What is a requirement for material management NCOs to gain wholesale experience?

To understand why the selection by major commands is the correct answer, it's important to recognize the structured pathways within military logistics and materiel management. Selection by major commands serves as a gateway for non-commissioned officers (NCOs) to access wholesale experience, which is crucial for those looking to advance in their logistics careers. Major commands typically have specific programs or opportunities that allow for hands-on experience in managing larger scale logistic operations, which is a fundamental aspect of wholesale materiel management.

This selection process ensures that individuals are chosen based on their qualifications and readiness to handle wholesale operations, which involve larger and more complex logistics tasks than those typically encountered at a unit level. It emphasizes the importance of aligning the experience obtained with the needs of the overall command structure, allowing for a more tailored development of skills that are critical in a wholesale logistics environment.

Understanding the other options provides context; for example, while ten years of experience or training from certified logistics instructors may contribute to a foundation of knowledge, they do not specifically guarantee the operational exposure and specific experience required for wholesale functions. Participation in joint training exercises, though valuable for collaboration and broader operational understanding, also does not directly provide the wholesale experience required. Overall, the selection by major commands focuses on ensuring that N