Marine Corps MOS · Support
3381 Food Service Specialist
Overview
A Food Service Specialist prepares and cooks food in garrison and field environments while procuring, storing, distributing, and accounting for subsistence supplies. This specialist manages Class I logistics activities, operates automated inventory systems, maintains supply records, supports expeditionary feeding, and may conduct quality assurance surveillance of food service contracts.
Core Skills
- logistics and supply chain basics
- inventory management and accountability
- data entry and records management
- use of logistics and procurement systems
- quality control and compliance
- reporting and metrics tracking
- customer service and coordination
- time management in high-tempo environments
- teamwork and shift work
- basic safety and sanitation compliance
Civilian Software & Tools
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- GNOME Gnutrition
- Meals Plus
- PCS Revenue Control Systems FASTRAK School Meal Software
- Microsoft Office software
- Afcom Datasafe Computer Services FlexiBake
- Axxya Systems Nutritionist Pro
Civilian Career Paths
- Food Service
- Culinary Management
- Supply Chain Management
- Warehouse Operations
Training & Development
Getting Started
- Food Protection Manager Certification
- ServSafe Manager
- Certified Logistics Associate (CLA)
Career Growth
- Certified Professional in Food Safety (CP-FS)
- Certified Dietary Manager, Certified Food Protection Professional (CDM, CFPP)
- Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD)
What the Work Involves
- Monitor and record food temperatures to ensure food safety.
- Cook foodstuffs according to menus, special dietary or nutritional restrictions, or numbers of portions to be served.
- Rotate and store food supplies.
- Check products for quality, and identify damaged or expired goods.
- Set time and speed controls for mixing machines, blending machines, or steam kettles so that ingredients will be mixed or cooked according to instructions.
Related Occupations
- Cooks, Restaurant
- Food Preparation Workers
- Cooks, Private Household
- Cooks, Short Order
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: a high school diploma and some on-the-job training.
Equivalent Roles in Other Branches
Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.
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