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Army Cook Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Memphis, TN · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

The Salvation Army, an internationally recognized non-profit, faith based organization, has a job opening for Cook in the ARC - Adult Rehabilitation Center. Job Summary Plans, prepares, cooks, and ...

Cook

Memphis, TN

$12.50 - $16.75/hr

The Salvation Army, an internationally recognized non-profit, faith based organization, has a job opening for Cook in the ARC - Adult Rehabilitation Center. Job Summary Plans, prepares, cooks, and ...

Cook

Memphis, TN

$12.50 - $16.75/hr

The Salvation Army, an internationally recognized non-profit, faith based organization, has a job opening for Cook in the ARC - Adult Rehabilitation Center. Job Summary Plans, prepares, cooks, and ...

Lead Cook (7051)

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$15.75 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

... Army Chattanooga Area Command; ensures all meals are prepared and served in a safe and presentable ... Ability to cook, taste, and smell food * Duties are usually performed by frequent walking and/or ...

Cook_NE-KT_602-Lodge

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$13.25 - $18/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Plans, prepares, cooks and serves nutritional meals and snacks in accordance with established ... The Salvation Army offers a broad range of career opportunities, particularly targeted toward those ...

Cook_NE-KT_602-Lodge

Knoxville, TN

$13.25 - $18/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Plans, prepares, cooks and serves nutritional meals and snacks in accordance with established ... The Salvation Army offers a broad range of career opportunities, particularly targeted toward those ...

Cook (5867)

Nashville, TN · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Plans, prepares, cooks, and serves nutritional meals and snacks in accordance with established guidelines and schedules; ensures all meals are prepared and served in a safe and presentable manner ...

Cook (7206)

Madisonville, KY · On-site

$12.25 - $16.50/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

$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 ...

Army Cook information

See Tennessee salary details

$8

$14

$20

How much do army cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for army cook in Tennessee is $14.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.21 and $16.35 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 Tennessee?

For Army Cook jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Army Cook jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Army Cook jobs in Tennessee are:

Infographic showing various Army Cook job openings in Tennessee 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 $30,260 per year, or $14.5 per hour.

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Salvation Army rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 362 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

571st of 772 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

The Salvation Army, an internationally recognized non-profit, faith based organization, has a job opening for Cook in the ARC - Adult Rehabilitation Center.
Job Summary
Plans, prepares, cooks, and serves nutritional meals and snacks in accordance with established guidelines and schedules; ensures all meals and beverages are prepared and served in a safe and presentable manner; cleans kitchen facilities, equipment, and appliances; maintains inventory of kitchen supplies and food in a neat and orderly manner. May test food being cooked by tasting, smelling, and piercing food with a fork to determine that the food is properly cooked. Ensures that enough food is prepared based on the number of people to be served and that food is prepared in a timely, efficient, effective, and economical manner. Sets tables with plates, napkins, utensils, and buffet line for self-service. Stores, refrigerates, and freezes foods in a safe manner; monitors expiration dates on all foods ensuring proper disposal of food with expired dates.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge, skills, and abilities to properly clean kitchen appliances and utensils in accordance with local, state, and federal health regulations. Knowledge, skills, and abilities to store food in accordance with established Salvation Army policies and procedures and within local, state, and federal regulations. Knowledge, skills, and abilities to prepare nutritionally tasteful and safe food for large groups of people in an economical, efficient, effective, and timely manner in accordance with established Salvation Army policies and procedures and within local, state, and federal regulations. Knowledge, skills, and ability to successfully communicate, both verbally and in writing, in the English language. Ability to read and comprehend manuals and written instructions. Ability to alphabetize, organize, and maintain various files.
Education and Experience
High school diploma or G.E.D. and one year of experience planning and cooking meals for large groups of people or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Licenses and Certifications
None
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
Ability to meet attendance requirements. Ability to successfully cook, taste, and smell food. Ability to perform mathematical calculations related to servings and cooking instructions.
Duties are usually performed by frequent walking and/or standing with some bending, reaching, twisting, pushing, pulling, kneeling, squatting and carrying light objects (usually less than 25 lbs.) 15-75% of work time. There will be some brief periods of sitting.
Work is performed in a kitchen environment where there may be limited physical discomforts associated with working around hot stoves/ovens and/or cold freezers.
Additional Information
All employees recognize that The Salvation Army is a church and agree that they will do nothing as an employee of The Salvation Army to undermine its religious mission.
To apply, please select the "Apply Now" icon at the bottom of this posting.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration
When an application is selected for review, typically, only applicants who indicate the relevant education and experience requirements, as indicated in the job description for the position, may be considered for job openings. Please FULLY complete the application, answer questions completely, honestly and to the best of your ability. Please also upload a copy of your resume (when available). Those applicants requiring accommodation to the application and/or interview process should contact a representative of the Human Resources Department at the applicable location.
We appreciate your interest in employment opportunities with The Salvation Army!

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About Salvation Army

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Industry

Non-profits, retail, amusement, gambling, and recreation and religious organizations

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Alexandria, VA, US