Regular and reserve Army chefs

REGULAR & RESERVES

As part of the defence review in 2012, the Defence Secretary confirmed that the Territorial Army (TA) would be renamed as the British Army Reserves. By 2020 the government is aiming to double to the current number of reserves to 30,000 and that reservists will get regular Army kit, and train will their full time counterparts.

Army Reserves chefs, however, are quite unique as they often work side by side with their regular counterparts, whether that is in a kitchen on base or on exercise in the UK, or whilst abroad on tour or in an operational environment.

Regular soldier are committed to the Army 365 days of the year, however they benefit from a starting salary for a private of £14,783 per year which rises to £47,017 for a WO1. Regulars also benefit from full medical and dental cover, subsidised housing and a generous holiday allowance.

Reservists have to commit to between 19 and 27 training days a year and if they meet this commitment they get a tax-free lump sum called a bounty, which ranges from £424 to £2,098. Reservists do not pay for their tavel to and from their units and they do not have to pay towards their kit.

Regular Army Chef

Reserve Army Chef

INITIAL TRAINING

Initial soldier training is conducted at a number of training centres around the country – which one you’ll go to depends on your age and which part of the Army you are joining. Phase 1 training is 14 weeks long with the aim of getting your fitness, fieldcraft and shooting up to the minimum army standard.

SPECIALIST TRAINING

After basic training as a chef you will then head to the Amy school of catering. Here you will start your career as an army chef and undertake the first of many catering courses. The Amy has 3 classes of chef; class, 1, 2 and 3.

ONGOING TRAINING/DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The British Army wants all if it's soldiers to become the best they can. As a chef you will have the opportunity to undertake many catering courses and qualifications. For more information on the courses and qualifications you can gain contact us today.

YOUR FUTURE CAREER PROSPECTS/PROGRESSION

You can go as far as you want as a chef in the British Army and you will travel extensively. The army prides itself on making your career work for you, whether that's staying and working in the UK because of family commitments or traveling and working abroad.

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

The army wants to make you the best version of you and as such you will develop an amazing array of transferable skills. Skills that will help you progress through the ranks or when you decide to leave the army and pursue another career.

INITIAL TRAINING

Army Reserve training is located in Grantham, Lincolnshire, and is where all reservists carry out their phase 1 training. Phase 1 training is split over weekends and a 15.5 day period throughout the year. The aim is to give recruits as much flexibility as possible. For more info on the training and what's involved contact us today.

SPECIALIST TRAINING

The Army reserves attract people with little to no experience in the kitchen to chefs who work in michelin stars restaurants. Your training will be created around your own skill set and what you want to achieve as a chef in the army reserves.

ONGOING TRAINING/DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

As an army reservist you have almost the same access to training and opportunities as your regular counterparts. There are hundreds of courses and opportunities you can take advantage of.

CAREER PROSPECTS/PROGRESSION

Unless you are transferring across from the regulars or another service, you will start your career in the Army Reserves as a private. The Army Reserves prides itself on moulding itself around you and gives you a platform to get promoted through the ranks as fast as a regular soldier.