The main objective of this research is to develop a model to select the optimal input service level for a distribution center - multi branch inventory distribution system. With the continuous review policy, the distribution center places an order for specific order quantity to an outside supplier, and the order quantity is replenished after a certain lead time. Also, each branch places an order for particular order quantity to the distribution center to satisfy the customer demands, and receives the replenishment after a lead time. When an out of stock condition occurs during an order cycle, a backorder is placed to the upper level to fill the unfilled demands. With these situation, variable demand and variable lead time are used for better industrial practice. Further, actual lead times with a generic lead time distribution are used in developing the control model. Under the actual lead time model, the customer service measures actually attained for the distribution center and each branch are explained as the effective customer service measures. Thus, throughout the optimal control (using computer search procedures), we can select the optimal input service levels for the distribution center and each branch to attain the effective service level for each branch which is consistent with the goal level of service for each branch. At the same time, the entire distribution system keeps minimum inventories.