United States National Guard

It takes energy to keep the Army National Guard marching on, and that’s where you take the lead. As a Food Service Specialist for the Guard, it’s your duty to provide the sustenance your fellow Soldiers need to put their best foot forward and protect the nation.

In this role, you will take care of all dietary and nutritional needs of fellow Soldiers, ensuring their ability to face the challenges before them. You'll learn how to plan and prep menus, how to prepare and serve food, and how to ensure food safety and facility sanitation, whether you're feeding 25 Soldiers or 2,500, in the field or in a fixed facility.

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

Some of the Skills You’ll Learn

• Standard and dietetic menus and recipes
• Food and supply ordering
• Storage of meats, poultry and other perishable items

Helpful Skills

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

Through your training, you will develop the skills and experience to enjoy a civilian career in restaurants or organizations that have their own dining facilities. Depending on which specialty you pursue, you’ll be able to pursue a career as a cook, chef, meat cutter, butcher, or baker.

Earn While You Learn

Get paid to learn! Join the Army National Guard and you will learn valuable job skills while earning a regular paycheck and qualifying for tuition assistance.

Food Service Specialist job training requires 10 weeks of Basic Training, where you'll learn fundamental Soldiering skills, and nine weeks of Advanced Individual Training (AIT). Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part in the field.

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.

Job ID: 9212

ZIP Code: 1

Job Category: Supply and Logistics

Age Requirements: Must be between the ages of 17 and 35 Cook Chef Sous Line short order restaurant diner cafeteria restaurateur manager executive