The 50th annual Joint Culinary Training Exercise showcased the talent of more than 200 military chefs from all military services around the globe to include three international teams: France, United Kingdom and Germany. The JCTE started Feb. 27, 2026 at Fort Lee MacLaughlin Fitness Center and continued until March 4, 2026. The exercise, administered by the Joint Culinary Training Directorate, is the largest American Culinary Federation-sanctioned competition in North America.