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.
Explore this career outside the MilitaryWork 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
Related Military Careers
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.
Army
Marine Corps
Navy
Air Force
Coast Guard
Space ForceMilitary Status
- Enlisted
- Hands-on/specialized
- High school diploma required
Military Workforce
Food Service Specialists in the Military
5,063
Salary
Salary Information
Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.
$56,532
Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location. Learn more about Military benefits.
$23,350 - $172,686
What makes up a Military salary?
Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.
They also offer:
- Housing allowances
- Subsistence allowances
- Special and incentive pays
- Cost-of-living allowances
- Hazardous-duty pay
- Bonuses
Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator
Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits
Education
Most Common Education Levels
People in this career achieve this level of education.
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High school 44%
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Less than high school 18%
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Post-secondary certificate 17%
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Some college 11%
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Associate's degree 4%
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Post-doctoral training 2%
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Master's degree 0%
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Doctoral degree 0%
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Bachelor's degree 0%
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Post baccalaureate 0%
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Post-master's certificate 0%
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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
Read MoreSkills 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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