United States National Guard

Soldiers need energy to remain agile and alert, and most of the time, that energy comes from the food they consume. As a Veterinary Food Inspection Specialist in the Army National Guard, you will ensure the quality of the food that’s being provided per strict food safety standards.

As an important member of a team, the Veterinary Food Inspection Specialist, under the direction of a Veterinary Corps Officer, inspects food designed for human consumption, while also supervising inspection and veterinary service activities.

Job Duties

• Evaluate packaging, packing, and marking requirements
• Identify unsanitary conditions in food storage facilities and commissary stores
• Operate and maintain inspection equipment
• Perform duties in accordance with approved standards of conduct and report suspected fraud

Some of the Skills You’ll Learn

• Inspection of red meats, poultry, water, foods, eggs, dairy products, fresh fruit, and vegetables
• Identify unsanitary conditions in food storage facilities

Helpful Skills

• Interest in food safety, health, mathematics, chemistry, and biology
• Enjoy cooking
• Preference for working with your hands

Through your training, you will develop the skills and experience to enjoy a civilian career as a food inspector/auditor or sanitarian with various government agencies and civilian food producers.

Earn While You Learn

Instead of paying to learn these skills, get paid to train. In the Army National Guard, you will learn these valuable job skills while earning a regular paycheck and qualifying for tuition assistance.

Job training for Veterinary Food Inspection Specialist consists of 10 weeks of Basic Training, where you'll learn basic Soldiering skills, and eight weeks of Advanced Individual Training. Training consists of both classroom and field work.

Benefits

• Paid training
• A monthly paycheck
• Montgomery GI Bill
• Federal and State tuition assistance
• Retirement benefits for part-time service
• Low-cost life insurance (up to $400,000 in coverage)
• 401(k)-type savings plan
• Student Loan Repayment Program (up to $50,000, for existing loans)
• Health care benefits available
• VA home loans
• Bonuses, if applicable
• Most non-prior service candidates will earn between $200 and $250 per drill weekend, subject to change

Requirements

• Military enlistment in the Army National Guard
• Must be at least a junior in high school, or have a high school diploma or a GED certificate
• Must be between the ages of 17 and 35
• Must be able to pass a physical exam and meet legal and moral standards
• Must meet citizenship requirements (see NATIONALGUARD.com for details)

Requires military enlistment. Programs and benefits are subject to change. Ask your Army National Guard recruiter for the most up-to-date information. Actual MOS assignment may depend on MOS availability.

United States