Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012

So what is BOSS?

Since becoming the Fort Benning Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers president in August 2011, not a week has passed that I have met some Soldiers who didn’t know about the BOSS program. From officer to enlisted, private to captain, the story’s the same. Soldiers have either never heard about BOSS or did not know what BOSS does and what the program can offer them. Fort Benning has a great BOSS program with wonderful and dedicated support from the command and Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation.

As my second year of service as the BOSS president begins, I and many others work daily to inform others about BOSS, and how Soldiers can benefit from being involved with the program. BOSS supports the overall quality of life for single and unaccompanied Soldiers. The philosophical foundation of the BOSS program is based on the entitlement of single Soldiers to raise issues and recommend policy changes to enhance quality of life, to participate in recreation and leisure activities of choice, and to contribute to and participate in the local community by volunteering.

This philosophy serves as the basis for the three pillars of the BOSS program — quality of life, recreation and leisure and community service. By now, most everyone has heard of Comprehensive Soldier Fitness. But whether you have heard the term or not, BOSS supports this mission through the three pillars of the BOSS program.

QUALITY OF LIFE

Single Soldiers’ quality of life issues include those things that directly or indirectly influence the enhancement of morale, living environment, or personal growth and development. Monthly meetings are the last Wednesday of each month at 2 p.m. at the Kelley Hill Recreation Center. There, we address any quality of life issues Soldiers might have. Issues are reported directly to the senior enlisted military advisor, the garrison command sergeant major.

RECREATION AND LEISURE

Perhaps the most well known BOSS pillar is recreation and leisure. At a minimum, one recreation and leisure activity is scheduled for Soldiers every month.

These opportunities are provided at a discounted rate to the Soldier, and although single Soldiers are the primary beneficiaries for the BOSS program, all Soldiers and authorized DFMWR patrons are allowed to attend. Active duty single Soldiers have priority for all activities. Some trips may have age restrictions or may be designated as single Soldier only.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

All Soldiers can participate in community service activities through the BOSS program with at least one opportunity monthly. While the goal is to contribute to the community, all hours earned volunteering with BOSS are recorded and tracked. With enough earned hours, Soldiers can become eligible for the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, which is also worth 15 promotion points to sergeant and staff sergeant.

Volunteering is encouraged and can very rewarding. I have found a new passion for volunteering and work to give as many opportunities as possible to Soldiers to participate in these activities. Serving as the BOSS president has been the most rewarding experience of my military service. It has been quite a change from the Airborne Infantry operational tempo I was accustomed to in the 82nd Airborne Division. Like everyone, I have struggled at times with some aspects of military service and it’s for this reason I have such a passion for helping my fellow brothers and sisters in uniform. I will continue to look out for your well-being and work in your best interest. You may also contact me at anytime with any issues you may have at 706-604-7675.