Cook

Role overview

As part of the Canadian Armed Forces, cooks are responsible for preparing wholesome meals for CAF members and National Defence staff. The role covers everyday dining as well as more formal meal service for military and civilian guests.

What you will do

• Prepare and serve food for a wide range of settings, from cafeteria-style service to formal multi-course meals for dignitaries.
• Support the control, storage and handling of food items along with other supplies.
• Follow workplace health and safety practices at all times.
• Accommodate religious and spiritual dietary requirements when needed.
• Apply food safety standards and protect Defence food service practices.
• Run, clean and maintain food service equipment and associated facilities.

Work setting

Cooks may be assigned anywhere in Canada or deployed overseas. Most serve at bases and wings, while others work with land-based operational units or aboard ships and submarines.

If recruited into the Regular Force, you will be posted to your first base after completing all mandatory training. Some flexibility exists, but relocations should be expected over the course of a career because postings cannot always be arranged to suit personal preferences.

If you join the Primary Reserve Force, you will serve through a designated Reserve unit. Outside of training, that unit becomes your workplace on a part-time basis, and relocation to another base is generally not required. Reserve service typically involves one night per week plus some weekends, with opportunities for full-time work in some cases.

Entry options

• Direct entry is available.
• Paid education options are also offered.

Education and selection details

The minimum academic requirement is completion of the provincial standard for Grade 10, or Secondary 4 in Quebec. This must include Grade 10 workplace math, or math 414 / CTS 4 in Quebec.

A college diploma or certificate in food services or culinary arts is considered ideal. If your studies match the training requirements, you may be placed directly into on-the-job training after basic training.

Education completed outside Canada may be accepted.

Subsidized training program

The Non-Commissioned Member Subsidized Training and Education Plan (NCMSTEP) may be available because this occupation requires specialty training. Successful recruits can be paid to attend an approved Canadian college diploma program. While in the program, they complete basic training and on-the-job training during summer periods. They receive a full-time salary, medical and dental coverage, and paid vacation in return for a service commitment. Applicants interested in this option must apply both to the Forces and to the relevant college.

Training

The first stage is Basic Military Qualification, also known as Basic Training, at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. This course builds the core skills shared by all military trades and is physically demanding because recruits must meet the Canadian Armed Forces fitness standard.

After that, cooks attend training at the Canadian Forces Logistics Training Centre in Borden, Ontario. The program combines theory, demonstrations and hands-on practice. Core training topics include:

• Cooking vocabulary, weights and measurements
• Unit conversions and equivalencies
• Introductory baking and meat preparation
• Cooking in small and large quantities across a full range of products
• Food safety methods and procedures
• Food service standards and basic food cost control
• Fire safety and general safety measures
• Equipment and facility upkeep

Those enrolled in NCMSTEP may complete part or all of their Basic Occupational Qualification Training at an approved Canadian college, university, or other post-secondary institution.

There may also be chances to build specialized expertise through formal courses and workplace learning. Available specialty paths include instructional techniques, Red Seal certification, submarine service, Flight Steward duties, Food & Beverage Manager certification, and the National Food Safety Training Program.

Part-time service

This role is also open on a part-time basis with the Army, Navy and Air Force at selected locations across Canada. Reserve Force members generally work in their local community, often while studying or holding a civilian job. Training is paid, there is no mandatory posting or military move, and members may volunteer for a transfer or for deployment within or outside Canada.

Reserve members are trained to the same standard as Regular Force members. They usually start training with their home unit to meet basic military standards, then complete occupational training for cooks at the Canadian Forces Logistics Training Centre in Borden, Ontario, followed by practical on-the-job experience.

Part-time Reserve members usually serve scheduled evenings and weekends, though some units may offer fixed-term full-time roles. They are paid at 92.8% of Regular Force pay, receive a reasonable benefits package, and may be eligible to contribute to a pension plan.

Related careers

Logistics Officer, Financial Services Administrator, and Materials Technician are listed as related occupations.