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Cargo Specialist

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Cargo Specialist - 88H


  • Active/Reserve:Both
  • Officer/Enlisted:Enlisted
  • Restrictions:None

Overview

Cargo specialists help ensure Army forces receive supplies, weapons, equipment and mail — on a daily basis, all over the world. They are primarily responsible for transferring or supervising the transfer of passengers, cargo and equipment to and from air, land and water transport by manual and mechanical methods.

Job Duties

  • Inspect, count and document cargo utilizing both manual and automated data processing systems
  • Load and unload supplies and equipment from ships, docks, beaches, railheads, boxcars, warehouses, motor vehicles and aircraft
  • Operate and maintain all types and sizes of winches, cranes and forklifts
  • Create load plans for air shipment and ocean liner vessels
  • Operate ocean liner vessel equipment

    • Requirements

  • Those who want to serve must first take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, a series of tests that helps you better understand your strengths and identify which Army jobs are best for you.

    • Training

    Job training for a cargo specialist requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and eight weeks of Advanced Individual Training with on-the-job instructions. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part in the field.Some of the skills you'll learn are:

  • Operation and care of forklifts, power winches, container handlers and cranes
  • Techniques for loading and storing cargo
  • Techniques for planning and scheduling cargo shipments
  • Safety procedures for handling potentially dangerous cargo

    • Helpful Skills

  • Experience operating heavy equipment such as container handlers, forklifts and cranes
  • Interest in working around airport, railways, seaports and ocean beach terminals
  • Enjoy physical work
  • Interest in business mathematics

    • ASVAB

    The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is an examination that is administered by the United States Military Entrance Processing Command. It is used to determine qualification and helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military.

  • General Maintenance (GM): 88

    • Compensation

  • Total compensation includes housing, medical, food, special pay, and vacation time.

    • See the whole list of Army Occupational Specialties here

    To learn more about the Army's rank structure, see our complete list of Army ranks.
    To see a list of military medals and decorations that can be earned by servicemembers in the Army and other branches of the military, see our list of military decorations and medals.