This guide provides helpful information for those looking into joining the Navy as a Culinary Specialist (CS) during the Fiscal Year 2025.
The galley is the heart of a Navy ship. It’s where the crew eats, talks, unwinds. A break from the grind.
Culinary Specialists make it happen. They keep sailors fed, which keeps them going. Big job.
Doesn’t matter if it’s spaghetti on a sub, fine dining for international officials on a carrier, or meals at the White House. Their work keeps morale up. Keeps everything running.
Job Description
Culinary Specialists (CS) are Navy enlisted Sailors who handle the operation and management of messes, both on land and at sea. This includes making estimates for food types and quantities required.
Culinary Specialists do more than cook. They’re trained in culinary arts, hotel management, and hospitality. They serve Admirals, top government officials—even the President in the White House Mess.
On ships, they run the mess decks. On shore, they handle living areas. Wherever they are, they keep morale high—ships, construction battalions, bases.
They don’t just cook. They help Supply Officers get food and gear, check deliveries, assist medical staff with quality control, plan menus, track finances, and keep everything clean. They submit reports, handle records, and make sure food service runs smooth.
Ships, subs, shore duty—it’s all part of the job. Submariners have a specific role as Culinary Specialist Submarine (CSS).
Approximately 7,500 men and women are in the CS rating.
CSs spend about 60% of their time in fleet units, 40% on shore. But no matter where they serve, they have to keep up good hygiene, look sharp, and follow military standards.
It’s not just about food—it’s leadership. They manage people, run work centers, and keep everything moving. Big responsibility.
Specific Responsibilities
Culinary Specialists keep the Navy fed, whether on ships, subs, or bases. They don’t just cook—they manage dining, hospitality, and food service operations.
Two types: one for surface ships, one for submarines. Each with their own tasks.
Culinary Specialist (CS)
- Plan menus for meals and catering.
- Run food service on land and at sea.
- Serve everyone from Sailors to Admirals, government officials, and foreign dignitaries. Even the President in the White House Mess.
- Handle inventory, ordering, and financial records.
- Oversee living quarters on ships and base hotels.
- Work as flight attendant aircrew.
- Follow strict food safety protocols.
Culinary Specialist Submarines (CSS)
- Plan and manage meal service for submariners.
- Oversee kitchens and dining areas in tight quarters.
- Handle inventory, food ordering, and financials.
- Secure essential supplies.
- Provide personal meal service for Commanding Officers.
- Manage housing on submarines.
- Maintain food safety and hygiene standards.
Different environments, same mission—keeping the fleet running, one meal at a time.
Different Roles
Culinary Specialist (CS)
Culinary Specialists do it all—plan, prep, cook, and serve meals. They keep everything clean, from the galley to the storerooms and chillers. They also track finances, manage records, and submit reports to keep operations running smoothly.
Leading Culinary Specialist (LCS)
The ones in charge. They manage galley operations, oversee budgets, and ensure food service runs efficiently—whether at sea or on shore. Cleanliness? Their responsibility. Customer satisfaction? Top priority. It’s more than food—it’s leadership.
Rank Structure
Pay Grade | Rate | Abbreviation | Title |
---|---|---|---|
E-1 | Seaman Recruit | SR | Seaman Recruit |
E-2 | Seaman Apprentice | SA | Seaman Apprentice |
E-3 | Seaman | SN | Seaman |
E-4 | Culinary Specialist Third Class | CS3 | Petty Officer Third Class |
E-5 | Culinary Specialist Second Class | CS2 | Petty Officer Second Class |
E-6 | Culinary Specialist First Class | CS1 | Petty Officer First Class |
E-7 | Chief Culinary Specialist | CSC | Chief Petty Officer |
E-8 | Senior Chief Culinary Specialist | CSCS | Senior Chief Petty Officer |
E-9 | Master Chief Culinary Specialist | CSCM | Master Chief Petty Officer |
Salary and Benefits
Salary for the First 6 Years
Monthly pay for Navy enlisted Sailors (E-1 to E-6) in the first six years is laid out in the January 2025 Active Duty Pay chart:
Paygrade | Less than 2 Years | Over 2 Years | Over 3 Years | Over 4 Years | Over 6 Years |
E-1 | $2,108.10 | $2,108.10 | $2,108.10 | $2,108.10 | $2,108.10 |
E-2 | $2,362.80 | $2,362.80 | $2,362.80 | $2,362.80 | $2,362.80 |
E-3 | $2,484.60 | $2,640.60 | $2,800.80 | $2,800.80 | $2,800.80 |
E-4 | $2,752.20 | $2,892.90 | $3,049.80 | $3,204.30 | $3,341.40 |
E-5 | $3,001.50 | $3,203.70 | $3,358.80 | $3,517.20 | $3,763.80 |
E-6 | $3,276.60 | $3,606.00 | $3,765.00 | $3,919.80 | $4,080.60 |
Extra Pays and Allowances
Housing Allowance (BAH):
For members living off-base. Covers rent, based on rank, location, and if they have dependents.
