Kitchen Police, often abbreviated as KP, designates personnel assigned to assist the food service staff in military dining facilities. Duties encompass a range of tasks including, but not limited to, washing dishes, cleaning the kitchen, mopping floors, and assisting cooks with food preparation. An example of this duty involves a soldier assisting in peeling potatoes for a large meal service.
This assignment serves multiple important functions. It provides a valuable support system for the cooks and food service staff, ensuring the timely and efficient operation of meal preparation and cleanup. Historically, it has also served as a temporary duty, often assigned as a form of minor disciplinary action or to provide additional support during periods of high operational tempo. The benefits derived include maintaining hygiene standards in the kitchen and freeing up skilled culinary personnel to focus on specialized food preparation tasks.