Storekeeper
Manages inventory, warehousing, and supply chain operations for Navy commands.
Overall
Quick Stats
Security Clearance
None
This rate does not require a security clearance.
ASVAB Requirements
Who This Is Best For
Best for organized individuals who enjoy inventory systems and supply chain logistics. If you thrive on keeping things orderly and want transferable warehouse management and procurement skills, this rate offers solid experience applicable to civilian logistics and distribution careers.
+Pros
- ✓Strong civilian career transition
–Cons
Real Opinions
+Positive
“SK was merged into LS, but the warehouse and supply chain skills are solid. You learn inventory management from day one.”
“I would recommend SK to anyone considering it. The training is solid and the community takes care of its own.”
“I learned excellent work ethic, working as a team member, pride in doing a job well, and leadership. I was stationed on a nuclear ship, saw the world, and enjoyed being in the Navy with good performance evaluations.”
–Critical & Mixed
“The work can be repetitive. Counting parts and managing spreadsheets is not for everyone.”
“Like any rate, SK has its downsides. Long hours, time away from family, and Navy bureaucracy are real.”
“Tough job for tough people. I worked 80 plus hours some missions per week for little pay. The workload can be absolutely brutal during operational periods and the compensation does not match the effort, especially for junior sailors.”
“The merger of SK and PC into Logistics Specialist created mixed feelings. One sailor noted they had mixed feelings about trading the postal rating badge for another, but believed the merger would be good because it would result in better opportunities for advancement.”
Recruiter vs Reality
What the recruiter says vs. what it's actually like.
🫡 Recruiter says
“The SK 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 SK.
🫡 Recruiter says
“You'll manage the Navy's supply chain and learn logistics that transfer to civilian careers.”
💀 Reality
You'll spend hours in inventory databases, tracking requisitions that take weeks to fill, explaining to frustrated Sailors why the part they need has been "on order" for three months.
🫡 Recruiter says
“You'll work with cutting-edge supply chain management systems.”
💀 Reality
The Navy's inventory systems are functional but not cutting-edge. You learn proprietary Navy software civilian employers don't use. You'll need to learn SAP or Oracle on your own.
🫡 Recruiter says
“Storekeepers have comfortable working conditions in clean, organized spaces.”
💀 Reality
Ship storerooms are cramped and poorly ventilated. Inventory audits mean counting thousands of items by hand. When the ship hits rough seas, your organized storeroom becomes chaos.
🫡 Recruiter says
“Supply is the backbone of the Navy — you'll be essential to every mission.”
💀 Reality
You are essential, and that means every department blames you when they can't get what they need. You're the backbone everyone leans on and nobody thanks.
🫡 Recruiter says
“Storekeepers handle ordering and receiving — it's straightforward work.”
💀 Reality
You're personally accountable for government property worth thousands to millions. Discrepancies trigger investigations. The procurement system is designed to prevent fraud, not to be user-friendly.
Training Pipeline — Total ~13 weeks (3 months)
Ship Date Calculator
Enter your MEPS ship date to see when you'll complete each stage.
Promotion SpeedEarn higher pay fasterSlowManning 91% (E-4/E-5)
| Cycle (Year) | Eligible | Selected | Promotion % |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-4252-Spring(2024) | 200 | 93 | 47% |
| E-4252-Fall(2024) | 213 | 17 | 8% |
| E-5252-Spring(2024) | 169 | 17 | 10% |
| E-5252-Fall(2024) | 59 | 19 | 32% |
| E-6252-Spring(2024) | 84 | 38 | 45% |
| E-6252-Fall(2024) | 99 | 32 | 32% |
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 Storekeeper rating
Advanced specialty code for experienced Storekeeper personnel
Potential Civilian Post-Navy Outcomes
Warehouse Specialist
Transferability: 5/10
$32k–$50k
Lifestyle5/10
Ship vs. Shore Split
55% / 45%
Deployment Frequency
Moderate
Physical Demand
low — 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.
Common Duty Stations
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Schools + spouse jobs
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Avg waitlist for on-base
95
100 = national avg
—
Schools + spouse jobs
—
Avg waitlist for on-base
135
100 = national avg
—
Schools + spouse jobs
—
Avg waitlist for on-base
92
100 = national avg