Military Cargo Specialists
Military Career
General Information
Description
Cargo specialists ensure the safe and efficient transfer of supplies needed by service members worldwide. They are responsible for transferring or supervising the transfer of cargo to and from air, land, and water vehicles by manual and mechanical methods. They also plan and organize loading schedules.
Explore this career outside the MilitaryWork Environment
Cargo specialists work outdoors on loading docks and indoors in warehouses.
Workplace at a Glance
What you can expect to experience while on the job
- Responsibility
- Exposure to job hazards
- Physical activity
- Decision making
- Repetitiveness
- Level of competition
- Time pressure
Comparable Industries
- Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
Military Outlook
Service Branches
Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.
Army
Marine Corps
Navy
Air Force
Coast Guard
Space ForceMilitary Status
- Enlisted
- Hands-on/specialized
- High school diploma required
Military Workforce
Cargo Specialists in the Military
31,046
Salary
Salary Information
Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.
$56,466
Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location. Learn more about Military benefits.
$22,069 - $237,558
What makes up a Military salary?
Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.
They also offer:
- Housing allowances
- Subsistence allowances
- Special and incentive pays
- Cost-of-living allowances
- Hazardous-duty pay
- Bonuses
Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator
Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits
Education
Most Common Education Levels
People in this career achieve this level of education.
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Bachelor's degree 30%
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Some college 19%
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Associate's degree 18%
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Post-secondary certificate 18%
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High school 12%
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Less than high school 1%
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Master's degree 0%
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Doctoral degree 0%
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Post baccalaureate 0%
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Post-doctoral training 0%
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Post-master's certificate 0%
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First professional degree 0%
Military training
All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Job training for cargo specialists consists of classroom and on-the-job instruction, including practice in cargo operations. Training content may include: Techniques for loading and storing cargoTechniques for planning and scheduling cargo shipmentsMethods for identifying, packing, storing, and transporting hazardous materialReceipt, identification, classification, and inventory of stockPackaging methods and proceduresOperation and care of forklifts, power winches, and cranes
Read MoreSkills at a Glance
Skills helpful in this career
- Verbal skills
- Critical thinking & problem solving
- Equipment operation & maintenance
- Math & science skills
- Technology design & control
- Leadership
Knowledge
- Transportation
- Geography
- Administration and Management
- Administrative
- Public Safety and Security
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