Logistics Specialist – Submarines
Manages supply chain, inventory, and food service operations aboard submarines.
Overall
Quick Stats
Security Clearance
Secret~$3K–$15K civilian sector value
Requires a National Agency Check with Local Agency Check and Credit Check (NACLC). Processing typically takes 1–3 months and is initiated early in your training pipeline.
ASVAB Requirements
Who This Is Best For
Best for supply chain professionals who want submarine community bonuses and tight-knit camaraderie while building logistics management skills. If you want the LS career path enhanced by sub pay and the pride of being a submariner, this offers both career development and an elite community.
+Pros
- ✓Strong civilian career transition
–Cons
- ✗Significant sea duty
Real Opinions
+Positive
“If you are a Submarine LS, you are in a very small community that is tightly knit, and advancement is pretty decent compared to regular LS.”
“The rest of the crew is usually friendly towards you because when they are in a jam they will want their repair parts or consumable hookups fast.”
“I would recommend LSS to anyone considering it. The training is solid and the community takes care of its own.”
–Critical & Mixed
“Like any rate, LSS has its downsides. Long hours, time away from family, and Navy bureaucracy are real.”
“LS on a submarine means you're responsible for all supply, food ordering, and logistics for 130+ people in a confined space. When you run out of something underway, there's no resupply — you have to make it work. The pressure of keeping the boat fed and supplied is constant and the mistakes are very visible.”
“Submarine logistics is a one-person show on most boats. You're the only LS, which means every supply issue, every missing part, every food complaint comes directly to you. There's no team to share the load with. The isolation and responsibility can be overwhelming for junior sailors.”
“The submarine lifestyle is the real challenge for LSS — months underwater, no communication with family, cramped living spaces. The LS work itself is manageable but the sub environment makes everything harder. You're doing inventory management in a steel tube 400 feet below the ocean surface.”
Recruiter vs Reality
What the recruiter says vs. what it's actually like.
🫡 Recruiter says
“The LSS rate offers great training and career advancement opportunities!”
💀 Reality
Source: MyNavyRates researchTraining and advancement are available but vary by command and manning. Ask specific questions about sea/shore rotation, typical duty stations, and advancement rates for LSS.
🫡 Recruiter says
“LSS does logistics on submarines.”
💀 Reality
Source: veteran feedbackLSS handles supply and logistics aboard submarines. You manage food stores, parts inventory, and ship's store in extremely limited space. Every cubic foot matters on a submarine.
🫡 Recruiter says
“LSS is just like LS but underwater.”
💀 Reality
Source: sailor forumsThe job function is similar but submarine constraints make everything harder. Storage is minimal, resupply does not happen for months, and you share the same demanding submarine lifestyle.
🫡 Recruiter says
“"Any rate with a bonus is a great deal — take the money."”
💀 Reality
Bonuses exist because the Navy cannot retain enough people in that rate. That should make you ask why. High bonuses often correlate with demanding work, long hours, difficult duty stations, or low quality of life. The bonus is compensation for something — find out what before you sign. A $40K bonus spread over a 6-year enlistment is less than $7K per year before taxes.
🫡 Recruiter says
“"Just go undesignated — you'll figure out your rate later."”
💀 Reality
Source: general_red_flagUndesignated sailors do the jobs nobody else wants while waiting for a rate to open up. Striking is not guaranteed and your options are limited. Going undes is the single most common regret on r/newtothenavy.
🫡 Recruiter says
“"The Navy will move all your stuff for free when you PCS."”
💀 Reality
Source: general_red_flagThe Navy arranges a moving company, but lost items, damaged furniture, and late deliveries are common complaints. "Free" does not mean painless.
🫡 Recruiter says
“"You can bring your phone and stay connected during training."”
💀 Reality
Source: general_red_flagYour phone is confiscated at boot camp and returned at graduation. You get occasional brief phone calls as a privilege. For 10 weeks, handwritten letters are your primary communication. Prepare your family for this.
🫡 Recruiter says
“"You'll be eligible for a VA home loan immediately."”
💀 Reality
Source: general_red_flagVA loan eligibility requires 90 consecutive days of active service during wartime or 181 days during peacetime. You are not eligible on day one. The VA loan is excellent, but it has timing requirements.
🫡 Recruiter says
“"The Navy is the best branch — every other branch wishes they were us."”
💀 Reality
Source: general_red_flagEach branch has different strengths. The Navy offers unique sea duty. The Air Force generally has better quality of life. Pick the branch that fits your goals, not the one your recruiter sells hardest.
Training Pipeline — Total ~16 weeks (4 months)
Ship Date Calculator
Enter your MEPS ship date to see when you'll complete each stage.
Promotion SpeedEarn higher pay faster—Manning 95% (E-5/E-6)
| Cycle (Year) | Eligible | Selected | Promotion % |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-4252-Spring(2024) | 113 | 97 | 86% |
| E-4252-Fall(2024) | 190 | 49 | 26% |
| E-5252-Spring(2024) | 64 | 54 | 84% |
| E-5252-Fall(2024) | 73 | 24 | 33% |
| E-6252-Spring(2024) | 86 | 22 | 26% |
| E-6252-Fall(2024) | 130 | 18 | 14% |
Bonuses — Click here to see your military pay
Enlistment Bonus
No active bonus for this rate
You May Qualify for a Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC)
Specialties within this rate you can select, some with additional compensation. Each NEC has its own training, bonus potential, and career path.
Primary specialty code for Logistics Specialist – Submarines rating
Advanced specialty code for experienced Logistics Specialist – Submarines personnel
Potential Civilian Post-Navy Outcomes
Supply Chain Coordinator
Transferability: 6/10
$40k–$70k
Lifestyle4/10
Ship vs. Shore Split
60% / 40%
Deployment Frequency
Moderate
Physical Demand
medium — indoor
Watch Standing
4-section duty, galley/supply watch rotation
In a 4-section rotation, the crew is divided into four teams. Each team stands a 6-hour watch shift, then has 18 hours off before their next watch. In port, you stand 24-hour duty roughly every 4 days — meaning you stay aboard the ship overnight on your duty day.
Watch qualifications vary by command and platform. Expect to qualify within 90 days of reporting.