The Army Cook is a soldier who prepares, cooks and serves nutritionally sound meals to Defence personnel in both barracks and field environments.

• The PTE Cook is required to prepare, cook and present meals to meet the dietary needs of the soldier, in barracks and in the field.
• The LCPL/CPL Cook's main job function is as for PTE, however at JNCO management level and with greater expertise and in addition, plans menus, orders and controls stock, conducts on-the-job training and supervise subordinates.
• The SGT Cook's main job function is as for LCPL/CPL, however at Kitchen Management level, with greater expertise and in addition, produces staff rosters, supervise on-the-job training and conduct Continuation Training. If the SGT Cook is the senior AACC member of the unit, their main job functions include management of the unit ration account, liaison with local supply units and provide advice on all catering matters to the unit OC.

• Cook Grade 3 Pay Group 2.
• Cook Grade 4 Pay Group 3.
• Chef Pay Group 3.
• Chef Supervisor Pay Group 4.

ADF Initial Cooks Course 21 weeks.

Following Recruit Training, you will undertake the Initial ADF Cooks Course at the ADF School of Catering (ADFSC), HMAS CERBERUS, Western Port Victoria. After the completion of 19 weeks training at ADFSC HMAS CERBERUS, there is a further two weeks field cooking training at the Field Catering Detachment Latchford Barracks, Bonegilla. The course provides both practical and theoretical instruction in all aspects of cookery and kitchen activities. Subjects covered include kitchen safety, hygiene, knife handling, care and maintenance, cooking techniques, food inspection, preparation and storage, food decoration and presentation, meat recognition and handling and field catering. Chisolm Institute of TAFE in partnership with ADFSC delivers the training. Upon completion of the course trainees are awarded Certificate II in Hospitality (Kitchen Operations). This course also provides competencies towards Certificate III in Hospitality (Commercial Cookery).

Cooks are employed in most capital cities, as well as the major military establishments in locations such as Townsville, Oakey, Cabarlah and Holsworthy.

This category's courses meet the requirements for both civilian and military authorities and will make you eligible for:

• Certificate III in Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) is granted to Private solders upon successful completion of the ADF Initial Cooks Course.
• The AACC training continuum beyond IET level is currently being re-scoped via CIT Solutions under the Civilian Accreditation Program. Eligibility for accreditation or qualification will be published once verified on the ADF Defence Qualification website
  

Detailed employment category information about Cooks can be found Manual of Army Employment (Defweb only)