The OP UNIT SUP is a soldier who is responsible for the provision, supervision and management of most Classes of Supply at unit level. The OP UNIT SUP performs Unit Resource functions including procurement and negotiating contracts and manages compliance within Corporate Governance requirements. The OP UNIT SUP provides advice on storage, handling and disposal of dangerous goods and can be expected to provide technical advice on the Standard Defence Supply System (SDSS), ROMAN and the conduct of soldier training when necessary.

An OP UNIT SUP is to supervise and manage the demand, receipt, storage, security, maintenance, inspection, internal issue, stocktaking and disposal of all types of equipment.

Key Features

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.

• Is responsible for data management within the working environment, and coordinate the maintenance, security and use of stores and equipment on issue and procurement of goods and services.
• To conduct internal audits and stocktakes/disposal actions, supervise financial accounts.
• Supervise technical control of personnel within the working environment.
• Is required to develop and manage a budget relating to stores, provide complex higher level reports and returns from MILIS, negotiate and administer contracts, and provide technical advise on Supply and support to a higher headquarters.
• Are responsible for the scrutiny and control of all accountable and controlled forms.
• May supervise up to 30 OP UNIT SUP, civilian personnel and other support staff at battalion or high level. Personnel may be required to work in separate areas which require a high degree of coordination and supervision in order to set, monitor and achieve individual /team work priorities and goals.

The pay levels for this employment are:

• OP UNIT SUP ADV PTE-CPL Pay Grade 3
• OP UNIT SUP SPVR CPL-SGT Pay Grade 4
• OP UNIT SUP MNGR SGT-WO2 Pay Grade 4
• OP UNIT SUP TECH MNGR WO1 Grade 4
• OP UNIT SUP TECH MNGR WO1 Grade 5

• 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.
• Subject 4 CPL OP UNIT SUP Advance Course: 15 days conducted at ALTC, Bandiana, Victoria.
• Subject 4 SGT OP UNIT SUP Supervisor Course: 15 days conducted as ALTC, Bandiana, Victoria.
• Subject 4 WO OP UNIT SUP Manager Course: 15 days conducted at ALTC, Bandiana, Victoria.

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

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 DGPERS-A 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.

All applicants for trade transfer to this category are to undergo a Psychological Review where it would be identified if additional psychological assessment may be required. 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.

The major feeder category for this employment is the OP SUP Grade 1 (ECN 294-2).
Personnel from all Corps and Services may apply to transfer to OP UNIT SUP.

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

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

• OP UNIT SUP ADV - Certificate III in Transport and Distribution (Warehousing and Storage) and Certificate III in Government.
• OP UNIT SUP SPV Grade 1 - Certificate IV in Transport and Distribution (Warehousing and Storage) and Statement of Attainment towards the Certificate IV in Government.
• OP UNIT SUP MNGR/TECH MNGR - Diploma of Logistics Management and Statement of Attainment towards the Diploma in Government.

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