Overview

The food service specialist is primarily responsible for the preparation and service of food in field or garrison food service operations.

Job Duties

• Bake, fry, braise, boil, simmer, steam and sauté as prescribed by Army recipes
• Operate, maintain and clean field kitchen equipment
• Perform preventive maintenance on garrison and field kitchen equipment
  

Requirements

Those who want to serve must first take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, a series of tests that helps you better understand your strengths and identify which Army jobs are best for you.

Training

Job training for a food service specialist requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and nine weeks of Advanced Individual Training with on-the-job instructions. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part in the field, including practice in food preparation.

Some of the skills you’ll learn are:

• Standard and dietetic menus and recipes
• Preparation and cooking of various foodstuffs and bakery products
• Food and supply ordering
• Storage of meats, poultry and other perishable items

Helpful Skills

• Interest in cooking, home economics, health, mathematics, accounting and chemistry

Required ASVAB Score(s)

Learn more about the ASVAB and see what jobs you could qualify for.

Compensation

Total compensation includes housing, medical, food, special pay, and vacation time. Learn more about total compensation.

Education Benefits

In the Army, qualified students can earn full-tuition, merit-based scholarships, allowances for books and fees, plus an annual stipend for living expenses. Learn more about education benefits.

Future Civilian Careers

The skills you learn will help prepare you for a future with civilian cafes, restaurants, cafeterias, hotels, hospitals, manufacturing plants, schools and other organizations that have their own dining facilities. Depending on which specialty you pursue, you’ll be able to pursue a career as a cook, chef, meat cutter, butcher or baker.