Cook, Kitchener

Overview As a member of the military, Cooks prepare nutritious food items and meals for Canadian Armed Forces members and National Defence employees.

Prepare and serve meals that range from cafeteria‑style menus to formal multi‑course meals for military and civilian dignitaries

Assist in the handling and control of food and non‑food supplies

Practice workplace health and safety procedures

Provide for Religious and Spiritual dietary accommodations

Manage food safety and Defence

Operate, clean and maintain food services equipment and facilities

Work environment A Cook may work in a variety of environments within Canada, or overseas on deployments. The majority of all Cooks are employed at bases and wings while the others serve with land‑based operational units or onboard ships and submarines.

If you chose a career in the Regular Force, upon completion of all required training, you will be assigned to your first base. While there is some flexibility with regards to postings (relocations), accommodations can’t always be made, and therefore, you can likely expect to move at some point in your career.

However, if you decide to join the Primary Reserve Force, you will do so through a specific Reserve unit. Outside of training, your chosen Reserve unit will be your workplace on a part‑time basis, and you will not be obligated to relocate to a different base. As part of the Primary Reserve Force, you typically work one night per week and some weekends as a minimum with possibilities of full‑time employment.

Entry plans The minimum required education to apply for this position is the completion of the provincial requirements for Grade 10 or Secondary 4 in Quebec, including Grade 10 Workplace math or math 414 / CTS 4 in Quebec.

The ideal candidate already has a college diploma or certificate in food services or culinary arts; the Forces will decide if your academic program matches the training criteria for this job and may place you directly into the required on‑the‑job training program following basic training.

Direct Entry Options

Paid Education Options

Foreign education may be accepted.

Non‑Commissioned Member Subsidized Training and Education Plan (NCMSTEP).

Because this position requires specialty training, the Forces will pay successful recruits to attend the diploma program at an approved Canadian college. NCMSTEP students attend basic training and on‑the‑job training during the summer months. They receive full‑time salary including medical and dental care, as well as vacation time with full pay in exchange for working with the Forces for a period of time. If you choose to apply to this program, you must apply to both the Forces and the appropriate college.

Training The first stage of training is the Basic Military Qualification course, or Basic Training, held at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint‑Jean‑sur‑Richelieu, Quebec. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all trades and ensures that all recruits maintain the Canadian Armed Forces physical fitness standard.

Cooks attend a training course at the Canadian Forces Logistics Training Center (CFLTC) in Borden, Ontario. Based on a combination of theory, demonstration, and practical hands‑on experience, Cooks will learn the following basic skills:

Cooking terminology, weights, and measures

Conversions and equivalencies

Introductory baking and meat preparation

Small‑ and large‑quantity cooking of a full range of products

Food safety practices and techniques

Food service standards and basic food‑cost controls

Fire and safety precautions

Equipment and facility maintenance

Applicants who enrol under the Non‑Commissioned Member Subsidized Training and Education Program (NCMSTEP) will have the opportunity to complete a portion or all of their Basic Occupational Qualification Training at an approved Canadian college, university, or other post‑secondary establishment.

Cooks may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on‑the‑job training. Specialty courses include:

Instructional techniques

Red Seal certification

Submarine service

Flight Steward

Food&Beverage Manager certification

National Food Safety Training Program

Part time options This position is available for part‑time employment with the Army, Navy, and Air Force at certain locations across Canada. Reserve Force members usually serve part time at a Reserve Force Division in their community, and may serve while going to school or working at a civilian job. They are paid during their training.

Reserve Force members are not posted or required to do a military move but may volunteer to move to another base or to deployment on a military mission within or outside Canada.

Cooks serve with the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army or Royal Canadian Air Force. They are employed preparing food items and meals for Forces members and National Defence employees. Cooks employed on a part‑time or casual full‑time basis usually serve at a military base, wing, home port or ship located within Canada.

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