Better Opportunities for Single Service Members
- About
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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 well being 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?
All events are targeted at Single Service Members – however, some installations also include single parents and unaccompanied Service Members. Although the intent of the BOSS program is for Single Service Members, 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 Single Service Members’ Role in BOSS?
BOSS councils are comprised of Single Service Members from major subordinate commands and separate units on an installation. Single Service Members 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.
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 Gordon
Single Service Members 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. 36708, Brainard Ave. (Rear of The Courtyard).
The BOSS Building is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m., Saturday from 12 to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 6 p.m. Come on out and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. Challenge your friends to a game of pool, ping pong and/or darts. All free, no cost. We also have cable TV and WiFi, so feel free to bring your laptops. All these things are free.
For more information, contact the DFMWR BOSS Advisor at the number at the top of this page.
- Representatives
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(Vacant)
President
PO1 Campos, Vanessa
Vice President
SPC Brown, Krista
Secretary
SGT Bell, Jon
Treasurer
SPC Fenner, Cassidy
Social Media Coordinator(Vacant)
Executive Officer
CSM Starrett, Michael
Garrison Command Sergeant Major
Senior Enlisted Advisor
+1 (706)791-6300
Lorrie Chadd
BOSS Civilian Advisor
+1 (706)831-8328
Hours of Operation
| Monday | 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. (Closed 3:30 - 5 p.m.) |
| Tuesday | 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. (Closed 3:30 - 5 p.m.) |
| Wednesday | 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. (Closed 3:30 - 5 p.m.) |
| Thursday | 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. (Closed 3:30 - 5 p.m.) |
| Friday | 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. (Closed 3:30 - 5 p.m.) |
| Saturday | 12 p.m. - 7 p.m. |
| Sunday | 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. |
Contact
Rear of The Courtyard
Bldg. 36708, O' Club Dr.
Google Map
WiFi Available
Tel:
+1 (706)791-5902
Military DSN Tel:
(312)780-5902
Better Opportunities for Single Service Members (BOSS) is for Active, Guard and Reserve Single Service Members, Single Parents and the Geographically Dispersed of all branches of the service, and includes Foreign Service Members. The mission of BOSS is to enhance the quality of life and morale of single Service Members, increase Service Member retention, and sustain readiness.
Come and enjoy a relaxed environment at the BOSS Day Room, located at the BOSS Headquarters.
