Military life does not have to be all work and no play! In fact, there are programs that encourage healthy and active living. The Moral, Welfare and Recreation programs operate under the principal that an active life leads to positive self-esteem and helps build resilience and healthy military families. The MWR creates programs that designed to improve the military families life through participation in sports, fitness, and cultural arts. Though the Moral, Welfare and Recreation programs go by many names, Army Family and MWR (FMWR), Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS), Navy MWR, United States Air Force Services, and Coast Guard Morale, Well-Being, and Recreation, their intent is the same. And generally active duty service members and their families have unlimited access to MWR programs.
While programs vary from base to base and branch to branch, there are often variations of the following general programs.
Fitness and sports. Fitness and sports programs are designed to develop cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, and strength conditioning and promote healthy lifestyles. On your particular installation you might find swimming and intramural sports and athletics
Recreation programs. These programs provide opportunities for socializing and cultural and educational pursuits. An example of recreation programs available at your installation might include free admission movies, sailing, skiing, and arts and crafts.
Childcare and youth programs. These programs welcome the gamut of military children, from birth to 18 years old.
Other programs on base might include: leisure travel and recreational lodging.
For a detailed list of programs per installation, as well as additional programs, access https://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/101510p.pdf
