Army Culinary Specialist (MOS 92G): Career Details - Operation Military Kids (2023)

Working as the Army Culinary Specialist (MOS 92G) allows you to show your skills in the kitchen.

These specialists are responsible for preparing and cooking food in the field or garrison.

If you love cooking and making others happy through food, this MOS is perfect for you.

Continue reading for information on requirements, job duties, pay, and more.

Requirements and Educations

To enter into MOS 92G, individuals will need to take the ASVAB test and score at least 85 on the Operators and Food (OF) section.

Individuals must have a high school diploma or GED to enter and pass all physical/medical evaluations.

To train as a Culinary Specialist, recruits will first attend Basic Combat Training for 10 weeks.

Advanced Individual Training (AIT) for this MOS will be nine weeks at the Joint Culinary Center of Excellence at Fort Lee, VA.

Advanced training will consist of classroom and fieldwork, including practice in preparing food.

It is helpful if recruits have an interest in cooking, home economics, and health.

Mathematics, accounting, and chemistry interest are also helpful in this MOS.

Related ArticleMarines Food Service Specialist (MOS 3381): Career Details

What Does a Culinary Specialist Do?

Army Culinary Specialist (MOS 92G): Career Details - Operation Military Kids (1)

Army Culinary Specialists are the ones who provide Army soldiers with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and sometimes midnight meals.

They complete all functions of the kitchen, from ordering and storage to food preparation and service.

The Specialist completes dining facility administration for smooth service and delivery.

Ordering and Storage

Army Culinary Specialist will keep kitchen inventories to ensure product levels are efficient for cooking.

Specialists use inventory lists and menu planning to order products.

When products arrive they will store them in storage areas based on food safety regulations.

They ensure products are being rotated and do not expire.

Per food safety guidelines, both food and chemicals must be stored in certain locations and in a certain order (top to bottom), and the specialist must know these guidelines and ensure they are met at all times.

Related ArticleMarine Water Dog (MOS 1171): Career Details

Food Preparation

Specialists complete food preparation duties.

Food preparation may include cutting up or dicing vegetables and meat for meals.

It may also include preparing bases for soups and sauces.

Part of food preparation is meal planning.

(Video) 92G | Culinary specialist

Specialists try to ensure they provide meals that provide sustaining energy for soldiers.

They must be knowledgeable about nutrition.

Specialists work on creating recipes and menus.

They document the steps to create the product and keep the recipe steps for reference to ensure consistency.

Part of this function is knowing allergens for certain soldiers and avoiding food cross-contamination.

Meal planning assists with inventory control and allows for sufficient food prep.

Related ArticleArmy MOS List: A List Of All 159 Army Jobs

Equipment and Set Up

There are many different kitchen tools that specialists use.

They must be able to use them safely and quickly to avoid injury and wasting product.

Specialists may be responsible for setting up proper operating procedures on kitchen equipment and training others on their use.

In addition to setting up proper operating procedures, they will perform any regular maintenance on equipment.

They will use sharpening equipment to keep knives sharp and use a scale to weigh a variety of foods.

The Specialists set up the serving lines for each meal.

Setting up serving lines includes taking time for proper presentation and displaying menu cards with food information.

Part of this position is also cleaning up dishes, equipment, dining facilities, or work areas used.

Cooking for soldiers does not just happen in a fixed location.

Specialists also prepare meals in the field as well.

They will use the Army Field Feeding System and Mobile Kitchen Trailer.

This unit fits on a trailer and is set up and expanded into a full mobile kitchen for food preparation and cooking.

Related ArticleArmy Reserves Vs. National Guard

Cooking

Army Culinary Specialist (MOS 92G): Career Details - Operation Military Kids (2)

Specialists cook meals for soldiers in large quantities.

Meals can be prepared for a few dozen to a few hundred.

The meals they serve are in mess halls, DFACs, or field areas.

They prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner in addition to desserts and appetizer foods, such as salads.

The Specialist uses different techniques to cook meals including dicing, slicing, sauteing, frying, broiling, baking, roasting, and more.

(Video) 92G (CULINARY SPECIALIST) | KNOW YOUR MOS (EP.9)

Specialists try to cook meals that will sustain, taste good, and look appetizing.

Preparing a good meal for soldiers can have an effect on morale and help lift their spirits.

Time management and understanding how to complete conversions are important tasks when cooking food.

Food must be cooked to temperature and to meet food safety guidelines.

Related Article: 20 Reasons to Join the Military (and 7 reasons not to)

Culinary Competitions

One thing that specialists look forward to is culinary competitions.

These competitions are a chance for specialists to show their skills and to keep their skills sharp.

It is a creative outlet for specialists.

They complete ice sculptures, cake designs, and chocolate molding.

Culinary competitions also include cooking varieties of meals for judgment.

Competitions are competed against other branches of service, all around the world.

Certifications

Working in this MOS provides opportunities for soldiers to prove their skills and receive culinary certifications.

These certifications are through the American Culinary Federation.

They are recognized as an accomplishment in both the Army and civilian sector.

The Army video below provides more information on job duties and training.

Related Article: 20 Best Jobs For Veterans

What Does an Army Culinary Specialist Get Paid?

Army Culinary Specialist will be paid based on rank and time of service.

Those who enter into this MOS, with no prior military experience or college education, can expect to make just over $1,600 a month.

As rank increases, so will the pay.

In addition to base pay, there are opportunities for bonuses and special pay.

Bonuses can occur in certain recruiting scenarios or other situations based on Army needs.

Special pay opportunities happen during situations such as deployment or hazard pay.

The table below provides an outlook on Army pay based on rank.

Pay GradeLess than 2 YearsOver 2 YearsOver 3 YearsOver 4 YearsOver 6 Years
E-1$1,785$1,785$1,785$1,785$1,785
E-2$2,001$2,001$2,001$2,001$2,001
E-3$2,104$2,236$2,372$2,372$2,372
E-4$2,330$2,450$2,583$2,713$2,829
E-5$2,542$2,713$2,844$2,978$3,187
E-6$2,775$3,053$3,188$3,319$3,455
E-7$3,208$3,501$3,635$3,813$3,952

Benefits

The base income above might seem low when you first look at it.

(Video) How Army Cooks Are Trained To Feed 800 Soldiers In The Field | Boot Camp | Insider Business

The Army provides their soldiers with many benefits that add to the base income.

One of the biggest benefits is being provided with housing.

Housing is provided on base and includes utility and maintenance cost.

An allowance is also available for those who live off the base.

Another benefit is receiving free or low cost (depending on your family situation) health insurance and dental.

You receive services at Military medical facilities for free and are provided with low deductibles for out of network expenses.

Other benefits include:

  • Retirement
  • Low-cost life insurance
  • Education tuition assistance
  • Vacation
  • Sick pay

Related ArticleNavy Culinary Specialist (CS): Career Details

Job Reviews

Soldiers who have previously worked as a Culinary Specialist express that the best part of their job is seeing a soldier who is hungry, cold, wet and tired, be able to enjoy a hot meal.

They enjoy cooking for people and take advantage of learning new skills.

The hours on this position may vary depending on which shift you work, and are noted as sometimes being long.

Reviews discuss the team environment that is required to be successful.

Positive aspects include enjoying food service, great benefits and learning skills that can be used in future employment.

Some negative reviews discuss short breaks, time away from family, and potentially being called in to prepare late night meals.

The review below provides more information on a typical day and pros/cons on the position.

Army Culinary Specialist (MOS 92G): Career Details - Operation Military Kids (3)

The video below discusses the position from a 92G.

Civilian Career Opportunities

Working as a Army Culinary Specialist provides skills in food preparation, cooking and baking.

Experience preparing meals for a large number of people can relate to working in cafeterias, hotels, hospitals, schools or nursing facilities.

