Navy Logistics Specialist – Submarines (LSS): Definitive Guide (2025)

This guide provides helpful information for those looking to join the Navy as a Logistics Specialist – Submarines (LSS) during the Fiscal Year 2025.

You can’t run a submarine without the right parts. Food, fuel, tools—even a missing bolt can slow things down. That’s where Logistics Specialists (Submarines) step in.

They track gear, order supplies, inspect shipments. Middle of the ocean, middle of a storm—doesn’t matter. If the sub needs it, they find a way to get it.

Job Description

navy-lss-insignia
LSS Insignia – Credit: U.S. Navy

Logistics Specialists – Submarines (LSS) are Navy enlisted Sailors who manage inventories of repair parts and general supplies, as well as distributing mail for submarines and shore-based activities.

LSSs keep the sub stocked and running. No parts, no mission. They order, track, store, and distribute everything a submarine needs—from repair components to mail deliveries.

Day-to-Day Work

  • Procure, receive, store, and issue materials and repair parts.
  • Manage inventory databases and generate reports.
  • Operate Navy post offices on land and at sea—handling mail distribution for subs.
  • Inspect incoming cargo to make sure everything checks out.
  • Handle financial records and logs for inventory and supply management.
  • Use logistics and accounting software to track and manage stock.

Where They Work

  • Offices, warehouses, storage rooms on submarines.
  • Air cargo terminals at naval air stations.
  • Shore-based operations and supply hubs.

The Numbers

  • About 450 Logistics Specialists (Submarines) serve in the Navy.
  • Work is both independent and team-based—decisions matter.

Every part, every supply, every shipment—it all runs through them. If something’s missing, they’re the ones who fix it.

Different Roles in Submarine Logistics

Submarine Logistician

The hands-on supply expert. These Sailors handle every part of the submarine’s supply chain—from ordering parts to tracking inventory.

  • Receive, store, distribute, and track materials.
  • Inspect and audit supply areas for accuracy.
  • Manage financial records and fix discrepancies.
  • Maintain supply databases and generate reports.

Submarine Logistics Manager

The big-picture planner. Oversees supply operations, procurement, and financial management.

  • Handle material procurement, financial accounting, and administration.
  • Manage warehouses—receiving, storing, and issuing supplies.
  • Track and inventory repairable assets and mission-critical parts.
  • Work with vendors, contractors, and supply agents to secure materials.
  • Develop deployment load-out plans to ensure the sub has everything it needs.

Rank Structure

Pay GradeRateAbbreviationTitle
E-1Seaman RecruitSRSeaman Recruit
E-2Seaman ApprenticeSASeaman Apprentice
E-3SeamanSNSeaman
E-4Logistics Specialist Submarines Third ClassLSS3Petty Officer Third Class
E-5Logistics Specialist Submarines Second ClassLSS2Petty Officer Second Class
E-6Logistics Specialist Submarines First ClassLSS1Petty Officer First Class
E-7Chief Logistics Specialist SubmarinesLSSCChief Petty Officer
E-8Senior Chief Logistics Specialist SubmarinesLSSCSSenior Chief Petty Officer
E-9Master Chief Logistics Specialist SubmarinesLSSCMMaster Chief Petty Officer

Salary and Benefits

Salary for the First 6 Years

Monthly pay for Navy enlisted Sailors (E-1 to E-6) in the first six years is laid out in the January  2025 Active Duty Pay chart:

Pay GradeLess than 2 YearsOver 2 YearsOver 3 YearsOver 4 YearsOver 6 Years
E-1$2,108.10$2,108.10$2,108.10$2,108.10$2,108.10
E-2$2,362.80$2,362.80$2,362.80$2,362.80$2,362.80
E-3$2,484.60$2,640.60$2,800.80$2,800.80$2,800.80
E-4$2,752.20$2,892.90$3,049.80$3,204.30$3,341.40
E-5$3,001.50$3,203.70$3,358.80$3,517.20$3,763.80
E-6$3,276.60$3,606.00$3,765.00$3,919.80$4,080.60

Extra Pays and Allowances

  • Housing Allowance (BAH): For members living off-base. Covers rent, based on rank, location, and if they have dependents.
  • Subsistence Allowance (BAS): Enlisted get $465.77 monthly for food.
  • Hazard Duty Pay: For dangerous jobs. Pays $150-$250 per month, depending on the job.
  • Sea Pay: For those assigned to ships or deployed units. Depends on rank and time at sea, from $50 to $750 a month.
  • Submarine Duty Incentive Pay (SUBPAY): Up to $1,000/month based on qualifications and assignment.
  • Special and Incentive Pays: Bonuses for certain roles, like air traffic control or unique skills. These can be a few hundred to thousands per year.

