Special Program Directorate

Mission

The JCCoE Special Programs Directorate administers the Department of Army Philip A. Connelly Awards Program for Excellence in Army Food Service, commonly referred to as "The Connelly Program" or just "Connelly". This program exists as a partnership between the Army and the International Food Service Executives Association, whose members assist in judging the winners. The Connelly Program recognizes excellence in Army Food Service from top performing units competing at the Army level in one of two categories: Garrison and Field Kitchen.

The U. S. Army Culinary Arts Team (USACAT) is the U.S. National Military Culinary Team and will compete at local, national, and international culinary competitions. The purpose of USACAT competitions is to offer the military chef opportunity to sharpen and broaden their skills, competing with civilian and other military chefs.

The United States Culinary Arts Competition held every year at Fort Gregg-Adams is sanctioned by the American Culinary Federation, which boasts being the largest competition in the United States. The competition is open to active duty members of all Services, DOD civilians, and USAR and ARNG personnel.

The Enlisted Aide Competition was established to identify and reward the top Enlisted Aides in the Army and promote the Enlisted Aide Training Course.