Specialist are not just limited to working in areas that serve meals in large quantities, they can find work in restaurants, cafes or other dining facilities that serve single meals.

Certifications earned in this position can help Specialist receive higher paying civilian cook or chef positions.

The skills in this MOS also relate to working for businesses that sell food service products to restaurants and as culinary teachers.

For those who join the PaYS program during recruiting, a job interview with a military friendly restaurant of your choice is guaranteed after completing service.

Summary

Army Culinary Specialist (MOS 92G): Career Details - Operation Military Kids (4)

Army Culinary Specialist (MOS 92G) are the masters in the kitchen.

They complete tasks related to food preparation, storage, cooking, baking and ordering.

(Video) What Army Tankers Go Through In Boot Camp | Boot Camp | Business Insider

Not only do they cook for soldiers in garrison, they provide double duty in the field as a soldier and cook.

Entering into this MOS will require a score of at least 85 on the Operators and Food portion of the ASVAB test as well as general entry requirements.

Training consists of basic training and AIT to develop culinary skills.

Previous Culinary Specialist enjoy the position and being able to provide satisfying meals to soldiers.

Working in this MOS can lead to civilian jobs in culinary facilities around the world.

Related ArticleMilitary Terms/Slang

References

Army MOS 92G Career Details

Army COOL MOS 92G

  • Author
  • Recent Posts

Rob V.

Rob V. is the founder of OperationMilitaryKids.org. While he never actually served in the US Military, he has a passion for writing about military related topics.

Born and raised in Woodbridge, NJ, he graduated from the New Jersey Institute Of Technology with an MBA in eCommerce.His hobbies include beach volleyball, target shooting, and lifting.

Rob is also a Commercially rated pilot and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), with over 1,500 hours of flight time.

Latest posts by Rob V. (see all)

  • List Of 9 Army Patches And Their Meanings - March 2, 2023
  • Army Sharpshooter Badge: 6 Things To Know - February 27, 2023
  • American Flag With Green Stripe Meaning - February 27, 2023

Related Articles You Might Be Interested In:

Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click and purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I have personally vetted. Learn more.

Share on FacebookTweet on twitterShare on google+Pin to pinterest
(Video) Here’s what it takes to be a combat medic in the military

FAQs

What does a Culinary Specialist do in the Army? ›

Job Overview

You'll be responsible for preparing and servicing meals both in the field and at home stations, as well as ordering, inspecting food supplies, and keeping the kitchen safe and sanitary.

What is a 92G Culinary Specialist? ›

OVERVIEW. The Food Service Specialist is primarily responsible for the preparation and service of food in field or garrison food service operations. JOB DUTIES. Bake, fry, braise, boil, simmer, steam and sauté as prescribed by Army National Guard recipes. Operate, maintain and clean field kitchen equipment.

What is the job of a 92G in the army? ›

Prepares and/or cooks menu items listed on the production schedule. Bakes, fries, braises, boils, simmers, steams and sautes as prescribed by Army recipes. Sets up serving lines, garnishes food items, and applies food protection and sanitation measures in field and garrison environments.

How much does the Army pay culinary specialists? ›

Average salary

Does this salary seem accurate? The average salary for Culinary Specialist at U.S. Army in the United States is $44,183 per year, which is 20% above the national average.

Do cooks in the Army get deployed? ›

Once basic training is completed, the aspiring military chef can focus on their cooking. Regardless of your capacity in the military, you have the opportunity to serve your country. Part of your experience may involve being deployed to different parts of the world.

Is being a cook in the Army hard? ›

As cooks in the U.S. Army, the days are long, hot, exhausting, and often thankless due to a menu and a set of recipes over which they have very little control, said Sgt.

How long is Army cook school? ›

Basic Culinary Training Division

Course Description: The entry-level Culinary Specialist course consists of eight weeks, two days of extensive hands-on training (75 percent) on US Army and US Marine Corps food service-related equipment. Within this curriculum, we train over 4,000 Soldiers and Marines annually.

