Military · non-commissioned member
Cook in the Canadian Armed Forces
Prepares meals for CAF members and National Defence employees, from cafeteria-style menus to formal multi-course meals, and helps handle food supplies.
Published Last reviewed How we research and correct this
What the CAF page says
The job at a glance
Read on forces.ca on 2026-10-06. Requirements change, so confirm with a recruiter.
- Entry
- non-commissioned member
- Environment
- Army, Air Force, Navy
- Reserve (part-time)
- Offered, often by location and unit
- Minimum education
- The minimum required education to apply for this position is the completion of the provincial requirements for Grade 10 or Secondary 4 in Quebec, including Grade 10 Workplace math or math 414 / CTS 4 in Quebec.
- Initial training
- Basic Military Qualification (basic training) at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. Cooks attend a training course at the Canadian Forces Logistics Training Center (CFLTC) in Borden, Ontario. Based on a combination of theory, demonstration and practical hands-on experience, Cooks will learn the following basic skills.
Source: forces.ca: Cook.
Civilian careers
Where does Cook point?
Strongest link first. Each is labelled with what it does and does not mean.
CookRecognized toward the trade
Skilled Trades Ontario's Canadian Forces page lists the military trade 'Cook' against the Ontario trade 'Cook'. The page says members with a Certificate of Military Achievement at Qualification Level 5 (QL5) or Developmental Period 2 (DP2) can apply for a streamlined Trade Equivalency Assessment without detailed evidence of on-the-job experience, trade skills or references, and once verified are approved to challenge the certifying exam for a Certificate of Qualification.
Source: Skilled Trades Ontario: Canadian Forces · career guide
BakerListed by the CAF as a related civilian job
The forces.ca page for Cook lists "Baker" under Related Civilian Occupations. It does not state any civilian credit or licence.
Source: forces.ca: Cook · career guide
CookListed by the CAF as a related civilian job
The forces.ca page for Cook lists "Institutional or Restaurant Cook" under Related Civilian Occupations. It does not state any civilian credit or licence.
Source: forces.ca: Cook · career guide
Food Services Instructor in high schools or collegesListed by the CAF as a related civilian job
The forces.ca page for Cook lists "Food Services Instructor in high schools or colleges" under Related Civilian Occupations. It does not state any civilian credit or licence.
Source: forces.ca: Cook
Food Services Manager or Supervisor (Food Service Establishment)Listed by the CAF as a related civilian job
The forces.ca page for Cook lists "Food Services Manager or Supervisor (Food Service Establishment)" under Related Civilian Occupations. It does not state any civilian credit or licence.
Source: forces.ca: Cook
ChefOur reading, not an official link
Our reading, not stated by the CAF: the page's training covers small and large quantity cooking of a full range of products, introductory baking and meat preparation, food safety and basic food cost controls. It lists institutional or restaurant cook, baker and food services manager as related civilian jobs, and says nothing about chef-level credit.
Source: forces.ca: Cook · career guide