Source: Figures are from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service.

Benefits

  • Healthcare: Active-duty personnel are eligible for free complete medical and dental treatment. Tricare programs are inexpensive for families to use.
  • Housing Accomodation: Depending on location, rank, and family size, free on-base accommodation or a tax-free housing allowance (BAH) for off-base living are available.
  • Food: Monthly Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) for food costs is known as the “food allowance.”
  • Blended Retirement System (BRS): Conventional pensions are no longer available to active-duty personnel. Rather:
    • Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): Up to 5% in government matching and automatic contributions.
    • Retirement Pay: After 20 years of service, you’re eligible for monthly payments according on the BRS formula, which combines TSP savings with a calculated pension.
  • Education:
    • Availability of tuition assistance programs that pay for all or part of college tuition.
    • Support for higher education under the post-9/11 GI Bill.
    • Navy College Program to support education while on service.
  • Life Insurance: Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) provides coverage up to $500,000.
  • Vacation: ten or more federal holidays plus thirty days of paid vacation each year.
  • Extra Benefits:
    • Exchanges and commissaries provide tax-free purchasing.
    • Discounted travel via military resorts, access to fitness centers, and leisure amenities.
Navy-LSS-Rating-Logistics-Specialist-Submarines-Image-704X396

Training and Promotion Opportunities

Boot Camp & Technical Training

  • Recruit Training Command Great Lakes (Boot Camp) – Standard Navy entry training.
  • Class “A” Technical School – Meridian, MS (9 weeks)
    • Training in data processing, financial records, accounting systems, and postal operations.

Submarine-Specific Training

  • Basic Enlisted Submarine School – Groton, CT (9 weeks)
    • Indoctrination into submarine systems and logistics operations unique to subs.
    • LSS-only training to prepare for supply management in a submerged environment.

First Assignments

  • LSS (Submarines): Assigned to submarines or shore stations.
  • Submarine Duty Bonus Pay: Ranges from $75 to $600 per month based on experience.

Advanced Training & Career Progression

  • Specialized training in supply chain management, procurement, and financial operations available later in your career.
  • Leadership opportunities and potential for Officer roles with further education.

Post-Service Opportunities

  • Civilian careers in inventory control, logistics management, procurement, and financial administration.
  • Skills directly transfer to warehouse management, military contracting, and corporate logistics.

Qualifications to Join

Basic Requirements

  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen (Permanent Residents not eligible for LSS).
  • Must qualify for a security clearance.
  • Must volunteer for submarine duty.

ASVAB Score Requirements

  • AR + MK + EI + GS = 200 or
  • VE + AR + MK + MC = 200

Skills & Traits That Matter

  • Strong arithmetic, verbal, and writing skills.
  • Attention to detail – Keeping accurate records is critical.
  • Customer service mindset – Works closely with crew members and supply contacts.
  • Team player – Must function well in both independent and group settings.

The enlistment qualification requirements above are current as of Fiscal Year 2025, per the Navy Personnel Command. This information is not readily available to the public.

So, contact your local Navy Enlisted Recruiter for the most current requirements to join the Navy as an enlisted Sailor

More Information

If you wish to learn more about becoming a Logistics Specialist – Submarines (LSS), contact your local Navy Enlisted Recruiter. They will provide you with more detailed information you’re unlikely to find online.

You may also be interested in the following related Navy Enlisted jobs:

Ted Kingston
I’m a Navy veteran who used to serve as a Navy recruiter. This website is the most reliable source of information for all Enlisted Navy Sailor aspirants. In coordination with a network of current and former Navy recruiters, my goal is to make reliable information easily available to you so you can make informed career decisions.

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