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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 Military

Work 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

Related Military Careers

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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.

Military Status

  • Enlisted
    • Hands-on/specialized
    • High school diploma required

Military Workforce

Cargo Specialists in the Military

31,046

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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

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Education

Most Common Education Levels

People in this career achieve this level of education.

  • Bachelor's degree 30%
  • Some college 19%
  • Associate's degree 18%
  • Post-secondary certificate 18%
  • High school 12%
  • Less than high school 1%
  • Master's degree 0%
  • Doctoral degree 0%
  • Post baccalaureate 0%
  • Post-doctoral training 0%
  • Post-master's certificate 0%
  • 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

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Military training

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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 cargo
  • Techniques for planning and scheduling cargo shipments
  • Methods for identifying, packing, storing, and transporting hazardous material
  • Receipt, identification, classification, and inventory of stock
  • Packaging methods and procedures
  • Operation and care of forklifts, power winches, and cranes

Skills 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

Gain insights into your knowledge by using the ASVAB Career Exploration Program

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.