator | $60K–$80K |
Warehouse/Ops manager | $70K–$100K |
Supply chain manager | $90K–$130K |
Director/VP ops | $130K–$200K+ |
Helpful certifications
Cert | Value |
|---|---|
APICS CPIM / CSCP | Planning & management fundamentals |
Lean Six Sigma | Process improvement |
PMP | Logistics project delivery |
SCPro | End-to-end supply expertise |
SAP / Oracle ERP | Enterprise system fluency |
Companies to target
Sector | Example companies |
|---|---|
Tech & e-com | Amazon, Apple, Google, Dell, Microsoft |
Defense | Lockheed, Northrop, Raytheon, Boeing, BAE |
Logistics | FedEx, UPS, DHL, XPO |
Retail | Walmart, Target, Costco, Home Depot |
Manufacturing | GM, GE, Caterpillar, 3M |
Do you need an MBA?
No, but it helps for global strategy or leadership roles. Plenty of vets climb without one via operations pipelines at Amazon, Walmart, etc.
How to break in
- Translate sustainment metrics (uptime, readiness, tonnage moved).
- Learn acronyms: TMS, WMS, ERP, MRP.
- Knock out 1 cert (APICS, Lean, PMP) if you can.
- Use SkillBridge (Amazon, Boeing, Deloitte) for ops internships.
- Network with former military logisticians on LinkedIn.
Need resume help?
Sitreps can convert your sustainment bullets into supply chain language—and line up SkillBridge placements.
Get supply chain support
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