New Series! See Who Got Their Start in Food

For many Exchange associates, a career in Services and Food is more than a job—it’s the first step on a path of opportunity. A new Exchange Post series is shining a light on senior leaders who began their career in Food. Hourly food associates are the foundation of food operations. They deliver excellent customer service while preparing meals, serving guests and keeping kitchens, bakeries and restaurants running smoothly. These roles build essential skills in food safety, teamwork, speed, quality and customer experience—skills that open doors across food operations globally and lead to leadership roles.

Food service associates gain hands-on experience in customer service, communications, conflict resolution, time management and teamwork that shapes their leadership style. Their journeys reflect what’s possible when opportunity meets commitment.

Why choose a career in Food? Careers span a wide range of specialties and environments, offering opportunities to grow, specialize and serve. Career paths include: 

• Executive Management Positions
  • Pay Band 5 Food Court Manager – Overseeing high volume food court operations.
  • Region Food Office– Supporting Exchange Food teams across an Exchange region.
  • HQ Restaurant Operations Team– Liaise with NBFF Brand Partners and internal Exchange directorates to ensure proper operational execution.
  • HQ Restaurant Support Team – Supporting Exchange restaurants in adopting the latest technologies.

• Overseas Bakery and Water Plant Operations– Producing fresh baked goods and providing safe, reliable drinking water for customer in the Pacific and Europe.
• Restaurant Training Program– Developing manager skill sets through NBFF training and certifications.
• Overseas School Meal Program– Supporting nutrition and wellness for military-connected K-12 students.

Food careers offer more than a paycheck—they offer purpose. Whether preparing meals, baking bread, managing restaurants or leading food operations overseas, associates play a direct role in supporting Warfighters and families while building skills that last a lifetime.

Coming Wednesday: How a food service job at Baskin Robbins shaped how a senior vice president approaches leadership today.