How The Military’s Largest Cafeteria Feeds 4,500 Soldiers In 90 Minutes | Boot Camp

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  • Опубліковано 21 лют 2024
  • Slagel Dining Facility is the largest dining facility in the Department of Defense. It serves 12,000 meals a day. Trainees at the Medical Education and Training Campus at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio are required to eat lunch at Slagel Dining Facility, where the staff serves 4,500 meals in just 90 minutes. Business Insider spent two days at the facility to see how the staff plans large-scale operations and prepares meals at scale.
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    How The Military’s Largest Cafeteria Feeds 4,500 Soldiers In 90 Minutes | Boot Camp

КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,9 тис.

  • @BrodyYYC
    @BrodyYYC 2 місяці тому +2802

    What is my obsession with watching large amounts of food being cooked? I'm a sucker for videos like this.

    • @BusinessInsider
      @BusinessInsider  2 місяці тому +192

      We have a whole playlist dedicated to big batches on our other channel: ua-cam.com/play/PLW1Mwtj8qAjlxwWy0Jyh0V0JOaZG-BbP3.html

    • @BrodyYYC
      @BrodyYYC 2 місяці тому +76

      @@BusinessInsider oh awesome binge time thanks!

    • @jackomalley3687
      @jackomalley3687 2 місяці тому +16

      ​@@BrodyYYCvery well organized and I get tired just thinking how much labor goes into this

    • @polishedmeat6399
      @polishedmeat6399 2 місяці тому +22

      @@BusinessInsider i love y'all. Please do more military big batch food being cooked, i can binge watch that stuff

    • @jayzee9164
      @jayzee9164 2 місяці тому

      @@BusinessInsiderlovin it!

  • @roundstone2020
    @roundstone2020 2 місяці тому +1398

    I was in the United States Army for 4 years, 1989 to 1993. I never had a bad meal in the dining facility. Thank you to all those that feed the troops.

    • @iamgermane
      @iamgermane 2 місяці тому +19

      I rarely had a meal like this in the USAF. They are eating good. My first dinner after PCSing to Spangdahlem AB, West Germany was Chef Boy-AR-Dee!! :P

    • @joygraydon8830
      @joygraydon8830 2 місяці тому +10

      I was a 94B in the Army from 86 to 95. A Food Service Specialist as we were called back in the day! We served well and worked hard! I’m traumatized looking at this😂😂😂😂. Was a Mental Health Counselor for a few years. I’m retired!! And loving it!! Thanks to VA❤❤❤❤

    • @iamgermane
      @iamgermane 2 місяці тому

      @@joygraydon8830 Anyone stationed overseas from 1980 to the mid 1990s was exposed to Mad Cow disease. Don't believe me? Try donating blood!

    • @theresekirkpatrick3337
      @theresekirkpatrick3337 2 місяці тому +3

      Me too 85-91. Chili mac and hamburger and fries were staples

    • @isabellavalencia8026
      @isabellavalencia8026 2 місяці тому +1

      Thank you for your service.

  • @ardentabacist
    @ardentabacist 2 місяці тому +418

    This video brings a whole NEW meaning to the recognition of "Thank you for your service!".
    The women and men feeding our soldiers deserve a SPECIAL "thank you" for doing this day in and day out! God bless them! ~

    • @iamgermane
      @iamgermane 2 місяці тому +7

      This is a high profile chow hall. It has to be good. Overseas you are eating either MREs or canned food from the States!

    • @richardaketchum26
      @richardaketchum26 2 місяці тому +23

      Thank you and I actually work at that facility as we speak. I’ve been there seven years and I love serving my soldiers.

    • @ardentabacist
      @ardentabacist 2 місяці тому

      @@richardaketchum26

    • @SIGSAUER_P320
      @SIGSAUER_P320 Місяць тому

      They are civilians employed and paid for the job. Relax and stop licking a$$.

    • @alisonlucas6206
      @alisonlucas6206 Місяць тому +1

      These are civilian cooks.

  • @lisakay8798
    @lisakay8798 Місяць тому +122

    My father served 21 years in the Air Force. It was such a treat when he would take us to the chow hall. Thank you all for keeping our guys and gals well-fed!

  • @derektong
    @derektong 2 місяці тому +1428

    They spend $14 million annually. $14 million / 4500 soldiers / 365 days = $8.5 per soldier per day. Definitely people are going for seconds as well. Pretty cost-effective!

    • @macethorns1168
      @macethorns1168 2 місяці тому +23

      So is prison food...

    • @AlexTheRealtor
      @AlexTheRealtor 2 місяці тому +135

      ​@@macethorns1168 Prison food is $2.40 a person per meal

    • @dustinr1146
      @dustinr1146 2 місяці тому +49

      @alextherealtor so is my kids school lunch… $2.50
      This is the worst cost per canned food ingredient and nutritional value I could imagine. Knuckle, pizza sauce, frozen chicken leg quarters and factory made tortellini. $ must be in the cakes…

    • @CaptainBuggyTheClown
      @CaptainBuggyTheClown 2 місяці тому +107

      @@dustinr1146 Okay let me explain how capitalism in the US works. We profit incentivize everything, operate with the private sector as much as possible. In public education schools get their food from a handful of companies that work with the state and local schools. Often times this food quality is poor, but is upticked on the charge since it's on your tax dollar. So you end up with poor meals for expensive price. In prisons it's even worse because private prisons uptick the regular food and snacks we buy at the store, by like 10 fold. So you'll be paying say 5 dollars for a single instant roman, while you can get it for cents outside prison.
      Don't like it? Stop voting for politicians who prioritize the profits of a handful of capitalists at your own expense and your childrens expense.

