MOS 51C is a military occupational specialty in the United States Army that deals with logistics, acquisition, contracting, supply procurement, procurement management, and maintainability/serviceability of equipment. The Army Acquisition, Logistics & Technology NCO (MOS 51C) has many responsibilities that are similar to other NCOs. The MOS 51C is accomplished through the completion of the Defense Acquisition University course. The job requires excellent oral and written communications skills, as well as strong leadership abilities to execute the core duties of the MOS. This MOS fulfills the procurement management function in all services of the Department of Defense Reserve Component. This article will provide further information on MOS 51C.
Army Acquisition, Logistics Technology NCO MOS 51C is a part of Army Mos Jobs List.
Table of Contents
MOS 51C Requirements: Qualifications and Skills

In order to become MOS 51C, there are a few requirements you need to satisfy:
Qualification
The Military Operations Site (MOS) 51C tests overall physical fitness, combat fitness, and other requirements such as visual development and color vision. This test measures a Soldier’s overall strength, speed, endurance, and cardiovascular system. The MOS 51C test is measured on a scale of 1 through 5, with 5 being the highest possible score and 1 being the lowest possible score. The overall score for this test is a combination of the scores from each different part of the test.
Leadership abilities
Leadership abilities are the most important aspect of the MOS, as they must be able to lead the team with different Military Occupational Specialties. They must interact with people at all levels on a daily basis, including subordinates, peers, and superiors. They need to know how to make decisions on their own and how to take care of their Soldiers. Being responsible for good order and discipline within a unit is critical for morale and well-being among Soldiers, so they must have the ability to maintain this balance. They must demonstrate the ability to lead and inspire the pursuit of organizational goals and objectives by others.
Oral and written skills
The MOS 51C will be required to speak clearly, concisely, openly without ambiguity; demonstrate a high level of professionalism; anticipate questions or issues before they arise; provide clear instructions that lead others down the right path; develop excellent listening skills-remaining silent when appropriate. The Acquisition and Logistics NCO should have a strong working knowledge of logistics management principles, practices, procedures. An important requirement for this position is being able to negotiate with a variety of Government agencies at all levels as well as contractors in order to procure resources.
Negotiation skills
This individual will have many opportunities to build relationships with international suppliers and other government agencies. Negotiation involves the ability to get others to buy into an idea or opinion, either by analyzing it or by putting forward compelling evidence or reasoning. It also means having the ability to sway others’ opinions without alienating them. The Acquisition and Logistics NCO must be able to meet personnel, capacity, inventory, production capability requirements while meeting operational requirements. In addition, they will have an opportunity to visit all Army installations or visit other installations for a variety of associated activities. They would also have the opportunity to serve as a product evaluator periodically throughout his/her career.
Market research experience
The MOS51C must be able to perform market research-related activities, which include but are not limited to identifying viable sources for contracts; performing economic analysis of the current acquisition process; evaluating the availability of systems to be procured; determining sources of supply; assessing lead time and other factors that apply to production planning.
Work in a stressful situation
The Acquisition and Logistics NCO will have many opportunities associated with managing high-stress situations. This individual would be required to effectively communicate with multiple agencies, including officials overseas, in resolving issues pertaining to acquisitions. Additionally, being responsible for good order and discipline within a unit can cause discomfort in many ways. It can make them feel frustrated when Soldiers are not disciplined or comply with orders. It can also affect their interpersonal relationships because of the stress that it puts on them, but they still must maintain order. These strenuous conditions are essential for keeping unit morale high, and soldiers focused on their jobs, so they must have the fortitude to handle this adversity without being affected by it greatly.
Job Responsibilities
The MOS 51C is tasked with the acquisition, logistics, and technology of an army unit. The MOS 51C is responsible for the procurement of supplies, the provision of services, and maintaining consistent technological capability in support of role missions. They also work to keep both military personnel and civilian contractors safe by ensuring they meet rigorous standards. A unit’s equipment must be maintained at top efficiency by keeping up with technical orders so it can be used safely.
They also help define and evaluate tactical pricing analysis (TPA) proposals to ensure they meet the criteria listed in standard operating procedures. Their expertise involves creating, examining, and monitoring contractual agreements to ensure the best deal for their unit. The primary duties of the MOS 51C are to act as the contracting officer for the unit. They are also responsible for developing and executing modifications to existing contracts. The MOS 51C often helps with contractual management like creating, examining, and monitoring contractual agreements.
