Culinary Specialist

CULINARY SPECIALIST

Overview:

As a Culinary Specialist, you’ll cook meals and work alongside chefs to prepare meals comparable to any major restaurant, so that Soldiers can sit down and enjoy a hot meal in between training or mission deployments. You’ll be responsible for preparing and servicing meals both in the field and at home stations, as well as ordering, inspecting food supplies, and keeping the kitchen safe and sanitary.

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:

Be between the ages of 17–35.

Be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.

Possess a High School Diploma or GED.

Operations & Food (OF): 85 on the ASVAB.

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 Culinary Specialist requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and eight weeks of Advanced Individual Training with on-the-job instructions. Part of this time is spent in the classroom, and part takes place in the field, including practice in food preparation.

Advanced Individual Training: 8 weeks at Fort Gregg-Adams, VA

Helpful Skills:

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

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 your specialty, you'll be able to pursue a career as a cook, chef, meat cutter, butcher, or baker.

Key Healthcare Benefits:

TRICARE Health Plan: As a member of the U.S. Army, you and your family can be covered under the TRICARE Health

Plan – a top-tier healthcare program that provides medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage.

No-Cost Healthcare:

Active-duty members receive medical and dental care at no cost. Your family can also receive healthcare services at military or civilian facilities through TRICARE at little or no cost.

Comprehensive Dental Care:

Receive annual dental check-ups, cleanings, and necessary treatments.

Vision Coverage:

Coverage includes routine eye examinations and potential discounts on eyewear or corrective surgery.

Health & Wellness Programs:

Engage in preventive health programs, counseling services, fitness resources, and more to ensure you remain in the best of health.

Maternity and Paternity Benefits:

Expectant mothers receive comprehensive prenatal, labor, and postnatal care. New parents are also entitled to maternity and paternity leave.

Long-term Care:

Access to resources and programs that assist with long-term health needs or disabilities.

Mental Health Services:

Prioritizing the mental well-being of our service members, the U.S. Army offers counseling, therapy, and other mental health resources.

Specialized Medical Training:

Depending on your role, you may receive specialized medical training, ensuring that you're equipped with the skills to treat and manage a variety of health situations.

Why the U.S. Army:

Professional Growth:

Engage in continued learning, training, and career advancement opportunities.

Diverse Opportunities:

From combat medic specialists to medical officers, choose a role that fits your passion and expertise.

Community:

Join a tight-knit community that prioritizes camaraderie, service, and mutual support.

The U.S. Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against based on disability.

Full-Time