    • @evanmurphey
      @evanmurphey 2 місяці тому +4

      And they get probably most of the people who eat in that facilities bas pay, not sure how it works but the contractors are making money regardless of how much they spend. All that money adds up

  • @user-qp3to6bd4i
    @user-qp3to6bd4i 2 місяці тому +450

    Most people have no idea how pro of a crew it takes to consistently pull this off. Amazing Video! Hats off to everyone who plays a part in making this happen.

    • @copown
      @copown 2 місяці тому +4

      Amazing indeed

    • @bck187
      @bck187 2 місяці тому +9

      amazing how you spend 20 years and trillions of dollars in Afghanistan and come out with nothing and the taliban still rule there.
      but i guess the food made it worth it huh

    • @pbatesdomination
      @pbatesdomination 2 місяці тому +8

      @@bck187 I get what you're saying. And hell, I agree with you. But I think your words are wasted here. No, misplaced.

    • @LordLOC
      @LordLOC 2 місяці тому

      @@bck187 The US government has cut costs all throughout the military for decades, which sadly includes the food our own soldiers consume. We could spend way, way more on better quality food, better quality everything in regards to the food our men and women eat. But yes, we spend all that money to make sure our weapons can kill people more effectively, make better and deadlier weapons in general, send money overseas to other countries to help them (which I don't have much of a problem with to be clear) and a small amount of it is used to modernize some of our military. Some. Not all (like the nuclear silos, still using computers from the 80s should scare the shit out of everyone) of course.
      So you aren't wrong, but you are as mentioned below, misplacing your words a bit. I wouldn't say wasted, because it's important to hold our military spending accountable etc. But misplaced yes, our boys and girls in training have nothing to do with the highest-level decisions made years ago, or currently. And lest we forget, our military has been completely volunteer based since the 70s. If there was still a draft or compulsory service, I can almost guarantee the quality of food/everything used to make the food would be better by this point.

    • @myaesquivel3266
      @myaesquivel3266 2 місяці тому +3

      My dad is one of those people

  • @canecasavettes85
    @canecasavettes85 2 місяці тому +35

    When I went through Army training in the early’90’s, I ate whatever they put on my plate! I’ve never been so hungry in my life. Military cooks are extremely under appreciated, but I extend my deepest appreciation! Army retired after 22 years!

  • @chrismaggio7879
    @chrismaggio7879 2 місяці тому +81

    These people are absolute heroes! Day in and day out, feeding the finest food they can prepare with such positive attitudes. I was on a carrier during my Navy career and I was amazed by the food and the quality and the consistency. We had around 6k people at the high mark but it didn't all happen in 90 mins! These guys rock.

    • @davesnothere8859
      @davesnothere8859 2 місяці тому

      hard to have enough people on a carrier or space at one time. Notice none of these folks are seaman from deck or Military at all. Food was good, TAD in the scullery not so much.

    • @staplesock5549
      @staplesock5549 Місяць тому +1

      I eat here 5 times a week because our drills make us, it is not verry good. You are better off getting some protein and filling your plate (and pockets/kit) at the salad bar so you don't feel hungry later in class or outside doing CCAs. The cake is good and all, but it dose not hold in the stomach well if we get dropped out side for people doing dumb stuff in the dfac.

    • @Brancaalice
      @Brancaalice Місяць тому

      As it is normal working in kitchen with negative attitudes and being paid for work. Or you work or quite the job if you dont life it.

    • @ryleighloughty3307
      @ryleighloughty3307 Місяць тому +1

      How does this make them 'heroes'?

    • @chrismaggio7879
      @chrismaggio7879 Місяць тому

      It was more of a silly but meaningful affirmation of the fact that they never fail to do their jobs in the face of a long line of often disgruntled and starving military personnel. No they don't stop bullets from hitting nuns and orphans, nor do they walk into nuclear reactors to turn that one red valve handle to save humanity. But there is a saying "The military runs on its stomach!" and there are times when that is all the service member has that is positive, when their buddies are dead, or they have been injured, or situations are harsh... they can count on being fed well and given the nourishment they require to heal, mentally and physically. A slice of mom's apple pie can lift spirits. You obviously have never been in the military, and have no sense of humor. Maybe some apple pie would help?@@ryleighloughty3307

  • @xenophobiac4570
    @xenophobiac4570 2 місяці тому +913

    The Slagel Steakhouse; providing the finest food you’re required to eat. That place still owes me a gallbladder.

    • @copown
      @copown 2 місяці тому +10

      😂

    • @FarTooFar
      @FarTooFar 2 місяці тому +15

      Did you miss gallbladder in a white wine sauce day?

    • @xenophobiac4570
      @xenophobiac4570 2 місяці тому +71

      @@FarTooFar, sadly no. I don’t know what BI showed here, but in my time, as in old school Army, everything was fried and what wasn’t was swimming in so much oil you’d wonder if they cut a deal with Exxon.

    • @boohere2
      @boohere2 2 місяці тому +3

      What do they do with the left overs if there are any? Staff that cooks probably gets some, but probably not all.

    • @FarTooFar
      @FarTooFar 2 місяці тому

      @xenophobiac4570 I can commiserate. See my other comment about kitchen duty way back when. 😬

  • @slowedversion6393
    @slowedversion6393 2 місяці тому +1812

    I’ve cooked in those large kitchens . In jail tho lmaoo

    • @sickomode420
      @sickomode420 2 місяці тому +109

      Yeah that’s why you’re on here and not at work 😂

    • @OutrageousPenalty
      @OutrageousPenalty 2 місяці тому +35

      i wonder if there is less care or budget in those kitchens for a prisoner individual in comparison to soldier one

    • @thecat1250
      @thecat1250 2 місяці тому +8

      was it tiring with all those big industrial cooking machinery and stuff?

