Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers

What is it?

The Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) Program supports the overall quality of single Soldiers’ lives. BOSS identifies real quality of life (QOL) issues and concerns by recommending improvements through the installation chain of command. BOSS also encourages and assists single Soldiers in identifying and planning for recreational and leisure activities. Additionally, it allows for the opportunity to participate in and contribute to their respective communities. 

History

The BOSS program was established in 1989 to respond to the recreational needs of singles Soldiers who make up 35% of the Army. As the program was implemented throughout the Army, it became evident that quality of life was the primary concern of single Soldiers. In 1991, the Chief of Staff of the Army officially approved BOSS members to participate in community service projects. Recreation and Leisure, quality of life, and community service are the core components of the BOSS program.

How Does It Work?

Installations establish a formal BOSS program that includes a BOSS Council consisting of single Soldier representatives from the installation's units. TWR advisory 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. 

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

Who Can Participate in BOSS Programs?

All single Soldiers, single parents and unaccompanied Soldiers; however, certain events, like volunteer events and trips, are also open to married Soldiers as long as spots are available. 

BOSS Council

BOSS Councils are comprised of single Soldiers from major subordinate commands and separate units on an installation. Single Soldiers have an 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

• Quality of Life (QOL) 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 and Air Force Exchange Service. QOL issues identified or raised during BOSS meetings are directed to the appropriate command or staff agency for resolution at the lowest level for immediate Soldier satisfaction. 
• Recreation and leisure activities may be planned solely by the BOSS council or in conjunction with other MWR activities. Soldiers assume 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 also coordinates with the installation commercial sponsorship office when planning some major events. 
• Community Service: BOSS Councils often elect to participate in community prog4ams or projects which make a difference in the lives of others, the community, and ultimately, themselves. On some installations, BOSS members have volunteered to take part in Big Brother/Big Sister, Special Olympics, and Habitat for Humanity. Some councils have developed their own programs which include sending packages to deployed Soldiers, and BOSS Against Drunk Drivers (BADD). These components are voluntary in nature and must be in accordance with the installation volunteer program. 

Meetings

Single Soldiers are encouraged to voice their concerns to their unit BOSS representative who will in turn express the issues at weekly meetings of Brigade & Battalion BOSS representatives. These meetings will be held at 1500 every Wednesday. Please call the Fort Bliss BOSS Office for locations at (915) 568-6556 or email at BOSS2@conus.army.mil.

Contact

Fort Bliss BOSS President: SGT Manca 568-6556
Fort Bliss BOSS Vice President: SPC Keil
NCOIC: CSM Tony Purdy
MWR Advisor: Brian Forman 568-8087