What rank is a Culinary Specialist? ›

A Culinary Specialist who has achieved the rank of E-6 may be eligible to apply for commissioning as a Limited Duty Officer (LDO). A Culinary Specialist who has achieved the rank of E-7 may be eligible to apply for commissioning in the Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) program.

What rank is a cook in the army? ›

A cook was a specialist, while a mess steward held the rank of sergeant (E-5 through E-7). Specialist grades paralleled the corresponding grades of non-commissioned officer (E-4 through E-7) only in terms of pay.

How much does a 92G MOS make? ›

The average salary for a 92G CULINARY SPECIALIST is $36,749 per year in United States, which is 25% lower than the average US Army salary of $49,204 per year for this job.

What rank is a 92G? ›

Army Culinary Specialist (MOS 92G) are the masters in the kitchen. They complete tasks related to food preparation, storage, cooking, baking and ordering.

What army branch is 92G? ›

92G Culinary Specialist. Welcome to the 92G homepage! The U.S. Army continues to be heavily tasked and Culinary Specialists are constantly sought after to meet the logistical requirements in support of all present and future missions.

What military MOS pays the most? ›

Highest-paying Military Career Jobs
  • Aircraft Launch and Recovery Officers. ...
  • Armored Assault Vehicle Officers. ...
  • Artillery and Missile Officers. ...
  • Command and Control Center Officers. ...
  • Infantry Officers. ...
  • Special Forces Officers. ...
  • Military Officer Special and Tactical Operations Leaders. ...
  • Medical, Pharmacy, and Dental Services.

Do Army chefs do basic training? ›

Training for the role

If you join as a Regular Soldier (over 17 years and 6 months), you'll do the regular 14-week adult basic training. Next, you will undertake your 15-week Combat Logistician course at the Defence School of Transport in Leconfield.

Where are Army cooks trained? ›

“The Military culinary field isn't what it used to be.”

After completing basic training, any service member, regardless of branch, entering the culinary field will participate in training at the Joint Culinary Center of Excellence in Fort Lee to learn their craft.

Do military cooks get benefits? ›

This position also offers benefits that increase the outlook for the job. Like with all military positions, these benefits include retirement, vacation days, sick days, and life insurance. Additionally, many military cooks can participate in culinary competitions that can be a creative outlet for many in the field.

What are Army cooks called? ›

A military cook, also known as a culinary specialist or military chef, is a member of the United States Armed Forces whose responsibilities focus on preparing food for other military members, either in the field or on military bases.

Do Army cooks have to fight? ›

No, they don't. This has nothing to do with the relatively short time a typical basic training lasts (usually, from two to four months), but with the things that are taught there. Basic training prepares a new solider for the military in general and combat training is only a small part of it.

How much do army cooks make? ›

How much does a Cook make at U.S. Army in the United States? Average U.S. Army Cook monthly pay in the United States is approximately $1,717, which is 34% below the national average.

Is Army job stressful? ›

The factor workload and job pressure, with a high mean score of 3.96, generate moderately severe stress among Indian soldiers.

Is being a Cook a hard job? ›

It's a Physically Demanding Job

Working in a kitchen, you're going to be standing and moving around for at least 8 hours. You'll also need to be lifting heavy pots of food, carrying large bags of food, and stocking walk-ins with food, which can put a strain on your body.

What is lowest chef rank? ›

Junior Chef (Commis Chef)

This person has recently completed some schooling or training and is beginning to work in the culinary field. The junior chef's job is to assist the more experienced chefs and to absorb their knowledge and techniques.

Is specialist a low rank? ›

Specialist (SPC) is considered one of the junior enlisted ranks in the U.S. Army. Ranked above private first class (E-3) and holding the same pay grade as the corporal, the specialist is not considered an NCO.

What is a level 7 chef? ›

This Professional Development Award (PDA) Professional Cookery (SCQF level 7) is designed to support continuing professional development for individuals in professional kitchens and to help address the well-documented and ongoing skill shortages for highly skilled chefs and pastry chefs.