    • @juniorbeckham2928
      @juniorbeckham2928 2 місяці тому +2

      Lol

    • @bedwinkawliga9897
      @bedwinkawliga9897 2 місяці тому

      @@sickomode420phat poosy

  • @Sonic-gy7kq
    @Sonic-gy7kq 2 місяці тому +46

    These people are also serving our country. Respect.

    • @iamgermane
      @iamgermane 2 місяці тому

      I rarely had a meal like this in the USAF. They are eating good. My first dinner after PCSing to Spangdahlem AB, West Germany was Chef Boy-AR-Dee!! By the way, anyone stationed in Europe from 1980 to early 1990s was exposed to Mad Cow disease and you cannot give blood!! All do to the hamburger served in the chow halls.

    • @MidnightatMidian
      @MidnightatMidian 18 днів тому

      Also nearly every people in the world are hating your country, and its citizens, I won't even mention your army, or your puppets politicians...

  • @kevbravo1
    @kevbravo1 2 місяці тому +4

    I like how the soldiers talk to the staff “yes ma’am, that gravy will make my day”.

  • @dmorenod29
    @dmorenod29 2 місяці тому +251

    Large kitchens, I do admire those cooks over there

    • @trvman1
      @trvman1 2 місяці тому

      Notice everyone you see in the video was a minority of some sort. I didn't see one white person. Good video to show minorities work ethic. Those jobs aren't easy.

    • @iamgermane
      @iamgermane 2 місяці тому

      I rarely had a meal like this in the USAF. They are eating good. My first dinner after PCSing to Spangdahlem AB, West Germany was Chef Boy-AR-Dee!! By the way, anyone stationed in Europe from 1980 to early 1990s was exposed to Mad Cow disease and you cannot give blood!! All do to the hamburger served in the chow halls.

    • @disguiseddv8ant486
      @disguiseddv8ant486 Місяць тому

      They're doing their job what they were paid to do.

    • @dmorenod29
      @dmorenod29 Місяць тому

      @@disguiseddv8ant486 yes! You’re totally right! But I’m not sure I could make that quantity of hard job in a big kitchen

  • @fredhoy6697
    @fredhoy6697 2 місяці тому +240

    When I was in Navy boot camp (Nov. 72-Jan 73) we all had to do what was called Service Week. As it turned out ours was 2 weeks as we were doing it over the Christmas holiday. I spent those two weeks making jello and salads. One time we cut/ minced 200 pounds of onions. The place was so toxic that you literally couldn't get near it. And forget about not crying. Thanks for the video. Kudos to these folks for the work that they do. It's non-stop and very fast paced.

    • @BeachsideHank
      @BeachsideHank 2 місяці тому +14

      My boot at Great Lakes ('69-'73) was easy, a buddy told me before I left that when they were setting up barracks assignments to volunteer for morning work detail, nobody else did because who in their right mind volunteers in the military - right? The guy gave me the straight skinny though, I avoided P.T. and mess duty and simply swept the barracks and emptied the butt kits in the breakroom and skylarked until my company came back from whatever.

    • @iMadrid11
      @iMadrid11 2 місяці тому +4

      We have food processors now who can mince onions quickly. You just need to peel the onions.

    • @042452
      @042452 2 місяці тому

      I had to pull KP when I was in Boot camp as did every recruit….

    • @hamadilawson7634
      @hamadilawson7634 2 місяці тому

      ​@@042452Not anymore. Kp duty takes time away from training.

    • @richardc8457
      @richardc8457 2 місяці тому +1

      I was in the Navy from 1990-2016, before I retired. I went to RTC San Diego for boot camp and did service week at the chow hall as well. I was placed outside a cooler for the week and had to record everything that went in and went out of that cooler (had a log book to write every entry down in). Seems easy, but I kid you now, we kept records down to every stick of butter that made its way in an out 🙂

  • @mitch473
    @mitch473 11 днів тому +3

    I give all those cooks a ton of credit for their service of feeding our military men and woman. Their real American hero's in our military.

  • @carolinamarrelli
    @carolinamarrelli 27 днів тому +2

    This was really fun to watch. It takes so many people working hard behind the scenes to serve our service men and women. THANK YOU to them all!

  • @jthavorn
    @jthavorn 2 місяці тому +132

    In case anyone is wondering, yes, they still use army cooks but many army cooks still work with civilian employees like the ones here. In this case, army cooks are most likely prepping breakfast and dinner and leaving the “big” meal for those civilians who has the most experience operating in that environment. This can vary widely based on the unit and installation. Either way, everyone working in a dining facility (not cafeteria!) works long and hard hours. Props to everyone working there.

    • @jamesalias595
      @jamesalias595 2 місяці тому +8

      The worst "dining facility" I ever had was on an air force base where only army cooks ran the facility. I just ate a canned tuna instead it was that bad. Excluding basic training in which the food wasn't edible except for SOS, the best dining facilities were always at training bases.

    • @oledgaming4997
      @oledgaming4997 2 місяці тому

      No one was wondering stfu

    • @myaesquivel3266
      @myaesquivel3266 2 місяці тому +1

      The cooks make breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • @albear972
    @albear972 2 місяці тому +341

    These Business Insider behind the scenes view of the military are *always* so interesting! I love them.

