DD Form 1155: The standard Navy form for ordering supplies and services ashore and afloat.

If you’ve ever watched a Navy logistics operation in action, you know the rhythm is built on careful paperwork as much as on steel and diesel. Orders, approvals, receipts, payments—the flow depends on forms that everyone trusts. One form sits at the heart of both ashore and afloat purchasing: the DD Form 1155, Order for Supplies and Services. It’s the go-to tool that keeps procurement moving smoothly across the fleet.

Meet the workhorse: what the DD Form 1155 does

Here’s the thing about the 1155. It’s designed to handle orders of supplies and services across the Department of Defense, no matter where you are—on a pier in Norfolk or at a forward operating base far from home. The form streamlines who, what, and how much, giving everyone a clear record of what was ordered, from whom, and under what terms. That clarity is essential in a world where budgets, accountability, and timetables must line up.

The 1155 isn’t just a piece of paper. It’s a compact, standardized packet that helps ensure:

• The right items are requested and delivered.

• There’s a transparent trail for audits and reviews.

• Funds and accounts line up with the purchase.

• Shipments and services are properly documented for payment and tracking.

Ashore and afloat, the same form fits

In the Navy, things move in two modes: on land and at sea. The 1155 works in both environments, which is a big advantage. It creates consistency so the same process works whether a supply shop on a base is ordering spare parts or a ship’s crew is requesting services while deployed. That consistency saves time, reduces confusion, and keeps the supply chain intact when every hour counts.

What about the other forms you might hear about?

There are other procurement documents out there, each with its own niche. You’ll hear about forms like DD 1149, SF 44, or DD 1354 in various contexts. They aren’t wrong in their own lanes, but they don’t replace the 1155 for the broad job of ordering supplies and services across the DoD. The DD Form 1155 is the standard, go-to method that aligns with Navy logistics practices, budget controls, and supply chain discipline. When you need a reliable, widely recognized way to place a purchase, the 1155 is the default.

Inside the form: what fields typically matter

You don’t need to memorize every line verbatim, but it helps to know where the crucial details live. In practice, the 1155 captures:

• Description of the item or service being bought.

• Quantity and unit of issue (what you’re ordering and how many).

• Price information (unit price and extended total).

• Delivery date or delivery window and place of delivery.

• Vendor information and contract or purchase agreement references.

• Accounting data and fund codes so the right budget is charged.

• Required authorizations and signatures from the submitting activity.

In short, the 1155 translates a purchasing decision into a documented commitment that partners and suppliers can rely on. It’s not only about buying something; it’s about creating a traceable, auditable thread from the intended need to the received item or service.

Ashore or afloat: how the process actually unfolds

Think of the 1155 as the portal that integrates procurement with payment. After someone identifies a need, the request is translated into a formal order on the 1155. It goes through the necessary approvals, is routed to the vendor, and then the supplier delivers or performs the service. Once the item arrives or the service is completed, the 1155 continues to serve as the reference point for receiving, inspection, and payment—often in concert with electronic workflows like Wide Area Workflow (WAWF), which helps pair documents with payment proofs securely and quickly.

The 1155 isn’t glamorous, but it’s trusted

What makes it so valuable isn’t a flashy feature; it’s reliability. The form provides a consistent language for purchasing that the Navy, its vendors, and the funding system all understand. When a ship pulls into a port and a crew needs parts, or a base requires training services for a squadron, the 1155 keeps the transaction grounded in control and traceability. That’s a big deal when you’re balancing readiness with accountability.

Real-world vibes: two quick scenarios

• Scenario on the deck: A destroyer needs a batch of spare parts to repair a generator that’s sidelined during a long voyage. The logistics petty officer fills out an 1155 with part numbers, quantities, and the contract reference. The form is signed, sent to the supplier, and the parts start arriving at the pier or directly to the ship’s dock. The crew tracks delivery dates, uses the accounting data to post the cost to the right part of the budget, and, once the parts are in hand, confirms they match the purchase. A clean, auditable trail is created, ready for inspection if needed.

• Scenario on shore: A base procurement shop needs service support for cyber training simulations for a reserve unit. The 1155 captures the service description, the hours or sessions, the delivery location, and the vendor’s invoicing approach. After approvals, the vendor performs the service, and the payment follows through the official channels, again with a solid paper trail tied back to the original need and the budget line.

Tips from the dock: using the 1155 well

• Be precise in the description. A clear description reduces back-and-forth and speeds approvals.

• Attach relevant references. If there’s a contract or a purchase agreement, link it to the 1155 so there’s no ambiguity about terms.

• Check the accounting data. A small mismatch there can slow things down more than you’d expect.

• Plan for delivery windows. If a ship is underway, timing matters. Include delivery instructions that match the operational tempo.

• Use the electronic workflow when possible. Tools like WAWF help connect the 1155 to payment and recordkeeping, cutting the paper chase.

Common sense practices to avoid snags

• Don’t skip the approvals. It’s tempting to push through a request, but the lack of authorization is a frequent stop sign.

• Double-check quantities and units. A mismatch here can lead to delayed shipments or unused items cluttering a deck or warehouse.

• Keep a tidy trail. Save copies, note the contract numbers, and keep the vendor contact handy. A little organization now saves hours later.

• Align with the bigger budget picture. The 1155 should fit the plan for the fiscal period so you’re not curbing other essential buys.

Why this matters for Navy logistics folks

For logisticians, the DD Form 1155 is more than a form; it’s a coordination backbone. It helps ensure that every request moves forward in a predictable, accountable way. When time is tight, and every part matters for the mission, having a reliable mechanism to order supplies and services is a stabilizing force. It’s how ships stay ready, bases stay staffed, and missions keep their tempo without losing track of the pennies and paperwork that keep everything legit.

A few reflections to keep front and center

• Standardization isn’t dull—it’s practical. The 1155’s universal format means sailors, mariners, and civilians can pick up the process and know what to expect.

• Control and care matter. Procurement isn’t just buying; it’s safeguarding budgets, ensuring compliance, and preserving the integrity of every shipment.

• Technology can smooth the ride. When the 1155 is paired with modern workflows, it reduces friction, shortens cycles, and helps everyone sleep a little easier at night.

If you’re stepping into Navy logistics or you’re curious about how supply chains stay shipshape, the DD Form 1155 is a great anchor to know. It’s a straightforward tool with a big job: to link need with action, order with delivery, and budget with reality. It’s not flashy, but it’s essential—and in this line of work, that’s exactly what you want at your side.

So next time you hear “1155,” you’ll picture the thread that ties demand to delivery, the map that guides every part to its home, and the quiet confidence that comes from knowing you’ve got a dependable process backing your operations.