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FS Career Guide

Coast Guard

FS: Food Service Specialist

Career transition guide for Coast Guard Food Service Specialist (FS)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for FS veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Chef

$60K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Refine culinary techniquesSpecialize in a cuisineDevelop menu planning skills

Restaurant Manager

$65K
High matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Customer service trainingRestaurant management softwareMarketing and sales strategies

Food Service Manager

$62K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Budgeting and cost controlInventory management softwareKnowledge of food safety regulations

Caterer

$55K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Event planningClient managementMenu customization skills

Food and Beverage Director

$75K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Advanced financial managementStrategic planningExtensive knowledge of wines and spiritsHotel/hospitality experience

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your FS training built — and where they transfer.

Resource Optimization

Food service roles require efficient management of resources, minimizing waste, and maximizing the utilization of available supplies to stay within budget and meet demands.

This translates to an ability to manage budgets, inventory, and personnel effectively, identifying cost-saving opportunities and making data-driven decisions to improve efficiency.

Procedural Compliance

Adherence to strict food safety standards, health regulations, and standardized recipes is critical. This role requires meticulous attention to detail and consistent compliance with established protocols.

You've demonstrated the ability to understand and follow complex procedures, ensuring that all activities comply with regulatory requirements and maintain high standards of quality and safety.

Team Synchronization

Preparing and serving food in a timely manner requires coordinating efforts with a team, communicating effectively, and ensuring that everyone works together seamlessly to meet deadlines and customer expectations.

You've developed strong teamwork and communication skills, knowing how to collaborate with others to achieve common goals, resolve conflicts, and maintain a positive work environment.

Situational Awareness

Supervisors need to maintain awareness of inventory levels, equipment functionality, and personnel performance. They anticipate potential issues, and adapt plans to maintain smooth operations.

You're skilled at proactively monitoring and analyzing the environment, anticipating potential problems, and quickly adapting your strategies to ensure successful outcomes.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Logistics Coordinator

SOC 43-3071.00

You've been responsible for inventory management, stock rotation, and procurement. You're skilled at optimizing resource allocation and maintaining efficient supply chains, which are essential in logistics.

Compliance Officer

SOC 13-1041.00

You've ensured food safety standards, health regulations, and procedural requirements. This experience makes you well-suited to monitor and enforce compliance with regulations in various industries.

Restaurant or Catering Manager

SOC 11-9051.00

You've been responsible for planning menus, preparing food for special events, and supervising food service personnel. Your experience in managing food service operations can easily transfer into running the food preparation operations in a restaurant.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Food Service Specialist 'A' School, Petaluma, CA

480 training hours12 weeksUp to 9 semester hours recommended in Food Service Management and Culinary Arts

Topics Covered

  • •Basic Culinary Techniques
  • •Food Safety and Sanitation (HACCP)
  • •Menu Planning and Nutrition
  • •Inventory Management and Cost Control
  • •Food Service Equipment Operation and Maintenance
  • •Baking and Pastry Fundamentals
  • •Supervisory Skills (for advanced students)

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Food Manager (CFM)70% covered

Local food safety regulations, specific foodborne illness prevention techniques, and details on inspections.

Certified Professional Food Manager (CPFM)60% covered

In-depth knowledge of advanced food safety principles, HACCP plan development, and crisis management in food service.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Culinary Professional (CCP)Certified Executive Chef (CEC)ServSafe Instructor and ProctorAssociate of Applied Science in Culinary ArtsBachelor's Degree in Hospitality Management

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
U.S. Coast Guard Food Service Management System (FSMS)Restaurant Management Software (e.g., Toast, Square for Restaurants)
Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Subsistence Total Order and Receipt Electronic System (STORES)Supply Chain Management (SCM) software for food distributors (e.g., Blue Yonder, Infor SCM)
Navy Enlisted Occupational Standards (NEOCS) Food Service TrainingServSafe Food Handler Certification Program
Automated Business Service System (ABSS)Accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Xero) for financial tracking and reporting
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)HACCP food safety management systems used in food manufacturing and service
Military Standard Requisitioning and Issue Procedures (MILSTRIP)Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) for ordering and inventory management

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