Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
Did You Know:
- Many cooks and food preparation workers are young – 35 percent are below the age of 24.
- One-third of these workers are employed part-time.
- Job openings are expected to be plentiful because many of these workers will leave the occupation for full-time employment or better wages.
Industry Areas
- Elementary and Secondary Schools
- Nursing Care Facilities
- Special Food Services
Day-to-Day Tasks
- Clean and inspect galley equipment, kitchen appliances, and work areas to ensure cleanliness and functional operation.
- Apportion and serve food to facility residents, employees, or patrons.
- Cook foodstuffs according to menus, special dietary or nutritional restrictions, or numbers of portions to be served.
Overall Kind of Work
Cooks and food preparation workers prepare, season and cook a wide range of foods-from soups, snacks and salads to entrees, side dishes and desserts. They work in a variety of restaurants, as well...
Work Environment
Military
Food service specialists normally work in clean, sanitary kitchens and dining facilities. They may sometimes work in refrigerated meat lockers. Sometimes they work outdoors in tents while preparing and serving food under field conditions.
Status
What is the difference between enlisted and officer?
Enlisted:Enlisted members enter the Military with a high school diploma (in some cases a GED), at a minimum. They are employed in almost every type of military career, often in hands-on roles.
Officers: Officers either enter the Military with a four-year college degree or greater or served previously as enlisted members, and are generally employed in management roles or highly specialized fields that require intensive training.
Officer
Enlisted
Military Breakdown
The number of people who currently hold this career in the Military.
21,925 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the military
Service Branches
Food Service Specialists work in the following services:
Type of Work
The level of day-to-day involvement with data, people or things.
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Skills at a Glance
The levels of different skills helpful in this career.
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Critical Thinking & Problem Solving:
Equipment Operation & Maintenance:
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Technology Design & Control:
Leadership:
Workplace at a Glance
The level of different environmental factors you would experience on the job.
Responsibility: 
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Decision Making:
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