Are Army cooks Soldiers? ›

Culinary Specialist Spc. Shaqueta Brown says some people might not look at Army cooks as if they are soldiers. “We definitely are still soldiers the same as everybody else, we still work the same, even though we're in the DFAC cooking, it's basically the same as any other job,” said Brown.

What is kitchen duty called in the military? ›

KP duty means "kitchen police" or "kitchen patrol" work under the kitchen staff assigned to junior U.S. enlisted military personnel. "KP" can be either the work or the personnel assigned to perform such work.

What is the highest rank in cooking? ›

Executive Chef (Chef de Cuisine)

Also known as a head chef or a master chef, an executive chef is the overall kitchen boss. This position is the pinnacle of any chef career. An executive chef doesn't spend all their time cooking but manages every operation in the kitchen.

How much does a US Army specialist make an hour? ›

As of Feb 27, 2023, the average annual pay for an Army Specialist in the United States is $39,536 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $19.01 an hour.

What is military specialty pay? ›

Special Military Pay is compensation added to basic pay benefits and allowances that may include incentive pay based on specific career field or location, even when new to the military. The articles in this section detail each of the specific areas of special pay and the eligibility for each one.

What grade is an Army specialist? ›

Some enlisted paygrades have two ranks. The Army, for example, has the ranks of corporal and specialist at the paygrade of E-4. A corporal is expected to fill a leadership role and has a higher rank than a specialist, even though both receive E-4 pay.

What is the lowest grade in the military? ›

Most enlisted members enter the military at the lowest pay grade (E-1) and climb the pay scale to higher positions with greater pay. Enlisted pay grades range from E-1 through E-9 ("E" represents Enlisted).

How long is 88m school? ›

Job training for a Motor Transport Operator requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and six weeks of Advanced Individual Training. Part of this time is spent in the classroom, and part takes place in simulation; however, more than 200 training hours are spent in actual vehicles and field training environments.

How long is basic training? ›

In 10 weeks, you'll be physically and mentally stronger than you've ever been, and ready to join the team that protects America. Most recruits are curious about Basic Combat Training (BCT).

Which MOS has a bonus? ›

MOS-Specific Bonus

For example, the Army currently offers up to a $40,000 cash bonus to become an Army Human Intelligence Collector (MOS 35M) or Cryptologic Linguist (MOS 35P).

Does your MOS affect your pay? ›

The Army does not calculate basic pay for individual military occupational specialties, or MOSs. Instead, basic pay is determined by rank and military experience. All soldiers and officers holding the same rank and with the same number of years in the Army receive the same basic pay, regardless of job.

What mos sees most combat? ›

Your best chances, however, would be Army infantry (11b), Marine Corps Infantry (0311), or a Special Forces unit. Special Forces units deploy a lot more than the standard combat unit and do things that aren't talked about or heard of.

Do chefs get weekends off? ›

As a guide, the standard chef position demands 50-plus hours a week, including nights, weekends and holidays. For a chef job in a restaurant, expect to work 7 days a week for 12 to 14 hours each shift. And that's pretty much the industry standard.

Can you smoke in basic training Army? ›

Cigarettes, cigars, pipes, tobacco, chewing tobacco, disposable lighters and lighter fluid will be confiscated when you arrive at basic training. If you have a nondisposable lighter, the fluid cartridge will be confiscated.

Does the Army fly you to basic training? ›

Traveling to your basic training location usually involves a plane ride, but you can't simply buy a plane ticket and show up. You have to process first through your local Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), which will arrange (and pay for) your travel.

Who sells food to the military? ›

The biggest are Commissaries and Exchanges.

Which military branch has the best culinary program? ›

The United States Coast Guard Culinary Team beat 19 competitors to be named 2020 Joint Culinary Training Exercise Installation of the Year.

