The OP SUP is a soldier who has knowledge of the defence supply chain, and under supervision, has a key role in the provision of logistic Supply support within the formation. The OP SUP is a multi skilled soldier, and conducts duties relating to Supply support, Supply systems and unit Supply. The range of tasks includes inventory control, warehousing and distribution, Supply management processes, operator equipment maintenance and specialised packaging tasks related to dangerous goods. The OP SUP is required to drive and maintain a variety of Army vehicles and operate Mechanical Handling Equipment. The OP SUP may be required to operate in combat, Combat Support and Combat Service Support roles.
An OP SUP is to undertake the demand, receipt, storage, security, maintenance, inspection, internal issue, accounting for and disposal of all types of equipment and stores for, or held by the unit.

The trade has better than average promotion prospects as there is a limited backlog of personnel awaiting promotion.

There is significant employment diversity in the trade ranging from supporting a Brigade in the field to planning and supporting maintenance for the new Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter. At various times throughout the career of an OP SUP, additional training is provided to ensure that the right skills are available for any of the large variety of jobs performed.

An OP SUP can expect to work with a variety of material from repair parts to ammunition or food.

OP SUP are deployed on virtually every overseas deployment due to the ongoing requirement for supply support to the mission. For every Infantry Battalion or Armoured Squadron that deploys overseas, there is a large amount of logistic support that accompanies them of which an OP SUP is a key component.

All training is fully accredited with formal qualifications. An OP SUP can lead up to a Diploma of Logistics Management. An OP SUP gains valuable skills that are useful in civil industry, that incorporates human resource management, training management and financial management skills gained throughout the career of the OP SUP. This makes the OP SUP an attractive asset to any business that needs human resource, training and financial managers or specialists.

• Performing technical clerical duties on the Australian Defence Forces electronic supply information system including stores accounting, receipt and issue transactions and loan stores transactions.
• Performing technical stores handling including selecting, packaging, distribution, destruction of surplus or damaged stock, and non-technical inspection.
• Handle, store and distribute dangerous goods such as hazardous materials, ammunition and explosives.
• Assist in the planning of stores requirements for repair or maintenance of military equipment and process maintenance tasks on maintenance information management system.
• Assist in the calculation of unit resource requirements and basic financial management.
• Operate on and off pavement forklifts, cargo trucks and tow motors. Some postings require the OP SUP to be able to drive the various vehicles under their control including trucks, forklifts, cranes, motorbikes, armoured personnel carriers, tanks and light armoured vehicles.

The pay levels for this employment are:

• OP SUP Reserve PTE (ARes only) Pay Grade 1.
• OP SUP Grade PTE/LCPL Pay Grade 2.

Completion of Australian Year nine education (or equivalent) with passes in English and Mathematics.

All applicants for trade transfer to this category are to undergo a Psychological Review where if required additional psychological assessment may be required would be identified. Potential lateral enlistees assessed with appropriate qualifications, generally enter the employment category stream at a prescribed rank and will normally be required to undertake some form of refresher training prior to appointment. Ab-initio and category transfers will generally enter to category stream at the Initial Employment Training (IET) level and be required to complete the IET Courses. Category transferees who hold rank prior to a transfer will generally be required to revert to PTE upon successful completion of IET, however each category is to assess the individual on their merits.

IET Operator Supply Basic Course: 40 days conducted at ALTC, Bandiana, Victoria.
Reserve soldier have the option to complete either the Basic or Modular courses.

The OP SUP is employed in a variety of ARA, ARes and integrated units throughout the Army and the ADO.

This category's courses meet the requirements for both civilian and military authorities and will make you eligible for:

• OP SUP Grade 1 - Certificate II in Transport and Distribution (Warehousing and Storage).

A soldier may elect to trade transfer to this employment category. If a soldier elects to trade transfer to this category, a Return of Service Obligation (ROSO) is required. The length of ROSO for both trade transfer and other category training is in the Chief of Army Determination on ROSO (Army Schedule) on the DGPERSA website (DefWeb only). If a member has an existing ROSO from prior training, this ROSO may be served concurrently. Defence policy on ROSO is in DI (G) PERS 33-2 Return of Service Obligation.

Detailed employment category information about OP SUP can be found within the Manual of Army Employments. (DefWeb only)