Hello Idris,

As far as I'm aware there are no Chefs currently volunteering to answer questions on this platform, but having worked alongside Chefs for most of my career I may be able to offer a glimpse into the day-to-day life as a Chef.

At unit, Chefs primarily work alongside the civilian contract workers to deliver soldiers and officers three meals daily, as well as cater for any Mess functions. This can mean working early, or late, depending on what shift you are on: not only preparing the meals but making sure that the kitchen is maintained to hand over to the next shift and well provisioned for the menu that week.

On exercise and operations, depending on where you are, work can be similar to at unit but the environment can change. One day you may be cooking in an established kitchen, the next you may have to build the kitchen out of improvised materials. You'll be working with a mixture of fresh ingredients and ration packs to deliver interesting and nutritious meals to other soldiers and officers who have been hard at work.

As a Chef, you can be attached to any British Army unit, meaning you can work all over the world. How busy you'll be on deployments will depend on the unit you're attached to.

It's worth noting that, as with all jobs in the Army, it isn't 'all work and no play'. You'll routinely have opportunity to do things outside of your trade like sport or adventurous training.

As far as training goes: there's nothing to worry about. Your experience will definitely help you, but you can join having never heard of a frying pan and you'll leave being able to prepare three course meals in a fine dining environment.

My advice to anyone, no matter what trade, would be to bring a good attitude mentally (get involved, show respect for others, look after the people around you), and give it your all physically (as long as you're honestly putting in your best effort, you'll have no problems).

Hopefully that helps, feel welcome to respond with any follow-up questions.

10 July, 2025 13:04

Hi Steven,

Thank you so much for taking the time to explain that, it really helps paint a clearer picture of what to expect! I’m glad to hear that the experience is varied and that there’s room for both personal development and getting involved outside of the trade too.

Appreciate the encouragement about training as well, I’ll definitely go in with a positive attitude and give it my all. Thanks again!

10 July, 2025 13:08