ENLISTED RATINGS DESCRIPTIONS
BROWSE ALL RATINGS
FOOD SERVICE SPECIALIST (FS)
Food service specialists receive top training in cooking skills, accounting, management, leadership, and the ability to organize and carry out many tasks. They also will learn equipment use and safety; recipe conversions; basic food preparation skills and terminology; baking; sanitation; purchasing; storage; nutrition and wellness cooking; and dining-facility management. Being an FS provides excellent preparation and training in the fields of restaurant management, catering, cooking or a variety of other jobs in the food service industries.
Types of Duty:
Food service specialists can be found in just about every duty station available throughout the United States and various locations overseas. They serve on every Coast Guard cutter, from harbor tugs to icebreakers.
Training Available:
You'll start your career in this field with either 12 weeks of specialized instruction at FS 'A' School in Petaluma, Calif., or with on-the-job training. After initial study and some time improving your skills, further training is available in accounting; administration; advanced culinary skills involving nutritional cooking; and advanced pastry/baking skills. There is also an annual award program that recognizes the Coast Guard's most outstanding FS and galley teams. The "Food Specialist of the Year" awardees receive two weeks of culinary training at a prestigious culinary arts school. Training may be applied toward the member's certified executive chef credentials.
Qualifications:
To be an FS, you should have an interest in food preparation; an ability to understand and apply instruction and procedures for handling food; and good mathematical background for recipe conversions. Also, you should have high standards of personal cleanliness, and an education in food service and hospitality or experience in food service is helpful.
Related Civilian Jobs:
- Chef
- Restaurant Manager
- Caterer
- Baker
- Cook
