CHEF

The Job

Keeping soldiers fed is one of the most basic elements in the success of any army. As a Chef in the RLC, it’ll be your responsibility to provide soldiers with meals that give them the energy they need to complete their jobs and the nutrients they need to stay healthy. And because the Army operates all over the world, you’ll find yourself working in hastily set-up field kitchens as well as full-sized kitchens on permanent bases.

The Right Job For Me?

An Army marches on its stomach, and as an RLC Chef it’ll be your job to keep soldiers and officers fed with a balanced and nutritious diet. You will be trained to prepare, cook and present food for as many as 650 soldiers in static kitchens or in field kitchens on exercises and operations all over the world in all weathers. In addition you will have the opportunity to join our highly successful competition team and compete for high-level awards at events such as Hotel Olympia.

What Skills Will I Learn?

Comprehensive training in food preparation and presentation, starting with basic competence in kitchen, larder and pastry work. You will also learn how to set up and cook in outdoor field kitchens, and how to use improvised cooking equipment. The skills you learn in the kitchen will allow you to undertake commissioned work, for example making cakes for weddings and functions.

What Training Will I Do?

All recruits complete a series of selection tests. This is normally done during a 2-day weekend Recruit Selection Course at Prince William of Gloucester Barracks in Grantham, Lincolnshire, but it could also be done regionally, close to your home. During the weekend you will undergo a number of tests and if you achieve the minimum scoring necessary to train as a Chef you will be offered the opportunity to train in this role.After the Recruit Selection Course you will be posted to your local Regional RLC TA Unit, or one of our National RLC TA Units based in Grantham in Lincolnshire, before undergoing your military skills training course. This consists of two weekends of foundation training, a 10-day residential course (or 5 weekends modular) followed by a final 15-day residential course of higher level training and live firing. This military skills training can be spread over a 12-18 month period to fit in with your work and other commitments.After your military skills training you will undergo a 14-day Chef Training Course held in your unit which covers foundation cookery skills, how to construct field kitchens and how to prepare food using improvised equipment. You will also learn about kitchen management, food storage, menu selection and hygiene. If you already hold certain recognised catering qualifications, you can be exempted from some of the training.If you join a local unit your minimum annual training commitment is 27 days. This is normally 15 days of training on exercises or on a course, and 12 days of ‘out of camp’ training, made up of weekend training and other activities. If you have joined one of our National TA Units your minimum annual training commitment is 19 days, which is broken down into 15 days of training with your unit, either on exercises or on a course, and four days of ‘out of camp’ training, made up of weekend training and other activities.

What Qualifications Could I Get?

As a member of a Territorial unit you will have access to a Continuous Professional Development Plan and Personal Development Record. Together, these will help you identify and develop your skills and turn them into further recognised civilian qualifications, which may be of help to you in your civilian career.

Future Prospects

The skills you will learn will enable you to work in any commercial kitchen and to undertake private commissioned function work. It is also possible to work towards NVQ level qualifications. As well as keeping you fit and helping you make friends for life, being in the Army gives you a major advantage in the increasingly competitive job market. Employers recognise Territorial soldiers as committed individuals who work well in a team and who are always looking for challenges and opportunities to extend their skills. They will know you are flexible, self-motivated, dependable, confident and responsible. Above all, being a Territorial soldier demonstrates that you can handle pressure, and have professional expertise backed up by solid experience.