Soldiers look forward to becoming Army cooks

Story by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Aleah M. Castrejon, National Guard Public Affairs Office

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SPRINGFIELD, IL (06/06/2014)(readMedia)-- SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois Soldiers earning the 92G Army cook military occupation specialty (MOS) completed their first week of training from fellow Illinois Guardsmen through the 129th Regimental Training Institute in Springfield. The Soldiers are part of the two-week course taught by Illinois Soldiers who earned the 92G MOS last year.

This week the instructors also went through an accreditation process. The process is an assessment of how the schoolhouse conducts training for the class. The 92G school is evaluated by instructors from the quartermaster course based in Ft. Lee, Virginia. After the assessment is complete, it is rolled up into the regiment's accreditation. The schoolhouse is evaluated by the way they instruct, their teaching methods, staff and faculty development programs, and ensure the course manager is using the correct lesson plans and equipment.

"Every time people come to see our students, we are told the instructors are excellent," said Sgt. 1st Class Jaclyn Musgrove of Auburn, Illinois, 2nd Battalion, 129th Regiment, Regional Training Institute (RTI), 92G course manager. "I have to agree, they are top notch."

The evaluators from Virginia commented on the 129th Regiment RTI instructors, commenting on their passion and enthusiasm.

"We have a great team of instructors, a great partnership with Lincoln Land Community College, and support from the state," said Lt. Col. Gregory Ota of Wheaton, Illinois, 2nd Battalion, 129th Regiment, Regional Training Institute (RTI), commander. "I feel like we could compete with the best that the Army has to offer."

Master Sgt. Cindy Singley of Towanda, Illinois, with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in Chicago, is the kitchen manager for a junior high school. She led the kitchen for annual training. She said she had fun learning and cooking with the Soldiers during this training.

"It gives me pleasure to see the enjoyment on the Soldier's faces," said Singley. "I get to see their faces light up as they are excited to know what we were cooking next."

Spc. Victoria Cain of Chicago, with 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago, has been in the Illinois National Guard for three years and was told she needed to reclassify to another MOS. Cain chose the 92G school because she enjoys baking. She said she is learning different cooking techniques and healthy eating.

"I like learning from the non-commissioned officers; I like our communication in the kitchen and I enjoy the camaraderie," said Cain.

She said she is happy to be a part of an MOS that is being used again. She also said she enjoys it and wants other Soldiers to enjoy it as well.

Master Sgt. Cindy Singley of Towanda, Illinois, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, looks at her work during the 92G military cook school at Lincoln Land Community College, Springfield, Illinois, June 6. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Aleah M. Castrejon, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs)

Spc. Victoria Cain of Chicago, 108th Sustainment Brigade, learns baking techniques during the 92G military cook school at Lincoln Land Community College, Springfield, Illinois, June 6. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Aleah M. Castrejon, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs)