“Business as usual” in the Navy is anything but Business Management

Business demands order. And order is what you’ll get in America’s Navy. Within our organization, a business management position may have you stationed on a destroyer in a one-person office or as the warehouse supervisor of a 60-person staff.

Whether you’re an accountant, purchasing agent or manager, or just starting your business career, you’ll ensure that Sailors have the materials and equipment they depend on to do their jobs. Namely, to protect our nation, defend our freedoms, and secure our interests both here and abroad. It’s something that Wall Street and Main Street just can’t offer. So if you’re process-oriented and ready to be a real mover and shaker, consider the Navy to begin, or further, your business management career.

Job Description

Love crunching numbers, staring down deadlines and scrutinizing spreadsheets? Even without a college degree, when you hold a business management position in America’s Navy, you’ll use your business acumen to make sure that equipment and materials needed by Sailors are available and in good working order.

Whether you’re on an amphibious ship at sea or at a Navy base ashore, the business skills you put to work may include:

  • Basic computer knowledge such as word processing, spreadsheet and database software to produce and record information
  • Fundamental principles of retail and marketing
  • The development and implementation of various business strategies
  • The ability to visualize and solve complicated problems and make accurate and informed decisions
  • Excellent oral, written and nonverbal communication skills
  • The ability to motivate and lead people to accomplish goals and objectives

Advanced technical and operational training is available in this field during later stages of career development.

Specific Responsibilities

The Navy means business, which is why planes don’t leave flight decks and ships don’t leave ports without parts, cargo, safety equipment and other supplies. Sailors in the business field ensure that pilots have their flight gear, ships have their supplies, and divers have their masks. Getting things from point A to point B takes on new significance.

Here are just some of the functions you may perform to ensure the job gets done:

  • Prepare inventory reports and correspondence
  • Order, receive, and issue spare parts, clothing, and general supplies
  • Manage/operate retail and service activities ashore, afloat or on a sub
  • Use computers to track and maintain inventory and to track shipboard retail and service activities
  • Operate office equipment and cash registers
  • Keep fiscal records

Work Environment

Business happens all the time, all over the world. Your work in the Navy could have you sitting at a computer terminal at the Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station Atlantic or stocking supplies in a small office aboard an aircraft carrier overseas. You may be behind a desk on a Navy base or operating a retail store on board a cruiser. As a businessman or businesswoman in the Navy, you may work alone or as a member or manager of a large team.

Education Opportunities

The business management training you’ll receive may count as credit hours toward a bachelor’s or associate degree.

After the Navy

No matter how much or little business experience you have, through on-the-job training and traditional Navy schooling, you will learn shop management skills as well as the fundamental principles of retail and marketing.

Your training may also prepare you for the following future civilian careers:

  • Entrepreneur
  • Business manager
  • Bookkeeper
  • Accountant
  • Stock/shipping clerk
  • Supply and logistics specialist
  • Purchasing agent

Advanced technical and operational training is available in this field during later stages of career development.

Consider Your Service Options.

There are different ways that you can commit to serve in America's Navy. Besides full-time opportunities in Active Duty, part-time Reserve positions are also available in this career area.