Training Army Cooks at Pratt Institute, 1917

The photograph titled Making army cooks, Pratt Institute, taken on August 9, 1917, showcases a crucial aspect of military preparation during World War I: the training of army cooks. At Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, military personnel were instructed in culinary skills essential for sustaining troops. This training was vital as it ensured that soldiers received the necessary nutrition to maintain their strength and morale while serving in challenging conditions.

During this time, the demand for well-trained support staff in the military was increasingly recognized. Cook training programs, like the one at Pratt Institute, helped to equip soldiers with skills that were critical in the war effort. Effective meal preparation became increasingly important as military operations expanded, and these courses addressed everything from meal planning to food preservation. The photograph captures a moment in this significant initiative, reflecting the organized response to the logistical needs of the Armed Forces during a tumultuous period in history.