    • @BusinessInsider
      @BusinessInsider  2 місяці тому +25

      Thanks for watching!

    • @itsbonkerjojo9028
      @itsbonkerjojo9028 2 місяці тому

      Wdym by these ? 🤨 Have some respect when you talk about channel like this .

    • @boohere2
      @boohere2 2 місяці тому

      @@BusinessInsider MY PLEASURE!!

    • @Doug2KKES
      @Doug2KKES 2 місяці тому +1

      its psyop lol

    • @iamgermane
      @iamgermane 2 місяці тому +2

      I rarely had a meal like this in the USAF. They are eating good. My first dinner after PCSing to Spangdahlem AB, West Germany was Chef Boy-AR-Dee!! By the way, anyone stationed in Europe from 1980 to early 1990s was exposed to Mad Cow disease and you cannot give blood!! All do to the hamburger served in the chow halls.

  • @SilverCymbal
    @SilverCymbal 25 днів тому +5

    Nice to such such dedicated people caring for our most dedicated soldiers. Don't ever forget how important these folks are

  • @thazsar
    @thazsar 2 місяці тому +3

    Kudos to all those workers! That is a major undertaking each day that nobody will realize. Thanks for your service

  • @WarPhotographer1974
    @WarPhotographer1974 2 місяці тому +57

    It’s amazing how the food in basic training helps a person with either losing weight or gaining it.

    • @user-ts7ns7bt2v
      @user-ts7ns7bt2v 2 місяці тому +5

      100% my son just went thru 14-16 hour days and gain 10 lbs over 2 weeks. They fed them fat beef and sugared up terrible yogurts
      Absolutely sinful what’s done to those we should value .

    • @jaimemartinez9792
      @jaimemartinez9792 2 місяці тому +18

      @@user-ts7ns7bt2v You don't gain 10 lbs of fat in 2 weeks in any branch of the military. Most likely they were gaining muscle mass.

    • @user-ts7ns7bt2v
      @user-ts7ns7bt2v 2 місяці тому +4

      @@jaimemartinez9792 ain’t gaining that either.
      He was clean and lean. 2 weeks of seed oils plus sugar plus crap food plus salt will retain water and wreck a body. Stress too. Prolly closer to 7 pounds but entered cut and 2 weeks later has the look of a bloated tick baked in Fake meat Seed Oil and Margarine imo

    • @samuel0spicer533
      @samuel0spicer533 2 місяці тому +8

      ⁠@@user-ts7ns7bt2vmust not be going through basic… cuz the meat isn’t fat

    • @tschabow5608
      @tschabow5608 2 місяці тому

      @@user-ts7ns7bt2v thanks to that diet i gained roughly 20 pounds within a month, but not an ounce of fat. I went from underweight to athlethic in such a short time, i'm still amazed how the army diet and physical exercise can transform a human within such a short time. After a single month i was able to run 15 miles, opposed to the 2 i started with, 40 instead of 12 pushups

  • @Quon6810
    @Quon6810 2 місяці тому +84

    I was here in summer of 2021. It had a bad reputation but every time I went it was good choices & plenty of snacks for you to take with you. I only went on weekends.

  • @certifiedaudio5136
    @certifiedaudio5136 16 днів тому +1

    Big shout outs to the men and women working day and night in these dining halls preparing meals for our soldiers!!! GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!

  • @Ace-eh6ff
    @Ace-eh6ff 2 місяці тому +1

    the good old slop factory. One place I won’t miss

  • @MissCandy350
    @MissCandy350 2 місяці тому +45

    This was wonderful. They seem to really take pride in their work. Great job and thank you too for your service.

  • @zaybrewer3538
    @zaybrewer3538 2 місяці тому +49

    It was a great opportunity being apart of this! Without all the hard work and dedication of these personnel it wouldn’t be possible for any of this to happen! Great job!

    • @gbrewer2781
      @gbrewer2781 2 місяці тому +1

      Awesome personnel! Great job on your interview, Brewer!!👏👏👏

    • @ElectronxZ
      @ElectronxZ Місяць тому

      My favorite red rope - Q

  • @angelaoconner1927
    @angelaoconner1927 Місяць тому +1

    My father was a cook on Fort Sam Houston in the 80s I was little not sure what it was called then! And this is a new facility and it amazes me to think how they did it all back then with such a smaller setup and no big machines to help ! But he would always tell me he was grateful to feed these soldiers and prayed daily for them knowing at any given point they may not come home ! So thank you to all who serve my country !

  • @burgesj7
    @burgesj7 16 днів тому +3

    I manage a commissary. I RESPECT the work these ppl do. It's no joke!

  • @benzero75
    @benzero75 2 місяці тому +45

    This is the best military recruitment video I've ever seen.

    • @RanmaSyaoranSaotome
      @RanmaSyaoranSaotome 2 місяці тому +10

      If the idea of having a hot meal is a recruitment drive then that's quite sad :(

    • @marshalltille7770
      @marshalltille7770 2 місяці тому +5

      I agree. A very positive video.

    • @voidaccount12345
      @voidaccount12345 2 місяці тому +10

      @@RanmaSyaoranSaotome It is for a lot of us just having a meal and a roof over our head is good enough, its better than living in Chicago. Safer in Yemen than Chicago.

    • @phiacraft338
      @phiacraft338 2 місяці тому

      @@voidaccount12345this is absolutely not true!

    • @annamarielewis7078
      @annamarielewis7078 2 місяці тому +1

      I love how it is diametrically opposite to prison food. 😂🤣😂 If nothing else, prison food is deterrent enough for me to behave appropriately 😂🤣😂 Except on UA-cam🤣😂🤣

  • @MrTsiolkovsky
    @MrTsiolkovsky 2 місяці тому +56

    the color system is legit genius. sometimes you are tired and just need something simple so you can tune out and get your meal.

    • @mehere8038
      @mehere8038 2 місяці тому +3

      If it's so genius, why isn't it standard on all products in supermarkets?
      It is in Australia btw, or rather a 5 star system has been adopted, cause it's clearer on mixed colour packages than any colour system can be. All products are required to show the star rating & when purchasing online, on the low star product pages, the supermarket gives recommendations below the rating of similar products with higher star ratings, so as to make it easy for people to switch if they want to eat more healthily. Lots of measures like this have been used in the last decade or so to stabilise what was a growing obesity & diabetes problem, it's pretty easy to do if a country cares about their people's health

    • @HowieHoward-ti3dx
      @HowieHoward-ti3dx 2 місяці тому +4

      @@mehere8038 Are you circumcised or not?

    • @mehere8038
      @mehere8038 2 місяці тому

      @@HowieHoward-ti3dx no, it's considered "mutilation" where I live & illegal

    • @HowieHoward-ti3dx
      @HowieHoward-ti3dx 2 місяці тому

      @@mehere8038 Lucky you. Where do you live?

    • @mehere8038
      @mehere8038 2 місяці тому

      @@HowieHoward-ti3dx Yup, I live in the place known as "the lucky country", Australia :)

  • @mr.beachwalker7154
    @mr.beachwalker7154 28 днів тому +2

    Thank you to the men and women who prepare and cook food for our American military personnel. Your service is appreciated.

  • @chance1986
    @chance1986 Місяць тому

    Great video. I served an Army tour in the early 1970s. I respected the mess hall staff then, and I love seeing that things are still running right. Well done!

  • @A__mzn
    @A__mzn 2 місяці тому +69

    That chocolate cake never disappoints, those who’ve been there know

    • @tomsriver2838
      @tomsriver2838 2 місяці тому

      👀

    • @vwjetta0000
      @vwjetta0000 2 місяці тому

      Hell yeah thats definitely the truth.

    • @lucabarbagallo7313
      @lucabarbagallo7313 2 місяці тому

      Nah bro the mochi was the highlight for me

    • @TheCrazeTaker
      @TheCrazeTaker 2 місяці тому

      @@lucabarbagallo7313they have mochi too??? New enlist here, hopefully slagels on the docket for me. Me and my brother used to ask my dad to go to the DFAK for our birthday dinners.

    • @arzeivah
      @arzeivah Місяць тому

      we used to mix soft serve with the coffee during lunch so we didn’t fall asleep during death by powerpoint but end up falling asleep anyways lmao

  • @ToddAndelin
    @ToddAndelin 2 місяці тому +22

    Good people working together and for each other.

  • @helives2209
    @helives2209 2 місяці тому +5

    You are all amazing!! Like she said, they all have been there for over 10 years, so all are experienced ❤. I admire all these soldiers that decided to serve their country. Thank you BI for a great video. I dont know why I enjoy this. So I see you have a whole list 👍👍

  • @Michaelcollin-wu2ng
    @Michaelcollin-wu2ng 22 дні тому +1

    I served in the Army from 2005 to 2013. I always enjoyed the food served to us by the civilian contractors. The food was always good and the staff were always friendly. These individuals do a great service to our country and should get more recognition. As you can see from this video they all take great pride in their work and it shows .

  • @gft2055
    @gft2055 2 місяці тому +14

    Thanks for sharing the video. Thanks to all who have served.

  • @jasup2010
    @jasup2010 2 місяці тому +49

    May God bless these hardworking people!

    • @Hvghhgg939
      @Hvghhgg939 Місяць тому

      You don’t mean that

  • @carolynthornton8017
    @carolynthornton8017 Місяць тому +1

    IN MY VIEW
    I have always loved watching how kitchen staff feed groups of people. Watching the client faces as they get their food is wonderful.

  • @AMBEE-sp2ev
    @AMBEE-sp2ev Місяць тому +1

    Hats off to those hard working people.

  • @bradchoi662
    @bradchoi662 2 місяці тому +5

    I stayed in Ft Sam, and always went to Slagel. The people on the screen were my wingmen either, good guys and lots of people complained, including our branch airforce, because the food was not great, and sometimes it was worse, but I understand the more than 4500 soldiers to feed for every 3 times a day might be very demanding for those workers. Thanks for the video. the airforce once tried to figure out the issues regarding the quality of DFAC, especially Slagel; it was not the best place to eat, but it was more terrible than we expected. Every person in Slagel was a hardworking person, and the manager from this company and I have known each other as well. Once again, thanks for the great videos. This video makes me so nostalgic.

  • @Myko349
    @Myko349 2 місяці тому +61

    from 12:28 when the sustainment services chief said all those words, I felt it the man loves his country

    • @iamgermane
      @iamgermane 2 місяці тому

      I rarely had a meal like this in the USAF. They are eating good. My first dinner after PCSing to Spangdahlem AB, West Germany was Chef Boy-AR-Dee!! By the way, anyone stationed in Europe from 1980 to early 1990s was exposed to Mad Cow disease and you cannot give blood!! All do to the hamburger served in the chow halls.

    • @flipsolo
      @flipsolo 2 місяці тому +1

      100% He gets the big picture!

  • @rockstarJDP
    @rockstarJDP 2 місяці тому +2

    Your two best friends in the military are the chefs and the medics. The RAF chefs are amazing, never ate so well in my life!

