Logistics Supply Officer (Trainee) (RFA)

Service:Royal Fleet Auxiliary
Branch:Logistics
Level:Officer
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The role at a glance

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Leave

7 days of paid leave for every month served on board ship

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Pay

Over £27,000 During training

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£62,000

Opportunity to earn over this amount as a Chief Officer

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Opportunities

Become a qualified Logistics Officer

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Travel

Potential to travel around the world

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Training

World-class training and development

What you’ll do

As a Logistics Supply Officer (LSO) in the the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA), it’s your job to make sure your crewmates get fed, paid and equipped. In short, you’ll be the beating heart of the ship. Personnel of all levels will look to you to keep morale high, and missions on track. And whether you’re sourcing vital supplies from local contacts or delivering essential reports back to HQ, you’ll need to push yourself every day, all over the world.

Travelling the world will ensure that you will get all the adventure you're looking for, but you'll also need to overcome your fair share of challenges. That might mean liaising with local governments to secure vital supplies, or communicating with colleagues in the UK to resolve any issues.

If you have questions, talk to us

call us 0345 604 0520

The role

  • This job comes with huge responsibility from day one. From coordinating payroll, stores and catering one day, to managing supplies and personal administration the next, you’ll make sure your crewmates can perform to the best of their ability.
  • You’ll take charge of a large budget and an inventory worth millions of pounds, so it’s important that you’re reliable, and meticulous in your planning.
  • Travelling the world will ensure that you get all the adventure you’re looking for, but you’ll also need to overcome your fair share of challenges. That might mean liaising with local governments to secure vital supplies, or communicating with colleagues in the UK to resolve an employment issue.
  • Use your understanding of the work that each branch does to plan months in advance, so everyone has the equipment they need, when they need it.

What you’ll get

Skills for life

Qualifications you'll gain

  • MCA Basic Safety Training
  • Opportunity to become a member of the Institute of Logistics and Transport

Skills you'll develop

  • An in-depth knowledge of logistics and administration
  • The ability to manage a global supply chain

 

Career progression

You’ll start your career as a Third Officer Trainee. On completion of training you may be offered a permanent contract, and be employed as a Third Officer Practitioner.

What you'll need

Eligibility

  • Aged at least 17 years 6 months to apply, and 18 years to commence employment. There is no upper age limit
  • Degree, with a Logistics or Business Degree advantageous, at (level 6) or above in this specialisation
  • GCSE Grade C or 4 in Mathematics and English Language or Scottish equivalent examination is required
  • If you have a degree or GCSE qualifications issued from outside the UK you will need to get these assessed by UK ENIC, the UK National Information Centre for the recognition and evaluation of international qualifications and skills. For further information please visit their website: https://www.enic.org.uk/ 
  • Must be British, Irish or Commonwealth citizens. However, a number of career paths have nationality restrictions. Dual Nationality will be considered providing the first nationality is British. Note: Residency restrictions may apply

Skills and interests

  • An ability to thrive on responsibility
  • Great at multi-tasking
  • Confident solving problems
  • A sense of adventure
Check Eligibility

Starting your career

Joining process

  • Submit an application

    Once you’ve registered your interest, you will receive a link to the online application form

  • Confirm eligibility

    You will be asked to send us copies of your certification. If you satisfy the certification criteria you will be invited to sit the Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA) at your nearest Armed Forces Careers Office

  • Interview

    If you satisfy the DAA criteria, you will be invited to a Suitability Interview in Portsmouth

  • RFA Admiralty Interview Board (AIB)

    If found suitable at the interview, invited to attend the RFA Admiralty Interview Board (AIB), HMS Sultan. This stage is unique to officers and takes place in two parts. A Pre Recorded Interview (PRI) is an online assessment which assesses your motivation to join the Royal Navy as an officer and your awareness of the Royal Navy. The Group Planning Exercise (GPE) is the second stage of the AIB and is an online competency based assessment which will take place on a separate day to the PRI. It will be conducted in a virtual group environment and you will be assessed on your contribution to the team based on your individual performance. On successful completion of this, attend Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) for 10 weeks.

 

more about the joining process

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Initial training

You’ll begin your career at BRNC in Dartmouth, developing your leadership, communication and teamwork skills. Your 10 weeks will provide an introduction to the Naval Service and you’ll get the chance to put your new skills into practice during exercises on the River Dart before participating in the passing out parade where your family and friends will have the opportunity to witness you completing the first element of your training. 

You’ll then get more specialist training in the region of 2 years at the Defence Maritime Logistics School, where you’ll gain the skills and knowledge you need to go to sea.

There's also a swimming test, so if you can't swim, make sure you learn by the time you join us.

more about initial training

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