What is BOSS?
The Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) Program supports the overall quality of single soldiers' lives. BOSS identifies real soldier well being issues and concerns by recommending improvements through the chain of command. BOSS encourages and assists single soldiers in identifying and planning for recreational and leisure activities. Additionally, it gives single soldiers the opportunity to participate in and contribute to their respective communities.

Department of the Army BOSS Website

History of BOSS?
The BOSS program was established in 1989 to respond to the recreational needs of single soldiers, 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 soldiers. In 1991, the Chief of Staff of the Army officially expanded BOSS to include all aspects of soldiers' 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. 

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How Does BOSS Work?
Installations establish a formal BOSS program, to include a BOSS council consisting of single soldier 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 soldiers with strong senior military and MWR guidance are the backbone of the BOSS program.

Who May Participate in BOSS Events?
All events are targeted at single soldiers; however, some installations also include single parents and unaccompanied soldiers. Although the intent of the BOSS program is for single soldiers, events are typically open to all authorized MWR users.

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 Soldiers' Role in BOSS?
BOSS councils are comprised of single soldier from major subordinate commands and separate units on an installation. Single soldiers have and opportunity to become unit representatives, volunteer to assist in planning an event, or attend BOSS activities. The Department of the Army BOSS circular defines the roles of the chain of command and MWR personnel at all levels.

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BOSS Components

• Well Being...Well being for single soldiers deals primarily with those things that the single soldiers 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, soldiers' 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. Soldiers assure the primary role in planning BOSS events. Events planned by BOSS councils should meet the needs and desires of single soldiers on the installations. BOSS councils have sponsored events such as soldier 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 Gordon
Single soldiers are encouraged to voice their concerns to their unit BOSS representative who will in turn express the issues at the weekly BOSS meetings.  BOSS meetings are held each Wednesday at the BOSS Headquarters, Bldg 28320, Lane Avenue.   For more information, contact the DMWR BOSS Advisor at (706) 791-7862.

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