What is the job of a specialist in the military? ›

Training specialists plan, conduct, and administer programs that train and continually improve the knowledge, skills, and abilities of military personnel. Training programs may be conducted in a classroom, in a laboratory, in the field, or online. Some specialize by functional area, such as military-specific/tactical.

Is specialist a good rank in Army? ›

Army Specialist (E-4)

Ranked above private first class (E-3) and holding the same pay grade as the corporal, the specialist is not considered an NCO. The specialist's job is focused on technical expertise, and they normally have less personnel leadership responsibilities than corporals.

How long is culinary school army? ›

Course Description: The entry-level Culinary Specialist course consists of eight weeks, two days of extensive hands-on training (75 percent) on US Army and US Marine Corps food service-related equipment. Within this curriculum, we train over 4,000 Soldiers and Marines annually.

What rank is an Army cook? ›

A cook was a specialist, while a mess steward held the rank of sergeant (E-5 through E-7). Specialist grades paralleled the corresponding grades of non-commissioned officer (E-4 through E-7) only in terms of pay.

Where do Army cooks train? ›

“The Military culinary field isn't what it used to be.”

After completing basic training, any service member, regardless of branch, entering the culinary field will participate in training at the Joint Culinary Center of Excellence in Fort Lee to learn their craft.

What are the benefits of being a cook in the military? ›

This position also offers benefits that increase the outlook for the job. Like with all military positions, these benefits include retirement, vacation days, sick days, and life insurance. Additionally, many military cooks can participate in culinary competitions that can be a creative outlet for many in the field.

How long can a specialist stay in the Army? ›

The RCP for corporals and specialists will go from 10 years to eight years of service. Promotable Soldiers in the grade of E-4 will be allowed to stay up to 12 years. For the past three years, they have been allowed up to 15 years of service.

How much does a specialist in the Army make an hour? ›

As of Jan 30, 2023, the average annual pay for an Army Specialist in the United States is $39,489 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $18.99 an hour.

Can a specialist be promoted to sergeant? ›

Soldiers are promoted to the rank of Sergeant from either the rank of Specialist or Corporal, both ranks of the E-4 grade.

What is the rarest rank in the Army? ›

A chief warrant officer 5 is the rarest rank in the U.S. Army, according to Federal Pay. This pay grade begins with 20 years of experience, which is typically needed to achieve the rank of CW5.

Is it better to be specialist or corporal in the Army? ›

Some enlisted paygrades have two ranks. The Army, for example, has the ranks of corporal and specialist at the paygrade of E-4. A corporal is expected to fill a leadership role and has a higher rank than a specialist, even though both receive E-4 pay.

Can an Army specialist be promoted? ›

The specialist-to-corporal requirements include completion of the Army's Basic Leader Course (BLS) and a recommendation for promotion. At that point, Army Directive 2021-17, Lateral Appointment to Corporal states that the specialist will be appointed to the corporal position, advises the U.S. Army.

Videos

1. Which BRANCH of the MILITARY Should I Join? Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard?
(Life is a Special Operation)
2. Food Service Marines at Integrated Training Exercise 4-18
(Marine Forces Reserve)
3. 208: March Forward, One Foot In Front Of The Other. With Jason McCarthy
(Jocko Podcast)
4. Jocko Podcast 257: You Have to CHOOSE to Get Stronger w/ Green Beret Ryan Hendrickson
(Jocko Podcast)
5. Top 10 Stolen Valor Moments
(Top Ten Daily)
6. What are Military Chefs - Part 2
(MilitaryChefs.com)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Gregorio Kreiger

Last Updated: 04/20/2023

Views: 5299

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (77 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Gregorio Kreiger

Birthday: 1994-12-18

Address: 89212 Tracey Ramp, Sunside, MT 08453-0951

Phone: +9014805370218

Job: Customer Designer

Hobby: Mountain biking, Orienteering, Hiking, Sewing, Backpacking, Mushroom hunting, Backpacking

Introduction: My name is Gregorio Kreiger, I am a tender, brainy, enthusiastic, combative, agreeable, gentle, gentle person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.