Monitoring contractual agreements

As a 51C, you will be responsible for evaluating the legal aspects of a prospective contract and for ensuring that any subsequent agreement properly represents the interests of the military. You will also ensure that all contractual agreements are completed in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, and directives. You may be assigned to monitor contractor performance during the course of a contract to ensure compliance.
Market research

An NCO must know how to conduct market research through data collection methods such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, or textual analysis. Market research helps MOS 51C in marketing its products or services. Study issues involving procurement techniques, systems development, logistics support policy and procedures, production programs, and proposals. You must also analyze and appraise the objectives of future programs from a technical, cost, and financial perspective. They need to know how to gather useful information in order to make money through the sale of the product or service.
Supplying services or goods
The MOS 51C work alongside other non-commissioned officers. In addition to your duties as a 51C, you will be responsible for ensuring the integrity of maintenance, storage, transportation, and distribution capabilities, as well as inventory control. The needs of different units must be met by supplying goods and services. This includes roles such as providing chemical, biological, and nuclear (CBN) protection, as well as equipment such as communication systems.
You must also ensure that supplies are available in the quantities required to meet assigned requirements during mobilization or combat operations. You will be responsible for performing procurement inspections for your unit and ensuring that the correct items are received according to catalog numbers. You also handle the welfare of soldiers, which includes ensuring they receive medical treatment and supplies. Supply training for service members is also required.
Negotiation

A role that requires a great deal of negotiating skills is negotiating with contractors on request for proposals (RFP) submissions. You will be responsible for ensuring that the government receives goods or services at the lowest possible price. You will draft, review and negotiate complex contracts with other governments, domestic businesses, and foreign suppliers. They help identify vendors, negotiate prices for specific supplies with contractors, perform cost analyses and evaluate any proposals submitted prior to award. By defining the needs of the MOI, they review tactical performance for all items under their command to determine what is needed by the unit.
Looking to get the best deal
The MOS 51C must also look to get the best deal for their unit. As a 51C, you are responsible for maintaining close relationships with contractors so that you can take advantage of their expertise in developing solutions to your contracting problems. You may be assigned to develop procedures for getting the most out of these relationships. This means that they need to look out for the best sectors to offer services and goods within. They can offer their service in different sectors such as personnel, finance, logistics, and communications. The MOS 51C needs to be realistic and understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to serving an army unit. The MOS 51C must choose a sector based on personal interests and fit with what is needed by their unit.
Operational and contingency support
The MOS 51C also provides operational and contingency support, such as providing technical assistance during natural disasters. They provide technical and logistical products and services by offering personnel and other products to prevent service disruptions. The MOS 51C also provides administrative support through the management of people and budgets. They oversee and coordinate efforts to ensure that there is a smooth operation between companies and connecting links.
Benefits
There are several benefits associated with MOS 51C, including medical insurance, paid sick time, vacation time, free housing and food, as well as tuition assistance:
Medical Insurance
The Army MOS 51C provides a wide variety of medical benefits, including mandatory health and accident coverage. Medical coverage is obtained through the special Program. The Program offers a wide variety of medical services at participating facilities where you can visit for routine checkups, routine hospitalization and inpatient care, and outpatient care. Service members’ dependents may qualify for coverage too!
Paid sick time
Active-duty soldiers and airmen receive paid sick leave in the service, which is vital for physical, mental, and emotional health. The Soldier may use up to three days of sick leave for minor illnesses such as colds, flu, and upset stomachs. Paid sick leave may be used concurrently with any other paid leave time the Soldier is entitled to receive in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.
Vacation Time
Sick leave and annual leave earned as a Soldier or as an Officer may be used as vacation (vacation leave). Vacation hours earned as a soldier may be used for any purpose the Soldier desires, except those military obligations that require immediate retention on active duty. Vacation hours earned as an officer cannot be carried over to the next calendar year.
Free Housing and food
The Army MOS 15T provides a wide variety of benefits, including housing and food allowances. Soldiers are eligible for the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH). The BAH is paid into your bank account each month and will cover rent, utilities, furniture rental, and other miscellaneous expenses related to quarters. This allowance can be used to help offset any housing expenses not covered by the BAH, such as mortgage or interest payments on loans secured by Army-owned real estate.
Tuition Assistance
The Army MOS 15T is eligible for Tuition Assistance (T.A.) to help pay for college courses. The Soldier must be enrolled in a degree or certificate program at a qualifying institution. The tuition assistance courses must lead to an associate’s or bachelor’s degree or another credential such as a vocational certificate that will make the Soldier more valuable to the Army and U.S. society in general or improve the Soldier’s performance of his or her duty assignments.