  • @maddivann
    @maddivann Місяць тому

    Thank you to anyone who ever worked in this field, I remember like it was yesterday passing by those lines and having that steaks! You guys dont get the credit y'all deserve

  • @Perryhdp
    @Perryhdp 2 місяці тому +10

    Thank you to the cooks for all you do. Food is the engine of the military!

  • @rupvictoria3017
    @rupvictoria3017 2 місяці тому +38

    hell yea!! this was totally one of my favorite go to spots when i went to Fort Sam Houston for tech school for medical logistics!!! i love the salad bar and the very friendly staff but the worst part was the bad stench at the front of the main building near the Air Force Acton dorms where i stayed at two years ago and that’s why i always come in to the back of the building 👍🏽

  • @christianeasley767
    @christianeasley767 2 місяці тому +18

    Almost 30 years ago---I was poor as hell and joined up!!!! Even when we were in some of the most shittiest environments on the planet-- still managed to have food-- thank you so very much for every meal!!!!!! Ain’t nobody a bad ass on an empty stomach-- and every meal that you get to spend with your friends-- you cherish that moment-- shut your world off and talk and socialize and enjoy that time whether you are down range or at home station…. That’s the time you should be relaxing and enjoying each other’s company-- because there will come a day-- where you will not be enjoying a meal with your teammate and there will be another day where you don’t enjoy a meal at all…..
    To the amazing staff that cooks all of this food!!!!
    Thank you for everything!!!!
    ❤️🫡😢❤️🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

  • @mjphoto45
    @mjphoto45 2 місяці тому +2

    I'm tired just watching them work. Thank you for helping our soldiers

  • @richardc8457
    @richardc8457 2 місяці тому +3

    As a retired Navy Senior Chief who served onboard an aircraft carrier - it is simply amazing what our cook staffs can pull off, not only at sea, but at shore commands as well. Their work is certainly underappreciated but critically vital to the success of our missions. BTW - every service member will tell you - breakfast is without question the best meal our cooks prepare. 🙂

  • @smokerey8889
    @smokerey8889 2 місяці тому +9

    Years ago I worked for a catering company out of Indianapolis called Cibus. We fed the troops at the largest mob and demob in the Midwest called camp Atterbury in Edinburgh Indiana. Our count during the busiest time of the season would hit 5000 troops. Feeding the three defacs, barracks and perssonel out in the field. I was paid very well. It was the hardest job I ever loved. But the day came when Barrack O decided to eliminate the civilian work force from the military. 800 thousand people lost their jobs. It was a sad day for us that had years giving our best to the men and women who serve our country. No one outside will even come close to paying me anything decent as far as working in a restaurant in Texas or anywhere. Want me to start at the bottom. I just happen to bump into this video and remembered the experience and the soldiers. I've got a hundred stories! I just thank God for allowing me to have done that.

  • @worldofthesupernatural
    @worldofthesupernatural 2 місяці тому +1

    I am crying in wonder at the coordinated effort of so many to do this every day! How are there -God bless you all!

  • @thelemonpepperdon
    @thelemonpepperdon 24 дні тому

    As a vet with some good memories from the time I spent at the chow hall with friends and co workers thank you to all the food service workers that make these meals.

  • @Bigguy_33
    @Bigguy_33 2 місяці тому +10

    I was an Army draftee. The best food was at Fort Benjamin in Indianapolis Indiana. The Army’s finance capital. All ranks ate together therefore, your breakfast was made to order. As a draftee during the war, I was in heaven

  • @lyimoej7198
    @lyimoej7198 2 місяці тому +3

    I find it interesting working in such kitchens as i love eating, my stomach will always be happy

  • @avim2578
    @avim2578 2 місяці тому +1

    The kitchen crew has my respect, it is them alone that is keeping soldiers alive and healthy to fight in case anything goes south. I hope they're being treated with respect there.

  • @BigDubsG93
    @BigDubsG93 2 місяці тому +7

    The best part of Combat Medic training, haha. The other guys would always complain about it but the chow here was leagues better than what we got at Fort Sill for BCT. Honestly, the worst part was being paraded in full kit in the Texas summer heat past the Navy and Air Force barracks and seeing them treat their junior enlisted like actual adults. Still wouldn't trade that summer for anything, though.
    Delta Company Class 70-20 July 3 - October 24

  • @kdcbattlecreek
    @kdcbattlecreek 2 місяці тому +16

    I supervised a little mess hall at Lakehurst NJ. The folks there loved their jobs. A few guys would take their break time and make a special lunch for the staff. Then they had to clean up. I learned to carve apple birds. It was a great job!

    • @General_Eisenhower1945
      @General_Eisenhower1945 2 місяці тому +4

      I was an MP out at lakehurst, it's a quiet place compared to Dix/Mcguire. But creepy at night lol

    • @brittanyscott3809
      @brittanyscott3809 Місяць тому

      @@General_Eisenhower1945 Yeah. Some places that are appealing during broad daylight hours 🙂 become scary/creepy places you'd hate to be alone at during nighttime hours 😨.

    • @alwillk
      @alwillk Місяць тому

      I hated that shit. Mass Cooking (if you wanna call it that) like this sucks.

