Chef

AS A CHEF IN THE BRITISH ARMY, THEY ARE AT THE HEART OF UNIT LIFE. FEEDING OUR ARMY IS A BIG JOB AND ALSO A VITAL ONE. OUR SOLDIERS NEED SOLID MEALS TO KEEP THEM GOING - AND THAT’S WHERE YOU COME IN.



Even the best locations and adventures would be meaningless without outstanding food services supporting our soldiers. You could be a part of the team whose role is a lot more than just food. As Army chefs, our skills and motivation to deliver the necessary supplies, even in the most challenging environments, are what make us unique.

We deliver the best experience to our units every day; from state banquets and fine dining to supporting humanitarian and disaster intervention across the world. In return, the Army offers the fantastic experiences, including: travel, Adventurous Training and opportunities to develop skills outside of the trade.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide healthy food wherever you are and whatever the conditions. You also learn about administration, finance and storage.
• Located across the UK and Northern Ireland; working closely with industry partners and improving your skills in a commercial environment.
• You could be deployed worldwide– wherever the British Army has a presence.
• Attend classroom and work-based learning events and gain qualifications up to degree level, plus your Category C+E Driving Licence.

Training For The Role

Step 1
You’ll start with your initial military training which will teach you how to be a soldier - this will cover everything from fieldcraft to handling a rifle. If you join as a Junior Soldier (under 17 years 5 months), you’ll do a 23-week basic military training course at Harrogate. If you join as a Regular Soldier (over 17 years 1 month), you’ll do the regular 14-week adult basic training.

Step 2
Next, you will undertake your 15-week Combat Logistician course at the Defence School of Transport in Leconfield. During this, you will earn your Category C+E Driving Licence and study general service driver modules. This training also gives you the opportunity to gain a broader knowledge on the Royal Logistic Corps functions and roles.

Step 3
You’ll then spend 18 weeks at the Defence Food Service Wing at Worthy Down. First, you’ll learn about food and personal hygiene. Then you start working in the kitchen where you have the chance to earn a Level 2 qualification in Health & Safety. Training ends with four weeks of field catering, including five days learning Basic Close Combat Skills.

Qualifications You Could Get After Training

• Levels 1 & 2 - Functional Skills
• Level 2 - Production Chef
• Level 3 - Senior Production Chef Cooking
• Levels 2 & 3 - Health & Safety
• Levels 2,3 & 4 - Nutrition
• Level 3 - Education & Training
• Levels 3 & 4 - Facilities Management

Rank Progression

As a Chef your career you could progress through the following ranks: Commis Chef (Private), Demi Chef de Partie (Lance Corporal), Chef de Partie (Corporal), Sous-Chef de cuisine (Sergeant), Executive-Chef de cuisine (Warrant Officer Class 2) and Strategic Planner (Warrant Officer Class 1).

Pay and Benefits
Earn £15,985 during training. When you have completed 26 week’s service or finished basic trade training – whichever comes first, your pay will rise to £20,400 a year.

Entry Requirements

Age:16 years 6 months - 35 years 6 months

Qualifications: No formal qualifications needed

Fitness Requirements for Senior Entry:

• Mid Thigh Pull 50kg
• Medicine Ball Throw 2.7m
• 2km run 11m 30s
• MSFT (beep test) level 6.6

Fitness Requirements for Junior Soldier:
:•Mid Thigh Pull 50kg

• Medicine Ball Throw 2.7m
• 2km run 11m
• MSFT (beep test) level 7.5