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Army Cook Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Southern Foodservice Management, Inc

Cook I

Fort Campbell, KY · On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

Maintain progressive cooking techniques throughout meal to ensure food served is fresh throughout ... Army recipes must be strictly adhered to. * Maintain Production Schedules as required. Food must be ...

Oak Grove Racing · Gaming · Hotel

Cook

Oak Grove, KY

$13 - $17.50/hr

... Army post, Ft. Campbell. The Property is 10 miles from Clarksville, TN and less than 60 miles ... JOB SUMMARY The Cook is responsible for safely preparing food items, following menu specifications ...

Churchill Downs Incorporated

Cook

Oak Grove, KY · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

... Army post, Ft. Campbell. The Property is 10 miles from Clarksville, TN and less than 60 miles ... JOB SUMMARY The Cook is responsible for safely preparing food items, following menu specifications ...

Churchill Downs Incorporated

Cook

Oak Grove, KY · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

... Army post, Ft. Campbell. The Property is 10 miles from Clarksville, TN and less than 60 miles ... JOB SUMMARY The Cook is responsible for safely preparing food items, following menu specifications ...

Churchill Downs Incorporated

Cook, Pastry

Oak Grove, KY

$16.50 - $20/hr

... Army post, Ft. Campbell. The Property is 10 miles from Clarksville, TN and less than 60 miles ... JOB SUMMARY The Pastry Cook is responsible for safely preparing food items, following menu ...

THE SALVATION ARMY

Cook (7206)

Madisonville, KY · On-site

$12.25 - $16.50/hr

Plans, prepare, cooks, and serves nutritious meals and snacks by established guidelines and schedules; ensures all meals are prepared and served in a safe and presentable manner; cleans kitchen ...

New

Churchill Downs Incorporated

Cook, Pastry

Oak Grove, KY · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

... Army post, Ft. Campbell. The Property is 10 miles from Clarksville, TN and less than 60 miles ... JOB SUMMARY The Pastry Cook is responsible for safely preparing food items, following menu ...

US Department of the Army

Cook NA-04

Fort Campbell, KY · On-site

$19.76/hr

Work experience in preparing foods and cooking simple foods and short orders in a cafeteria, restaurant, or mess. Demonstration of the following work behavior is desirable: a. Neatness and good ...

All JobsArmy Cook JobsArmy Cook Jobs in Kentucky

Army Cook information

See Kentucky salary details

$7

$13

$19

How much do army cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for army cook in Kentucky is $13.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.68 and $15.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do Army cooks make?

Army cooks, also known as food service specialists, typically earn a base salary that ranges from approximately $25,000 to $35,000 per year for entry-level positions. With experience, rank advancements, and additional responsibilities, their pay can increase, and they may also receive benefits such as housing allowances and healthcare.

What are some common challenges faced by army cooks in field environments, and how can they prepare for them?

Army Cooks often encounter unique challenges when preparing meals in field environments, such as limited equipment, unpredictable weather, and the need to serve large groups quickly. To succeed, it's important to be adaptable, well-organized, and able to follow strict food safety standards under pressure. Familiarity with field kitchen equipment and efficient teamwork are crucial, as cooks often collaborate closely with supply and logistics personnel to ensure timely meal delivery. Regular training and practice in simulated field conditions help Army Cooks build the necessary skills and confidence to overcome these challenges.

Can you be an Army Cook?

Yes, you can become an Army Cook by meeting the military's enlistment requirements, which include age, education, and physical fitness standards. Training is provided at basic training and through specialized culinary courses, and cooks are responsible for preparing meals in various military settings. Prior cooking experience or culinary skills can be beneficial but are not always mandatory.

What is the difference between Army Cook vs Army Food Service Specialist?

AspectArmy CookArmy Food Service Specialist
CertificationsBasic food safety and sanitation trainingSame as Army Cook, plus additional food service management
Work EnvironmentKitchen, dining facilities, field kitchensKitchen, dining facilities, logistics settings
Job DutiesPreparing meals, cooking, food presentationPreparing meals, managing food service operations, inventory

The Army Cook and Army Food Service Specialist roles share many similarities, including certifications and work environments. However, the Food Service Specialist often has additional responsibilities related to managing food operations and logistics, making it a broader role within military food services.

What does an army cook do?

