What They Do
Throughout the course of their career, Logistics Officers (LOG) will work in one or several of the five main disciplines of this MOC: Supply Chain Management, Transportation, Human Resource Management, Finance, and Food Services and could have the opportunity to work in one or more of the following three areas of expertise: Movements, Postal, and Ammunition. Through a combination of training and assignments, Logistics Officers will develop different skill sets in one or more of the above-noted disciplines or areas of expertise. They must be able to live and work in a combat environment. Consequently, they will receive the necessary training to maximize their safety and that of their subordinates.
Their duties could include some of the following functions: procurement, warehousing, material control, distribution, disposal of military materiel, equipment, and ammunition, the provision of various means of transportation for the movement of personnel and all types and sizes of cargo throughout the world, the provision of food services, postal services, human resource or financial services. In the performance of their duties, they will lead other officers, non-commissioned members and civilian employees.
Logistics Officers are assigned duties in one of the following three environments: Sea (Navy), Land (Army), or Air (Air Force).
Logistics – Sea (Navy). In the early stages of your career, the emphasis will be on employment/ training at sea and employment at a Naval Formation, Base or Unit. As early as possible, you will serve at sea as a Ship’s Supply Officer, after which you may choose to focus on one or more of the main Logistics disciplines. Senior Naval Logistics Officers have a wider range of command and staff opportunities. Most junior officers are employed within the Navy. Naval Logistics Officers at the rank of Commander or higher normally work at National Defence Headquarters performing tasks related to the management of Joint and Combined Operations, logistics systems, and general logistics.
Logistics – Land (Army). In the early stages of your career, you will be employed as a platoon commander in a General Support or Close Support Service Battalion, after which you may choose to focus on one or more of the main Logistics disciplines. Senior Army Logistics Officers have a wider range of command and staff opportunities. Most junior officers are employed within the Army. Army Logistics Officers at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel or higher normally work at National Defence Headquarters performing tasks related to the management of Joint and Combined Operations, logistics systems, and general logistics.
Logistics – Air (Air Force). In the early stages of your career, you will be employed in an entrylevel junior Logistics position at an operational Wing where you will learn about the unique aspects of providing support to air operations. This experience will be followed by a first line tour at a squadron as Squadron Logistics Officer or Mobile Air Movements Support Officer. Subsequent tours will provide you with opportunities to further develop your knowledge and experience within one or more of the main Logistics disciplines. Senior Air Force Logistics Officers have a wider range of command and staff opportunities. Most junior officers are employed within the Air Force. Air Force Logistics Officers at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel or higher normally work at National Defence Headquarters performing tasks related to the management of Joint and Combined Operations, logistics systems, and general logistics.
Qualification Requirements
A variety of baccalaureate degree programs are acceptable for entry into this military occupation. However, a degree in one of the following fields is preferred: Business or Public Administration, Commerce, Accounting, Finance, Economics, Transportation Management, Food Services/Hotel/ Resort/Hospitality and Tourism Management/ Administration or Nutrition, Industrial Relations, Human Resources Management, or Supply Chain Management.
You must meet Canadian Forces medical standards, and successfully complete a selection process that includes interviews and a wide range of examinations.
The Regular Officer Training Plan (ROTP) comprises a full undergraduate education (to the Bachelor’s degree level) at the Royal Military College of Canada or another accredited Canadian university, followed by at least four years of obligatory service in the Regular component of the Canadian Forces, commencing immediately upon graduation. To qualify for ROTP, you must have completed high school with the appropriate university-oriented credits, or be in Grade 12 in an appropriate program with full expectation of successful completion.
To qualify for direct entry as a Logistics Officer, you must have a university degree in one of the above-noted fields.
Phase I: Initial Assessment and Basic Officer Training
Initial Assessment and the Basic Officer Training Course (BOTC) are conducted at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. During BOTC, you will learn the principles of leadership, regulations and customs of the service, basic weapons-handling, and first aid. Throughout Phase I, you will participate in a rigorous program of fitness training and sports. Second language training will be provided to officers who are not already proficient in both official languages. The length of training is based upon an individual’s second language proficiency.
Phase II: Environmental Officers Common Course
The second phase of training will familiarize you with your environment. Logistics – Sea (Navy) environmental training is conducted at the Naval Training Centre, Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, B.C. Logistics – Land (Army) environmental training is conducted at the Combat Training Centre, Canadian Forces Base Gagetown, N.B. Logistics – Air (Air Force) environmental training is conducted at Canadian Forces Base Borden, Ont. These courses are normally available in English and French.
Phase III: Logistics Officers Common Course
This phase of your training will take place at the Canadian Forces School of Administration and Logistics (CFSAL), Canadian Forces Base Borden, Ont. This introductory course on logistics support, which relates to all specialties and environments, is normally available in English and French.
Phase IV: Logistics Sub-occupation (Environmental) Training
Logistics Officers are employed in all environments – Sea, Land and Air. Your duties may require you to work independently for long periods of time, at isolated locations, in severe and adverse conditions, and in areas that will tax your ingenuity, resourcefulness and stamina. You will undergo logistics training pertinent to the environment to which you have been assigned. Officers in the Logistics – Sea program will follow a training course in both supply and finance at CFSAL, Naval Common training and a one-year tour onboard a ship as an Assistant Ship’s Supply Officer. Officers in the Logistics – Land program will follow the Logistics Officer Land course at CFSAL. A similar course is being designed for the Logistics – Air officers and it will be offered at CFSAL Borden.
Phase V: Intermediate Level Training
This phase consists of just-intime specialized training. The principal logistics courses are: Logistics Officers Air Mobility Support (LOAMS), Supply Chain Management, Fleet Management, Human Resources Management, Financial Management, Unit Supply Officer, Pay Accounting Officer, and Movement Officer. These courses are normally given after you have completed your first tour, and prior to your posting into an intermediate level position.
