Who is responsible for training personnel on shelf-life management?

The responsibility for training personnel on shelf-life management lies with commanders and supervisors who must ensure that their teams are adequately trained. This is critical because shelf-life management is a key component of maintaining logistics readiness and ensuring that military supplies and equipment remain safe and effective throughout their intended lifespan. Commanders and supervisors are in a unique position to tailor training to the specific needs and circumstances of their personnel, ensuring compliance with DoD policies and procedures.

Effective training also involves understanding the nuances of shelf-life determinations, proper usage, and the potential impact of expired items on military operations, which commanders are best suited to oversee. They are responsible for resource allocation and can prioritize training needs as dictated by mission requirements.

Training by external contractors or relying solely on administrative staff may not address the specific operational contexts or specialized knowledge required in shelf-life management tasks. While any available trainer can contribute to the training process, ultimately, it is the commanders and supervisors who have the authority and obligation to ensure that their personnel receive the necessary training to maintain operational effectiveness.