88H Cargo Specialist

Without supplies, the Army National Guard wouldn’t be able to serve the community and the country. Whether by land, air, or sea, the safe shipment and arrival of all cargo is the responsibility of the Cargo Specialist, and it’s up to you to provide troops with any supplies, weapons, equipment, and mail they need.

In this role, you will be in charge of the transfer of cargo and passengers to and from watercraft, docks, beaches, railheads, boxcars, warehouses, motor vehicles, and aircraft. This often requires the use of specialized equipment such as forklifts and cranes. You may also plan and organize loading schedules, and inspect cargo for damage.

Job Duties
• Inspect, count, and document cargo utilizing both manual and automated data processing systems
• Create load plans for air shipment and ocean liner vessels
• Operate ocean liner vessel equipment

Some of the Skills You’ll Learn
• Operation and care of forklifts, power winches, container handlers, and cranes
• Techniques for loading and storing cargo
• Techniques for planning and scheduling cargo shipments
• Safety procedures for handling potentially dangerous cargo

Helpful Skills
• Experience operating heavy equipment
• Interest in working around airports, railways, seaports, and ocean beach terminals
• Preference for physical work
• Interest in business mathematics

Through your training, you will develop the skills and experience to enjoy a civilian career with trucking firms, air cargo companies, shipping lines, freight operators, moving or bus companies, or businesses that have their own delivery fleets.

Earn While You Learn
Instead of paying to learn these skills, get paid to train. In the Army National Guard, you will learn these valuable job skills while earning a regular paycheck and qualifying for tuition assistance.

Job training for a Cargo Specialist consists of 10 weeks of Basic Training, where you'll learn basic Soldiering skills, and eight weeks of Advanced Individual Training (AIT). Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part in the field.

Benefits

• Paid training
• A monthly paycheck
• Montgomery GI Bill
• Federal and State tuition assistance
• Retirement benefits for part-time service
• Low-cost life insurance (up to $400,000 in coverage)
• 401(k)-type savings plan
• Student Loan Repayment Program (up to $50,000, for existing loans)
• Health care benefits available
• VA home loans
• Bonuses, if applicable
• Most non-prior service candidates will earn between $200 and $250 per drill weekend, subject to change

• Military enlistment in the Army National Guard
• Must be at least a junior in high school, or have a high school diploma or a GED certificate
• Must be between the ages of 17 and 35
• Must be able to pass a physical exam and meet legal and moral standards
• Must meet citizenship requirements (see NATIONALGUARD.com for details)

Requires military enlistment. Programs and benefits are subject to change. Ask your Army National Guard recruiter for the most up-to-date information. Actual MOS assignment may depend on MOS availability.