Storekeepers serve in the Supply Division, under the supervision of the Supply Officer.
Effective in April of 2010 the Storekeeper rating merged with the Postal Clerks to form a new rating named the Logistic Specialist (LS).
The storekeeper rating has a long history in the Navy. The purser and his assistants were responsible for ensuring that a ship was properly and timely supplied with all the necessities to complete a voyage. Over the years, as the system grew more complex the need for formal training grew greater. In some instances, though, a junior sailor with some experience may transfer to the storekeeper rating without attending school.
"A" School
The storekeepers "A" school in Meridian, Miss., provides the basics of the rating. Normally attended just out of boot camp, the sailor learns about the Navy ordering and supply system, inventory databases, correspondence, filing and record keeping, logistics, and financial management in the 40 calendar day school. A non-rated sailor already in the fleet who has not specialized in any area may request to attend the school.
On-The-Job Training
Storekeepers are almost always under the supervision of a senior, and on-the-job training is a continuous aspect of the way they learn their profession. Each step of the way is documented in their personal qualification standards permanent record, and must be signed off before the storekeeper is eligible for advancement.
A non-rated sailor who has not gone through an "A" school may request to "strike" for the storekeeper rating by extensive use of on-the-job training and passing the advancement test for Third Class Petty Officer.
Correspondence Courses
The Navy provides an extensive correspondence training course for the storekeeper rating, starting with the basic Third Class Petty Officer and continuing to Storekeeper Chief Petty Officer. Each book comes with comprehensive multiple choice tests that must be passed before the book is completed. Testing for advancement comes primarily from each book.
C Schools
Storekeepers with several years of service may attend "C" schools for advanced training. They study areas such as the Snap II Supply and Financial Management, air transportation specialists, and supply and accounting.
Military Training
Storekeepers are also military sailors, and are expected to be equally familiar with the duties involved with shipboard warfare. While aboard ships they are involved in extensive training through correspondence classes and OJT to earn the Surface Warfare (SW) recognition. Alternately, they may earn the Aviation Warfare (AW), Seabee Combat Warfare (SCW), or Submarine Warfare Specialist (SS) pins.
Tags: Petty Officer, storekeeper rating, Class Petty, Class Petty Officer, non-rated sailor