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.
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