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Military Food Service Specialists

Military Career

General Information

Description

Food service specialists function in every aspect of food preparation, including administration, procurement, storage, and distribution. They plan menus, purchase supplies, cook food, operate food service equipment, and provide customer service.

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Work Environment

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.

Workplace at a Glance

What you can expect to experience while on the job

  • Responsibility
  • Exposure to job hazards
  • Physical activity
  • Decision making
  • Repetitiveness
  • Level of competition
  • Time pressure

Comparable Industries

  • Hospitality & Tourism
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Military Outlook

Service Branches

Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.

Military Status

  • Enlisted
    • Hands-on/specialized
    • High school diploma required

Military Workforce

Food Service Specialists in the Military

5,063

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Salary

Average Salary

$56,532

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Education

Most Common Education Levels

People in this career achieve this level of education.

  • High school 44%
  • Less than high school 18%
  • Post-secondary certificate 17%
  • Some college 11%
  • Associate's degree 4%
  • Post-doctoral training 2%
  • Master's degree 0%
  • Doctoral degree 0%
  • Bachelor's degree 0%
  • Post baccalaureate 0%
  • Post-master's certificate 0%
  • First professional degree 0%

Military training

All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Job training for food service specialists consists of classroom and on-the-job instruction, including practice in food preparation. Training content may include: Standard and dietetic menu planningFood preparation and cookingBasic nutrition Storage of meats, poultry, and other perishable itemsDining service operationsFood and supply ordering

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Skills at a Glance

Skills helpful in this career

  • Verbal skills
  • Critical thinking & problem solving
  • Equipment operation & maintenance
  • Math & science skills
  • Technology design & control
  • Leadership

Knowledge

  • Food Production
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Education and Training
  • Production and Processing
  • Administration and Management

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