Qualified Logistics Supply Officer (RFA)

Service:Royal Fleet Auxiliary
Branch:Logistics
Level:Officer
Admin
Civilians
Logistics
Strategic
Organisational
Management
RFA
Favourite

The role at a glance

What you’ll do

As a Qualified Logistics Supply Officer (LSO) in the the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA), it’s your job to make sure your ship is equipped and mission ready and your crewmates are fed, paid and cared for. In short, you’ll be the beating heart of the ship. Personnel of all ranks will look to you to support them to carry out their duties and maintain the objective.

Travelling the world will ensure you'll get all the adventure you're looking for, but you'll also be constantly challenged. From liaising with MOD, to working closely with external agencies, you'll have to resolve complex and differing issues while taking on personal development.

Being in the RFA is a job like no other, with a life – and lifestyle – to match. You’ll make friends for life, go to places you've never been, and do things that civilian dreams are made of. From the moment you join, you’ll be part of a close-knit team that lives, works and relaxes together.  

If you have questions, talk to us

The role

  • Coming with huge responsibility from day one, taking charge of a large budget and a multi million pound inventory, your new job is key to mission success.
  • Leading and managing the department and sub-departments sustaining the ship and crew at sea, you'll ensure the logistical operation succeeds every day so your company can.
  • You'll be challenged every day, from coordinating stores and catering one day, to managing supplies and personal and medical administration the next.
  • You'll be the vital support to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines ensuring they have what they need when they need it.
 

What you’ll get

Skills for life

  • The RFA is committed to supporting personal development for those with the right skills and attitude
  • Deliver, and you'll be able to progress as far as you want up the academic and career path with relevant courses and qualification opportunities paid for by us

Skills you'll develop

  • Constantly build your experience, skills and qualifications
  • Training to become a Damage Control Officer, Incident Support Officer/Operator, IT Security and Data Protection Officer
  • An in-depth knowledge of logistics and administration
  • The ability to manage a global supply chain

Career progression

You'll start your career at a level appropriate to your previous skills and experience. Following completion of essential courses, you'll then be appointed to a ship where you'll immediately put your training into practice. Following hard work, success, experience, further training and merit-based assessment, promotion up the chain of command and further opportunities could follow.

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
  • A level 6 degree
  • A proven track record in a maritime logistic environment
  • Experience in team management at an operational level
  • Professional Logistics Command and Op tour at SO3 or SO2
  • British, Irish or Commonwealth citizen. 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

  • Excellent reliability
  • Great at multi-tasking
  • Meticulous planning skills 
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) test 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.

 

 


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.