  • @CL-do5eq
    @CL-do5eq 20 днів тому

    Thank y’all for your service 🙏🏽❤️

  • @woodyhayes7402
    @woodyhayes7402 День тому

    Really appreciate the hard work and dedication to all of the kitchen personnel. God bless you folks

  • @68Xray
    @68Xray 2 місяці тому +9

    I was in Ft sam houston last year. There are cockroaches 🪳 roaming around freely at slagels. It was one of the least preferred dining facilities at the base.
    - Drinks always out EVEN WATER
    - Cockroaches
    - Poor quality food
    - Dirty bathrooms
    - Staff not so pleasant
    - Sewerage line was broken for all FOUR months while i was there. (Pretty sure its still isnt fixed)
    Would only go there when Roccos Dining facility was closed (on weekends)

    • @arctictuxedo5825
      @arctictuxedo5825 2 місяці тому +1

      This sounds way more like the Slagels I remember from 2010-ish

    • @miruchan5707
      @miruchan5707 2 місяці тому +2

      I'm currently here and yup, all still checks aside from the sewerage i think they fixed it, probably.

    • @brittanyscott3809
      @brittanyscott3809 Місяць тому

      Cockroaches make my flesh crawl. I don't do bugs. I would have screamed.

  • @DavidRJones82
    @DavidRJones82 2 місяці тому +16

    There is no love like an older black woman calling you "Baby" or "Handsome" when you go through the basic training chow hall.

  • @moogie42069
    @moogie42069 2 місяці тому +1

    I retired from the Navy (began in 1974) and I always had good chow in the dining facilities! The best was when I was traveling and had a layover at an Air Force Base... WOW! Their grub was fantastic! Navy was good but that Air Force fare was out of this world! My late hubby retired from the Air Force and he agreed that the USAF had the best food.

  • @Mikael.formermilitary
    @Mikael.formermilitary 25 днів тому +1

    The DFAC at my deployed locations were the most important facilities on base. After a mission, usually a 14 hour day, all we could think about was eating, talking a shower and sleep. The DFAC did a great job. I would tell them thank you everytime I went in.

  • @yummychips_
    @yummychips_ 2 місяці тому +22

    2.1mil meals served against a 14.2 mil spent is like 6 bucks and some change on average. I am guessing overhead from staff, electricity, water, etc etc probably doubles it.
    You could say, its 3 meals a day with overhead, and its around 24-28 bucks per day per soldier. Not bad when feeding mass scale, that is healthy, varied, and time restricted to 90 mins.
    Professional atheletes IIRC have their meals double, triple or upto 10x that price match. Now pro atheletes are probably more fit, but soldiers are still pretty active people.
    If you wanted to compare this to civilian pricing. A restaurant wants 50-75% profit margin to cover overhead and staff, so permeal at avg 6.5 spent producing meal, you would probably pay around 20ish bucks per meal, and around 60ish per day. Since the volume of customers would be high, you could lower the price down to around 10-12 bucks, but it would still cost around 30-40 bucks a day for 3 meals.
    Edit: My math for civilians were wrong.

    • @etuanno
      @etuanno 2 місяці тому +3

      I don't know the budget for food per soldier per day in the US, but in the Swiss army it's an equivalent of 14$ per solider per day regardless of branch. In addition to that the meat has to be Swiss and the vegetables if possible from the area and in season and not imported. I have to say you usually eat very well in the Swiss army.
      I assume in the US the pure food budget is more like 8-10$ per soldier per day, because food is cheaper.

    • @saramorin4792
      @saramorin4792 2 місяці тому

      Only dumb people eat out, you just cook your own food and save the money.

  • @donutrangerr
    @donutrangerr 2 місяці тому +4

    14 million per year is not astronomical for 4500 people. Its actually very very cost efficient, in fact I'd even argue if that is even enough

  • @pineappleginseng1557
    @pineappleginseng1557 2 місяці тому +2

    A lot of people might believe this food to be relatively subpar, but I'll be quite honest, the dining facilities on JBSA Lackland, Fort Sam Houston, Camp Bullis, etc, are all amazing. On my days off, during Tech School at Lackland, I always enjoyed going out and indulging in the wonderful food these cooks prepared for us. People might believe the military might not eat good, but one of the things that really set us apart in times of war (at least in the past), was that we always found a way to bring good food to our troops, and they certainly do that in Texas for our trainees. To the cooks at JBSA, thank you... Brings back wonderful memories!

  • @mega-hb4re
    @mega-hb4re День тому +1

    As a retired soldier I've always love the army mess hall. Hats off to all those cooks.

  • @WootTootZoot
    @WootTootZoot 2 місяці тому +5

    The food there is really good. Especially if you came from a poor family.

  • @louannchipman1749
    @louannchipman1749 2 місяці тому

    Hats off to the team in the Slagel kitchen - what an amazing job they do!

  • @ilangovanthevar6612
    @ilangovanthevar6612 2 місяці тому

    My heartfelt gratitude to you guys ❤❤❤

  • @shantabridges2677
    @shantabridges2677 27 днів тому

    Thanks for sharing and Thanks for serving the soldiers and our country too!❤

  • @danielroque8504
    @danielroque8504 11 днів тому +1

    I ate like a champ on AF, Navy, Army bases....89-2010.....thanks too all the hard working men/women who cooked delicious meals~~

  • @petatrethewy2695
    @petatrethewy2695 Місяць тому

    Really interesting. The staff know their jobs and appear happy. The food looked pretty good and the Trainees obviously enjoy the meals. Thank-you for showing this. Fascinating.

