An official army family and MWR Site

About

What is BOSS?

The Better Opportunities for Single Service Members (BOSS) Program supports the overall quality of Single Service Members’ lives. BOSS identifies real Single Service Member wellbeing issues and concerns by recommending improvements through the chain of command. BOSS encourages and assists Single Service Members in identifying and planning for recreational and leisure activities. Additionally, it gives Single Service Members the opportunity to participate in and contribute to their respective communities.

History of BOSS?

The BOSS program was established by the Department of the Army in 1989 to respond to the recreational needs of Single Service Members, who make up 35% of the Army. As the program was implemented throughout the Army, it became evident that well being was the primary concern of Single Service Members. In 1991, the Chief of Staff of the Army officially expanded BOSS to include all aspects of Single Service Members’ lives. BOSS members later began to express an interest in participating in community service projects. Recreation and leisure, well being, and community service are the core components of the BOSS program.

How Does BOSS Work?

Installations establish a formal BOSS program, to include a BOSS council consisting of Single Service Members' representatives from installation units. Typically, the installation Command Sergeant Major serves as the senior military advisor to the council. An installation MWR advisor is appointed to provide guidance in planning activities, financial accountability, and marketing. Motivated Single Service Members with strong senior military and MWR guidance are the backbone of the BOSS program.

Who May Participate in BOSS Events?

Every branch is welcome at BOSS Events, including Single Service Members, Single Parents, and Geobachelors. Many events are also open to the entire garrison, such as our sports competitions, and every person counts!

What Happens to the Issues Raised by BOSS?

Issues addressed during a BOSS meeting will be formatted and submitted to the senior military advisor to seek resolution through the proper command channels or staff agency. Issues that cannot be resolved at the installation level are coordinated with the installation Army Family Action Plan (AFAP) coordinator and may be released by the installation commander to go forward to the major Army command (MACOM) AFAP.

What is the Single Service Members’ Role in BOSS?

The BOSS General Assembly is made up of Service Members like you! Every service member has the opportunity to volunteer with BOSS to connect to the community, and all of our 3 focused categories are prioritized in BOSS recreation events. You can also become a unit representative! Every unit on Fort Eisenhower down to a company (or branch equivalent) should have a representative. Is your unit missing a representative? Contact us to become one and make Fort Eisenhower a better place today! Our dedicated executive council will work with you if you have an event idea to take it from concept to reality!

BOSS Components

  • Well Being… Well being for Single Service Members deals primarily with those things that the Single Service Members can directly or indirectly influence to enhance their morale, living environment, or personal growth and development. Some of the issues addressed by BOSS councils include dining facilities, education, fitness centers, Single Service Members’ quarters, medical and dental care, commissary, and Army Air Force Exchange Service. Well being issues identified or raised during BOSS meetings are directed to the appropriate command or staff agency for resolution and resolved at the lowest level.
  • Recreation… Recreation and leisure activities may be planned solely by the BOSS council or in conjunction with other MWR activities. Single Service Members assume the primary role in planning BOSS events. Events planned by BOSS councils should meet the needs and desires of Single Service Members on the installations. BOSS councils have sponsored events such as Single Service Members talent competitions, concerts, dances, and trips. BOSS may also coordinate with installation commercial sponsorship personnel when planning some major events.
  • Community Service… BOSS councils often elect to participate in community programs or projects which make a difference in the lives of others, the community, and ultimately, themselves. BOSS members have volunteered to take part in Big Brother/Big Sister, Special Olympics, and Habitat for Humanity. This component is voluntary in nature and must be in accordance with the installation volunteer program.

BOSS at Fort Eisenhower

Single Service Members are encouraged to bring up issues, event ideas and things they want to see from the BOSS program to their BOSS representative. They will then bring it up to the general assembly, which occurs every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the Month at the BOSS Headquarters, Bldg. 36708, Brainard Ave. The general assembly is open for anyone to visit, including command personnel. Stop by and say hello!

The BOSS Building is available for use in the following ways:

  1. You can stop by on Fridays from 1830-1930 to play ping pong with the Join Service Ping Pong Club!
  2. You can use the BOSS Headquarters for your unit or organization on Fort Eisenhower by email or call!

For more information, contact the DFMWR BOSS Advisor at the number at the top of this page.