Subsistence Allowance (BAS):
Enlisted get $465.77 monthly for food.
Hazard Duty Pay:
For dangerous jobs. Pays $150-$250 per month, depending on the job.
Sea Pay:
For those assigned to ships or deployed units. Depends on rank and time at sea, from $50 to $750 a month.
Special and Incentive Pays:
Bonuses for certain roles, like air traffic control or unique skills. These can be a few hundred to thousands per year.
Source: Figures are from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service.
Benefits
- Healthcare: Active-duty personnel are eligible for free complete medical and dental treatment. Tricare programs are inexpensive for families to use.
- Housing Accomodation: Depending on location, rank, and family size, free on-base accommodation or a tax-free housing allowance (BAH) for off-base living are available.
- Food: Monthly Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) for food costs is known as the “food allowance.”
- Blended Retirement System (BRS): Conventional pensions are no longer available to active-duty personnel. Rather:
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): Up to 5% in government matching and automatic contributions.
- Retirement Pay: After 20 years of service, you’re eligible for monthly payments according on the BRS formula, which combines TSP savings with a calculated pension.
- Education:
- Availability of tuition assistance programs that pay for all or part of college tuition.
- Support for higher education under the post-9/11 GI Bill.
- Navy College Program to support education while on service.
- Life Insurance: Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) provides coverage up to $500,000.
- Vacation: ten or more federal holidays plus thirty days of paid vacation each year.
- Extra Benefits:
- Exchanges and commissaries provide tax-free purchasing.
- Discounted travel via military resorts, access to fitness centers, and leisure amenities.
Training and Career Opportunities
After Boot Camp at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Culinary Specialists move on to specialized training.
Initial Training:
Class “A” Technical School – Fort Lee, VA (5 weeks)
- Learn food prep, nutrition, and dining service.
- Hands-on training in Navy culinary operations.
For Submarine CS Candidates:
Basic Enlisted Submarine School – Groton, CT (9 weeks)
- Training in submarine systems (only for Culinary Specialist Submarines).
Once training is complete, Culinary Specialists (CS) are assigned to ships or shore stations, while Culinary Specialist Submarines (CSS) may be assigned to submarines or shore duty.
Advanced Training & Career Growth
- Additional training available later in the career.
- Leadership roles and officer opportunities for those with a degree.
Post-Service Opportunities
Culinary Specialists gain skills that translate directly to civilian careers—restaurants, hotels, food service management. They can also earn certifications like:
- Certified Food Employee (CFE)
- Credentials in food safety, culinary arts, and hospitality.
Certifications & Apprenticeships
Through Navy COOL, CS Sailors can earn certifications from organizations like:
- American Culinary Federation (ACF)
- National Registry of Food Safety Professionals (NRFSP)
- Food Safety and Quality Auditor Certification (CFSQA)
- Even Microsoft certifications for those handling logistics and records.
From Navy galley to the civilian food industry, CS training opens doors.
USMAP Apprenticeship
The United States Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) lets active-duty Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard service members complete civilian apprenticeship requirements while serving. Run by the Center for Personal and Professional Development, USMAP helps Sailors improve job skills and gain recognized credentials.
Upon completion, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) awards a nationally recognized Certificate of Completion. This certificate can give Sailors an edge in both military promotions and civilian job opportunities. Employers value apprenticeships, making this a solid career move.
USMAP Apprenticeship Trades for Culinary Specialists:
- Baker (Bake Products)
- Cook (Any Industry)
- Manager, Food Service (Hotel and Restaurant)
- Cook (Hotel and Restaurant)
- Computer Operator
For more details, visit: USMAP Website
Qualifications to Join
For enlistment as a Culinary Specialist in the Navy, a high-school diploma or equivalent is necessary. Applicants should possess knowledge of nutrition and culinary arts, alongside good arithmetic and verbal skills, creativity and record-keeping abilities.
Culinary Specialist Requirements & Qualifications
To become a Culinary Specialist in the Navy, you need a high school diploma or equivalent.
Beyond that, certain skills help. An interest in nutrition and culinary arts is key. Good arithmetic and verbal skills matter. Creative ability and strong record-keeping skills are a plus.
Some traits make a difference. You have to follow instructions, handle detailed work, and work well on a team. Enjoying working with people is important.
Submarine Duty:
If you want to serve as a Culinary Specialist Submarine (CSS), you have to volunteer for submarine service.
ASVAB Requirement:
To qualify as a Culinary Specialist, you need a minimum ASVAB score:
VE + AR = 76
Qualifications can vary based on whether you’re already in the Navy, have served before, or are enlisting for the first time.
The enlistment qualification requirements above are current as of Fiscal Year 2025, per the Navy Personnel Command. This information is not readily available to the public. So, contact your local Navy Enlisted Recruiter for the most current requirements to join the Navy as an enlisted Sailor.
More Information
If you wish to learn more about becoming a Culinary Specialist (CS), contact your local Navy Enlisted Recruiter. They will provide you with more detailed information you’re unlikely to find online.
You may also be interested in the following related Navy Enlisted jobs: