Logistics

The Department of the Army Logistics Intern Program, based at Fort Lee, Virginia, is an 18-month initiative designed to recruit and train future logisticians at the GS-7 level. Interns undergo rigorous training, including four months of classroom instruction, logistics Basic Officer Leader Courses, and conflict management training, complemented by over 130 hours of distance learning. The program addresses logistical…

Department of the Army Logistics Intern Program: An Overview

The Department of the Army Logistics Intern Program aims to recruit, hire, train, and develop a new generation of logisticians. This comprehensive program is designed to address the logistical challenges faced by the Army in both garrison and battlefield environments.

Program Structure and Training

The Army Logistics Intern Program is an 18-month full-time training initiative based at Fort Lee, Virginia. Interns are recruited at the GS-7 level and undergo a rigorous curriculum that includes multiple phases of education and practical experience. The training is structured according to the logistics master intern training plan and managed under the Army Civilian Training, Education, and Development System.

The program encompasses several key training modules:

  • Four months of classroom instruction, known as iLog.
  • Four months in logistics Basic Officer Leader Courses (BOLCs), which include Quartermaster, Ordnance, and Transportation BOLCs.
  • Six months of conflict management training, equipping interns with critical skills for real-world challenges.
  • Over 130 hours of distance learning, allowing interns to engage with educational materials remotely.

Additionally, interns complete courses within the Civilian Education System, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience.

Basic Officer Leader Courses (BOLCs)

Interns participate in three distinct BOLCs, each focusing on different aspects of logistics:

  • Quartermaster BOLC: Offers tactical logistics instruction, providing fundamental skills in logistical planning and execution within Army operations.
  • Ordnance BOLC: Emphasizes maintenance and supply operations, ensuring interns understand the intricacies of managing Army ordnance supplies and equipment.
  • Transportation BOLC: Focuses on strategic mobility and operations, teaching interns about the movement of troops and equipment across various terrains and conditions.

Each BOLC includes both common core and functional training, ensuring that participants develop a comprehensive understanding of military logistics.

On-the-Job Training and Practical Experience

Interns gain firsthand experience in logistics organizations through on-the-job training (OJT). This practical component allows them to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, preparing them for the challenges of logistics management.

The Logistics Civil Augmentation Program (LOGCAP) plays a critical role in this aspect of the program, supporting operations at four key sites in Kosovo: Camp Bondsteel, Camp Film City in Pristina, Camp Nothing Hill in northern Kosovo, and Camp Marechal de Lattre de Tassigny. Managed by the 405th Army Field Support Brigade and overseen by Army 1st Lt. Dallas Reed and Maj. Robert Corkrum, LOGCAP provides logistical support and life support services critical to Army operations.

Global Logistics Support and Second Destination Transportation

The U.S. Army Sustainment Command (ASC), headquartered at Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, is responsible for managing Second Destination Transportation (SDT), a vital component of global military logistics. SDT ensures that military goods reach their operational destinations through a combination of multi-modal shipments.

SDT supports the transport of supplies from initial shipment locations to subsequent destinations, a process that requires coordination across multiple commands and the use of commercial carriers. This system is crucial for overseas resupplies and operations, enabling the Army to support allies from U.S. military stocks.

The ASC's Transportation Directorate has developed the SDT system, which includes the management of over 6,000 active Army Transportation Account Codes (TACs). These codes represent funding sources, ensuring efficient tracking and allocation of logistics resources.

The program has increased efficiencies and transparency in logistics operations, allowing for real-time tracking of shipments and supplies. This capability enhances the Army's ability to rapidly distribute equipment and sustain operations in contested environments, acting as a strategic enabler for Army operations worldwide.

Overall, the Department of the Army Logistics Intern Program provides a comprehensive training and development pathway for future logisticians, equipping them with the skills and experience necessary to meet the logistical needs of the U.S. Army.