  • @ms3d921
    @ms3d921 Місяць тому +1

    As an Army Combat Veteran with an MOS in being a medic-cook -rations supervisor and then reclassify to a Health Inspector. So very proud of the work I did. With 10 yrs in Service & 10 yrs out in the same industry. You don’t know how much it means to receive at least 1 hot meal a day as a soldier. My later years I was a Cook 1 (First Cook) and Asst. Manager at Ft. Benning/Moore, Ga. That was my last time preparing food for my fellow Battle Buddies in uniform at the 4th RTB. 🪖👩🏾‍🍳
    Ft. Sam was where I was the Class Ldr. when I became a Hlth Inspector. In 2007 and I fell in love with the place. Even then I was amazed at how large the dining facility was. 🇺🇸👩🏾‍⚕️
    Old Soldiers Never Die…they just Fade Away! From 49 Rounds to I say “Hooah”. Thank you to the military & civilian cooks and Supply(my 3rd MOS) you always treat those who provide for you right🫡

  • @cindyb8775
    @cindyb8775 2 місяці тому

    Amazing video Amazing Crew! Hope they're paid well for the hard work they put into preparing the Soldiers food.

  • @deidrelynette2007
    @deidrelynette2007 2 місяці тому

    My Dad managed DFACs my whole childhood for US Army! These are so satisfying to watch and remember life during that time!

  • @jjdbzfan18
    @jjdbzfan18 2 місяці тому

    Yo shout out to that DFAC and Rockos on Fort Sam. The staff is very much appreciated. Y’all the real heroes.

  • @9manny99
    @9manny99 2 місяці тому

    Oh God Fort Sam Houston NPS dining hall . I never thought I would see that place again. Thanks for these Military videos Business Insiders.

  • @paramedicineman89
    @paramedicineman89 Місяць тому

    The logistics behind this is and the hard work from everyone is amazing. Thank yall for fueling our defenders!

  • @rodnewcombe1120
    @rodnewcombe1120 2 місяці тому +1

    ty for feeding our military family

  • @hughmann1908
    @hughmann1908 2 місяці тому +1

    Thank you to these cooks for feeding the troops!

  • @roxyroxy6824
    @roxyroxy6824 Місяць тому

    Respect for the whole cooking and prep team!!!!👏👏👏

  • @staceymaxwell9871
    @staceymaxwell9871 2 місяці тому

    I have so much respect for all the military cooks and DFAC’S!! Mad. Love and my hat off to all you guys taking care of our service member! 🖤💯

  • @MaverickBryan-dx3kp
    @MaverickBryan-dx3kp 2 місяці тому

    Bless all you cooking for our warriors and thank you for your service 🙏 ❤️

  • @carsandmoods3593
    @carsandmoods3593 9 днів тому

    This cooking brigade is some one helluva job. Great work!

  • @CL-do5eq
    @CL-do5eq 20 днів тому

    And to these amazing chef heroes thank you for your service too !

  • @naffox4259
    @naffox4259 2 місяці тому +1

    I honestly never had a bad meal from this place in 2017. It was honestly a good place

  • @SweetSpot909
    @SweetSpot909 16 днів тому

    amazing staff doing the hard work

  • @michaelsherman6492
    @michaelsherman6492 2 місяці тому +2

    The cooks take pride in what they do and who they do it for….. no soldier, sailor, marine or airman can do their jobs without a long line of civilian support personnel…. I salute each and everyone of them,

  • @bronxtours4193
    @bronxtours4193 Місяць тому

    I’ve cooked in large kitchens like that before. Respect to these men and women who help feed us!!

  • @TheRealEquinox
    @TheRealEquinox 2 місяці тому +1

    The contract staff are the heroes of this video. This is a super underpaid position to be in, and if not contract, super underpaid with benefits. Thank you for THEIR service.

  • @twobalcain
    @twobalcain Місяць тому

    I admire their ability as a chef, to work together for a greater purpose. Nice job!

  • @quotidien_
    @quotidien_ Місяць тому

    These ladies are awesome. The trainees are very fortunate.

  • @jaiyabyrd4177
    @jaiyabyrd4177 Місяць тому +1

    Beautiful Healthy Food.
    God Bless the Cooks and Janitors

  • @coffeecup3177
    @coffeecup3177 2 місяці тому +2

    Special thanks to the whole crew at that dining facility. I am certain they give it there all to insure the military serving at that facility is well fed with a variety of decent meals.

  • @peacebeatsdrama
    @peacebeatsdrama 3 дні тому

    I spent years in the Army. And I’m proud to say the mess hall staff are some of the most dedicated patriotic professionals in the armed services. There’s a real sense of pride with them. 🇺🇸❤️

  • @Hurst6969
    @Hurst6969 2 місяці тому

    Have been in there many times and it's amazing to watch how they get the job done

  • @SimDeck
    @SimDeck Місяць тому +2

    I served in the British Army for ten years in an Infantry regiment. I was lucky enough to go over to the states for an exchange tour and found myself in Fort Eisenhower, Georgia. The food and the service were out of this world. Those people really cared and it showed. I was introduced to food like Shrimp and Hen Grits, Peach Pie and Biscuits and Gravy. Just incredible wholesome food. I know the British have a bad reputation with food but the military were on par with the Americans (I secretly loved the American food beeter but don't tell my friends) and our British cooks were superb at giving us great meals. Yanks and Brit military cooks are the best in the world.

  • @GodFavorsMe444
    @GodFavorsMe444 Місяць тому

    I was in the US Army for 3 years and the dining facility never disappointed with the great meals they served us. I really loved the food the cooks would fix for us at the remote base I was at in Schwabstadl Ger,many...The food was so so delicious. The cooks were cooking that food up and it tasted like my mama or grandma prepared it.

  • @gailcrestin179
    @gailcrestin179 2 місяці тому

    These guys put their lives on the line for us….give them the best!