Clothing Allowance
All enlisted active-duty soldiers and airmen receive a clothing allowance to replace clothing that is lost or damaged while in the service. The Clothing Allowance (C.A.) is paid into your bank account each month and will cover any necessary replacement costs for uniforms, work clothes, etc.
Job Opportunities
The MOS 51C provides a wide spectrum of services to units, but they don’t usually get to choose which ones they want to work in. The MOS 51C will, however, have the chance of being transferred due to meritorious service performance and public recognition awards. It is therefore important that military members decide on what kind of job they would like after their military career.
Cost Estimator
The primary responsibility of a cost estimator is to develop the project budget. They are responsible for estimating costs utilizing labor hours, labor rates, production times, material rates, materials prices, overhead rates, and other related factors. They also monitor wage rates in order to ensure that they are within Department of Labor guidelines. The Cost Estimator must be able to perform this task with great accuracy by analyzing the overall costs of the purchase. Additionally, this individual should have prior experience in both sales and production-related jobs.
Procurement Specialist
The procurement specialist assists the procurement manager in all procurement transactions by developing purchase orders and working with vendors to identify pricing information for goods or services used by the company. This specialist will oversee all aspects of purchasing for their company or team set up at any given time. A major responsibility of this position is quality control; this individual will ensure that products bought for use by the Army meet contractual requirements and support Army missions. This person also conducts various research studies that will help with sourcing new products or expanding into new markets. These studies may include criteria such as customer satisfaction survey results or competitor pricing strategies.
Purchasing Manager
The purchasing manager is responsible for all purchasing activities within the business. They are the liaison between the provider or vendor and all other departments within the company. This includes negotiating purchases on behalf of the company, inspecting goods to be purchased, ensuring that work orders have been processed, and verifying that vendor documentation is current.
Supply Chain Manager
The supply chain manager maintains a complete overview of all company supply needs. They use a variety of data sources to maintain a database of past orders and current need trends as well as new product orders from suppliers. They also ensure that all product orders are managed in an efficient manner to reduce costs and meet delivery schedules. He makes decisions about which mode of transportation to use (e.g., land, water, or air) based on such factors as size, weight, and delivery time requirements. He also manages logistics systems, such as computer programs used to track inventory levels.
Logistics Coordinator
The logistics coordinator is responsible for finding and coordinating labor, transportation, and various other resources to ensure that all company stores meet daily shipping deadlines. They work with vendors and shipping personnel to determine shipping methods such as expedited, ground, and air freight. The logistics coordinator is also responsible for ensuring all store inventories are updated on a daily basis, including merchandise that has been sold or excess merchandise that must be destroyed.
Negotiations Specialist
The negotiator is responsible for assisting the procurement manager in negotiations on behalf of the company by negotiating prices on supplies, services, and manufacturing. They work closely with sales representatives to ensure that sales goals are met as well as goals established by the company’s purchasing department.
Summary of MOS 51C
The responsibilities of a 51C Army Acquisition, Logistics & Technology NCO consist of managing the acquisition and logistics functions of a unit’s logistical support area. This includes organizing and coordinating the multiple organizations responsible for performing their assigned missions. There are a variety of career opportunities waiting for MOS 51C as a specialist or a manager in a related field.
FAQs
What are the responsibilities of MOS 51C?
The responsibilities of an Army Acquisition, Logistics & Technology NCO (MOS 51C) are the procurement, systems engineering, maintenance, training, and development of the Army’s acquisition capabilities. MOS 51C is considered to be one of the best jobs in the Army.
How long is 51C AIT?
The 6-9 months program is designed to develop professionally competent acquisition leaders who understand how technology impacts strategy and operational planning for national security. Successful completion produces an experienced leader who understands how to bring into fruition new concepts for improvement through creative thinking and sound decision making.
Is 51C a good MOS?
Yes, a career with MOS 51C is considered one of the best jobs in the Army. The responsibilities of an Army A&L NCO are varied and challenging, as they work to continuously improve their career development as well as the quality of life for soldiers at all levels. A&L NCOs also provide a direct link between soldiers and senior civilian managers to ensure they have access to all needed services and resources.
What are the best MOS in the Army?
The Army considers MOS 51C to be one of the best jobs, and this is because of the leadership, soldiering, and technical skills that are required of them. The responsibilities are varied and frequently change as they are always working to improve the Army.