These tasks provide the foundation of knowledge required to effectively serve in the branch as a leader at the company and battalion level in all aspects of Ordnance operations and in leading Ordnance soldiers. All officers should seek opportunities in all commodities available to them in the Ordnance Corps. For example, officers who have worked ammunition should seek opportunity in maintenance positions. Captains gain a working knowledge of command principles, battalion level staff operations, and Ordnance operations at the battalion to brigade levels. The formal designation of FAs is based upon the needs of the Army, officer preference, military experience and, in some cases, civil schooling.
Some FAs have extensive educational requirements.
A limited number of officers will be accessed into the Army Acquisition Corps. However, job performance and completion of branch qualification requirements should take precedence over advanced schooling. Five years of logistics experience is required. This experience will become increasingly important as we move into the 21st Century and increase reliance on the industrial base. The OPMS XXI goal for branch qualification is 24 months in these positions, but an Ordnance officer can expect to serve his or her 24 months in more than one position.