68R - Veterinary Food Inspection Specialist

68R - Veterinary Food Inspection Specialist68R - Veterinary Food Inspection SpecialistIt may sound like a job that deals with animals, but Army Veterinary Food Inspection Specialists are actually tasked with inspecting the food that they and their fellow soldiers eat. Theyre the ones who test and inspect all food that goes into the meals-ready-to-eat (MREs) that soldiers rely on in the field. They approve all food vendors that work with the Army and taste and sample all the food at Army facilities. These soldiers may be deployed, or stationed at Army garrisons around the world even though they deal with food, these soldiers arent always confined to the kitchen. This important Army job is categorized as a military occupational specialty (MOS) 68R. Duties of Veterinary Food Inspection Specialists These soldiers inspect all food products intended for menschengerecht consumption. Using statistical sampling methods they make sure food is being stored at safe temperatures, and ensure t hat all food items are packaged according to Department of Defense standards. MOS 68R collects samples for lab testing and looks for any unsanitary food storage conditions at facilities and commissaries. Its up to them to maintain and operate any inspection equipment. Theyre also tasked with being on the lookout for any pests, in food and water supplies, and recommends any necessary corrective actions when unsanitary conditions are discovered. Training for MOS 68R If youre planning to pursue this job, prepare for ten weeks of Basic Combat Training and eight weeks of Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio Texas. This will include training infood safety and protection and quality assurance. Youll learn how to inspect meat, poultry, water foods, eggs, dairy products, and fresh fruit and vegetables, and how to identify unsanitary conditions in food storage facilities. Qualifying as MOS 68R Theres no Department of Defense security clearance needed f or this job, but youll need to score at least a 95 on the skilled technical area of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) tests. In addition, youll need to have normal color vision and have a strong sense of smell. You should have high school- or higher-level credits in math and science. Similar Civilian Occupations to MOS 68R While there are a lot of aspects of this job that are specific to the Army, there are some civilian equivalents to veterinary food inspector specialists. Youll be qualified as an agricultural inspector, and could find work as a restaurant safety inspector with a local health department. Note that such work may require additional training or licensing at the state or local level.