68R Veterinary Food Inspection Specialist

OVERVIEW
A Veterinary Food Inspection Specialist supervises or performs the inspection of meat, poultry, waterfoods, eggs, dairy products, operational rations, and fresh fruits and vegetables in depots and supply points and on military installations to assure a safe, high-quality food supply for personnel in all environments, with emphasis on the field wartime environment. 

JOB DUTIES

• Inspect food products designated for human consumption on receipt and in storage 
• Select food samples using statistical sampling methods, make sensory evaluations, and determine and record temperatures of products and food in storage areas 
• Evaluate packaging, packing and marking requirements in accordance with DoD standards and contractual documents 
• Classify defects, determine quality of product, advise supervisor and prepare subsistence inspection reports for input
• Prepare and transmit samples to laboratory for testing 
• Identify unsanitary conditions in food storage facilities and commissary stores 
• Operate and maintain inspection equipment 
• Pack, unpack, load, unload and assist in setting up veterinary unit equipment 
• Perform duties in accordance with approved standards of conduct and report suspected fraud
• Provide technical guidance to junior personnel
• Record contractual deficiencies and initiate recommendations for corrective actions
• Prepare and maintain food defense vulnerability assessments, quality history record and product verification record and distribute as required 
• Perform pest management, monitoring of packaged water supplies and field sanitation procedures 
• Conduct sanitary inspections in military and commercial facilities
• Develop and direct procurement quality assurance activities in contractor establishments. 
• Supervise the food inspection equipment maintenance program
• Review, consolidate and analyze food defense inspection/assessment reports
• Conduct sanitary inspections in military and commercial facilities
• Supervise medium-sized or combined veterinary service units

TRAINING
Formal training, which includes completion of the MOS 68R course, conducted under the auspices of the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence (MEDCoE), is mandatory. Advanced Individual Training is 8 weeks at Fort Sam Houston, TX.

Some of the skills you'll learn are:

• Food safety and quality inspection
• Basic veterinary skills
• Strategic planning in regard to food and troop movements

HELPFUL SKILLS

• Interest in chemistry, biology and food science
• Experience with precise measurements and standards
• Ability to follow strict procedures and directions

REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
Skilled Technical (ST): 95

Learn more about the ASVAB. 

FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
The skills gained as a Veterinary Food Inspection Specialist can prepare you for a career in the food or grocery industry, private or government labs, and the food service industry, as well as veterinary care.