An Army Cook is responsible for preparing, cooking, and serving meals to soldiers and other military personnel. They work in a variety of settings, from dining facilities on base to field kitchens during training exercises or deployments. Their duties include menu planning, food safety, inventory management, and maintaining kitchen equipment. Army Cooks play a vital role in ensuring troops are well-nourished and ready for their missions. They also adhere to strict food safety and sanitation standards to keep everyone healthy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an army cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Army Cook, you need basic culinary skills, knowledge of food safety regulations, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by military food service training. Familiarity with large-scale kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and military food preparation protocols is important. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are critical soft skills for this role. These skills ensure the timely delivery of safe, nutritious meals that support the health and morale of military personnel in diverse and demanding environments.
What are popular job titles related to Army Cook jobs in Kentucky? For Army Cook jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Army Cook jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for Army Cook jobs in Kentucky are:
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Army Cook jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Army Cook job openings:
Army Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Army Cook job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $28,957 per year, or $13.9 per hour.

Cook I

Southern Foodservice Management Inc

Fort Campbell, KY • On-site

$22.32/hr

Other

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Description

Southern Foodservice Management, a national contract food service company, is looking to hire a Cook I for our Fort Campbell location in Kentucky. 


Job Summary

  • Responsible for proper preparation of meals with correct quantities and quality on shift and according to Army standards
  • Kitchen Shift Leader - Supervises kitchen staff and assigns duties and menu preparation items to each
  • Maintains order, structure and professionalism of work environment
  • Responsible for ensuring food safety standards per the Tri-Service Food Code (TB MED 530, 531) standards are met and HACCP program is adhered to as it pertains to kitchen
  • Responsible for ensuring that company employee safety procedures and standards and OSHA standards are being met throughout facility.
  • Maintain progressive cooking techniques throughout meal to ensure food served is fresh throughout meal period.
  • Responsible for the quality of food prepared
  • Accurately determines subsistence requirements.
  • Accurately maintains all required AFMIS records and reports required for Kitchen and Food Production.
  • Request, receive, and account for subsistence items completely and in correct quantities.
  • Prepares the production schedule with correct quantities and make necessary menu adjustments.
  • Administers, and maintains On The Job training and apprenticeship training programs.
  • Becomes manager on duty if necessary
  • Ensures Company cleanliness standards of kitchen on shift and proper post production clean-up and cleaning schedule completion of assigned items.

Southern Foodservice Management's Culture

We have a philosophy for each and every one on our service team to give something extra. A Southern Foodservice Management employee:

  • Exhibits a positive, friendly and respectful attitude towards, Supervisors, guests and other team members.
  • Arrives to work on time and in correct uniform, clean shoes, clean and pressed black pants and shirt, apron, name tag, and a SMILE.
  • Understands job duties and responsibilities, as well as having an eagerness to learn more and develop new skills.
  • Promotes a fun and efficient professional work environment, focusing on guest satisfaction.

Duties and Responsibilities 

  • Assist Manager with ration orders and kitchen requisitions
  • Preparation of food products should be according to the daily menu's recipes, tasted for good quality / texture, not to be over salted, and properly cooked.  Army recipes must be strictly adhered to.
  • Maintain Production Schedules as required. Food must be prepared and ready at prescribed timelines.
  • Preparation of required meal items according to the daily menu and other required items
  • Check and record menu item temperatures for required ranges using DA Form 7800 
  • Ensure menu items are properly cooked to proper internal temperatures and set out products for no sooner than 30 minutes and no later than 15 minutes before the meal service.
  • Replenish food items on serving lines required during service 
  • Greet and care for our customers while working on the serving lines 
  • Monitoring serving lines during meal periods 
  • Break down service areas after the meal period ends. 
  • Ensure all areas of the kitchen, food storage and serving areas are properly cleaned after meal period to include prep tables, floors, walls, service lines, and food service equipment
  • All staff members are also responsible for other duties or tasks that are assigned by the Assistant Managers or Supervisors, as a part of any "Job" or "Position" assigned during a normal work schedule. Team members may be assigned to support the meal production, service and cleaning after the meal or the dining facility.



Requirements

Physical Requirements 

  • Strength: Lift up to 40lbs
  • Posture: Standing 80%, Walking 20%
  • Movement of objects: Frequent
  • Heavy lifting, Heavy Carrying, Pushing, Pulling
  • Climbing or Balancing: Occasional
  • Stooping: Occasional
  • Reaching: Frequent
  • Handling: Frequent
  • Talking/Hearing: Frequent
  • Seeing: Frequent
  • Temperature Variation: Frequent

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