The CS Rating
The Navy Cook rating was one of the original ratings in 1797. The name Cook was changed to Ship's Cook in 1838. It wasn't until 1948 that the culmination of the various rates Commissary Steward, Ship's Cook, Ship's Cook (B) (Butchers), and Baker consolidated into the Commissaryman rating. In 1975, the name was changed to Mess Management Specialist, and finally, in 2004, the Culinary Specialist rating was established.
Culinary Specialists operate and manage dining facilities and living quarters established to subsist and accommodate Navy personnel. It is commonly accepted that the "mess decks," or dining areas aboard ship are the "heart of the ship." The role they play for the morale of the ship is very important.
CSs are needed on every ship and shore base in the Navy. Navy Culinary Specialists provide food service catering for admirals and senior government executives and operate the White House Mess for the President of the United States.
Culinary Specialist (CS)
Culinary Specialists operate and manage Navy messes, afloat and ashore, established to subsist Naval personnel. They estimate quantities and types of food items required, and assist Supply Officers in ordering and stowage of subsistence items and procurement of equipment and mess gear. CSs check delivery for quantity and assist medical personnel in inspection for quality. They prepare menus, and plan, prepare, and serve meals.
Culinary Specialists maintain food service spaces and associated equipment in a clean and sanitary condition, including storerooms and refrigerated spaces. They operate and manage shipboard living quarters and shore based hotel-type quarters.
Qualifications, Interests, and Working Environment
Culinary Specialists must be good team workers and enjoy working with people. The ability to do detailed work, follow instructions, and keep accurate records is important. Good arithmetic and verbal skills, creative ability and an interest in nutrition and culinary arts are also helpful.
Culinary Specialists, work in kitchens, dining areas, living quarters and food service storerooms aboard ships and shore bases. The work is both physically and mentally challenging and involves working as part of a team. Culinary Specialist's ASVAB Test requirement.
Credit Recommendations
The American Council on Education recommends that semester hour credits be awarded in the vocational certificate and lower-division bachelor's/associate's degree categories for courses taken in this rating on food preparation, kitchen operations, sanitation and hotel management.