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In an effort to reduce bureaucracy in the military, the United States Army in 2006 instituted the US Army Installation Management Command, whose mission was to apply a uniform business structure to manage AU Army installations, the environment in those installations, and promote the well-being of the military community. This included overseeing family programs and services, increasing healthcare accessibility, improving military and family housing, providing schools and childcare to the dependents of military personnel, and offering employment for military family members. This program oversees the United States Army’s Family and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) Programs. These programs provide many opportunities for US Servicemembers and their families.
What is MWR?
The United States’s Family and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Programs got its start in 2011 following the deactivation of the Family and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Command. Its purpose, as stated on its website, is to deliver “quality family and morale, welfare, and recreation programs and services supporting the readiness and resilience of the All-Volunteer Army.” This program concerns itself with the quality of life for US soldiers and provides community support for military personnel and their families. The military recreational program includes social, fitness, recreational, educational, and other programs and activities that improve community life, foster soldier and unit readiness, promote mental and physical fitness, and generally provide a working and living environment that attracts and retains quality for US Army soldiers, family members, retirees, and civilian employees.
Some of these programs include:
- Select gyms offer fitness, aquatics, and sports programs.
- There are boating, bowling centers, golf courses, and equestrian stables.
- Individual skill development programs, including arts, crafts, and performing arts, are available.
- Access to Military Libraries
- Movie tickets and travel opportunities
- Discounted recreational lodging at select destinations, such as beaches or Disney World
- Outdoor recreational programs
Who is Eligible for MWR?
Through these programs, Army morale welfare and recreation programs and morale welfare and recreation Navy programs support soldiers and their families. Morale welfare and recreation programs differ across the branches in what they offer, and the eligibility criteria for accessing MWR services also vary for active duty, retired, veterans, reservists, and their families. You can find a comprehensive list of eligibility qualifications at this link, but below is a concise summary of the specific requirements and supporting documentation required for eligibility:
- Army morale welfare and recreation and morale welfare and recreation Navy also provide child and youth programs to active duty personnel, DOD civilian personnel, reservists on active duty or inactive duty personnel training, and DOD contractors.
- Fitness centers are available to active duty and family members, military retirees and family members, DoD civilians, retirees and family members, active reservists and family, National Guard and family, and disabled veterans.
- Golf courses are open to all military and federal government employees.
- The Susquehanna Club is open to military and federal government employee communities, honorably discharged veterans, and the general public.
- Swimming pools are available to active duty military, national guard/reserve, Department of Defense personnel, military and DoD civilian retirees, civilian DoD employees, their spouses, and children under the age of 23 who live with them. 100% disabled Veterans are also eligible. Appropriate military identity cards, or CACs, are necessary.
Overview of MWR Programs and Services
So, what are some of the various programs and services offered by MWR? Much depends on the facilities at a particular military installation or community, which determines what services are available. Most locations have access to gyms, pools, and basketball courts, but golf courses or other specialized recreational facilities might be more limited.
Recreational sports and fitness programs
The US military considers physical fitness a cornerstone of readiness and resilience. All branches of the US Armed Forces have physical fitness requirements for their Servicemembers, and facilities for this at their installations. At designated times, family members and others who qualify have the opportunity to utilize these facilities and programs offered to military personnel, DA civilians, and retirees. These facilities offer self-directed and directed training programs, as well as multi-purpose courts, strength training rooms, aerobics areas, and locker rooms. Many of these facilities also offer pools.
Child and youth services
Child and Youth Services (CYS) helps military families by providing quality programs that reduce the conflict between family obligations and mission readiness for military personnel. These programs include child care fee assistance for affordable childcare, on post-child development centers, in-home childcare options, school-age centers for children ages 6–12, and school support services and tutoring for children in grades K–12. This branch of MWR also offers youth sports teams, fitness programs, youth sponsorship, and parent outreach services.
Outdoor recreation programs
Spending time together as a family is one of the most effective ways to support military personnel in their work-life balance. The MWR programs allow exclusive and discounted access to many outdoor facilities for military families. These include camping and RV park access, equestrian services, and adaptive and inclusive recreation, such as the Warrior Quest.
Community and family support programs
Supporting the military family community is equally important to Servicemembers. The MWR offers the Army Family Action Plan to increase the standard of living for military families, family team building, and the Volunteer Corps. This branch also offers the Employment Readiness Program for the military and their families, family advocacy programs, financial readiness, relocation support, suicide prevention, and survivor outreach programs.
Arts and crafts centers
Many military installations offer a wide variety of creative classes, including drawing, painting, ceramics, woodworking, jewelry making, pottery, textiles, and photography.
Entertainment and events
Special entertainment programs include access to commercial entertainment on military installations, including concerts, comedy shows, and dance performances.
MWR Tickets and Discounts
Before planning a vacation, check with your local military recreation office for any discounts or special offers on MWR tickets and military personnel travel. Servicemembers often enjoy discounted rates at theme parks, airline tickets, admission to museums, parks, movie theaters, and special events. Click the following links to learn more about these options for the Navy, Army, Air Force, and Marines.
Finding MWR Near Me
If you are asking the question “Are there any offices of MWR near me?” then look no further. You can always inquire about your installation’s recreational offices in person. However, you can also use a variety of online tools to locate your local military recreational services by clicking this link or performing a Google search.
Frequently Asked Questions
Click here to check your eligibility status, or call your local MWR office.
Click here to check your eligibility status, or call your local MWR office.
Yes, retirees are eligible. DoD civilian retirees are also eligible with the presentation of their DoD retiree civilian ID card.
Military libraries are open to active-duty personnel, their families, Veterans and retirees, and DoD civilians. These facilities offer book discussion groups, a diverse and modern collection, storytimes, and access to the internet and computers. Professional librarians are available to assist with research and any information requests.
Yes, there are many wonderful venues available for weddings for military families managed by MWR offices around the world. These facilities offer catering and event planners.
The BOSS program caters to the needs of Army active-duty single soldiers and welcomes participation from all MWR patrons. The program allows single soldiers to address quality of life issues, engage in recreational and leisure activities, and volunteer for community service projects and events. This is especially helpful for soldiers without extended family support.
Supporting our military families
The United States Military is grateful to its volunteer force of Servicemembers, and these programs are some of the many ways to reward military personnel for their dedication. The Department of Defense understands that proper work-life balance in the lives of its personnel is one of the best ways to ensure the mission readiness of the armed forces. When Veterans and active personnel have the proper support and community for their families, they are better able to focus and dedicate themselves to the job at hand. The military recreational programs provide the community and activities. Soldiers and their families need to maintain a healthy and balanced life in the military and also provides a sense of cohesion in the military community. If you and your family qualify for these programs, look into the services offered near you today!
