Military Food Service Managers
Military Career
General Information
Description
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.
Explore this career outside the MilitaryWork Environment
Food service managers usually work in food service facilities. They may manage facilities in field camps or aboard ships.
Workplace at a Glance
What you can expect to experience while on the job
- Responsibility
- Exposure to job hazards
- Physical activity
- Decision making
- Repetitiveness
- Level of competition
- Time pressure
Comparable Industries
- Hospitality & Tourism
Related Military Careers
Military Outlook
Service Branches
Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.
Army
Marine Corps
Navy
Air Force
Coast Guard
Space ForceMilitary Status
- Officer
- Managerial/professional
- College degree required
Military Workforce
Food Service Managers in the Military
1,088
Salary
Salary Information
Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.
$81,456
Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location. Learn more about Military benefits.
$46,189 - $172,686
What makes up a Military salary?
Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.
They also offer:
- Housing allowances
- Subsistence allowances
- Special and incentive pays
- Cost-of-living allowances
- Hazardous-duty pay
- Bonuses
Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator
Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits
Education
Most Common Education Levels
People in this career achieve this level of education.
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High school 55%
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Some college 18%
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Less than high school 15%
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Post-secondary certificate 4%
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Post baccalaureate 3%
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Bachelor's degree 1%
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Master's degree 0%
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Doctoral degree 0%
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Associate's degree 0%
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Post-doctoral training 0%
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Post-master's certificate 0%
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First professional degree 0%
Military training
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. Job training for food service managers primarily consists of on-the-job learning in various training environments. Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. Job-specific training content may include: Food service operationsFood safety and sanitationNutritional meal planningFinancial managementManagement of facilities, equipment, and personnel
Read MoreSkills at a Glance
Skills helpful in this career
- Verbal skills
- Critical thinking & problem solving
- Equipment operation & maintenance
- Math & science skills
- Technology design & control
- Leadership
Related College Majors
Select major to see colleges that offer it
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- Education and Training
- Administration and Management
- Production and Processing
- Food Production
Gain insights into your knowledge by using the ASVAB Career Exploration Program