Food Service Managers (Officer)
Opportunities
Food service managers purchase, plan, store, prepare, and serve meals. They direct the personnel who prepare and serve food and manage the facilities where food is prepared and stored. Their managerial responsibilities include budgeting for food and equipment purchases; developing food service phases of operational plans; employment and discharge of employees paid from mess funds; and, ensuring that mess property is clean and properly safeguarded.
Training Provided
Job training for food service managers primarily consists of on-the-job learning in various training environments.
- Food service operations
- Food safety and sanitation
- Nutritional meal planning
- Financial management
- Management of facilities, equipment, and personnel
Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Officers complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development.
Earnings
Officers in the military can progress through ten officer pay grades during their careers. Pay grade and length of service determine an officer's pay. Most newly commissioned officers begin at pay grade O-1 ($45,912/year basic pay in 2024). With certain professional qualifications, officers may enter at a higher pay grade. After two years, officers generally move up to O-2 ($60,252/year basic pay in 2024). After an additional two years, the military generally promotes officers to O-3 ($81,672/year basic pay in 2024) if job performance and other requirements are met. Cost-of-living increases usually occur once a year. Many officers and their families live free of charge in military housing on the base where they are assigned. Those living off base receive a housing allowance in addition to their basic pay. Officers also receive a monthly food allowance. These allowances, and associated tax savings, are substantial additions to basic pay. Other employment benefits for military officers include free health care, 30 days paid vacation each year, legal assistance, education assistance, military store privileges, and an excellent retirement program.
Services offering this occupation
Army
Marine Corps
Navy