Morale, Welfare and Recreation Programs, or MWR Programs, are a great resource to take your mind off things, relax and have fun – alone or with your family! You can utilize this benefit whether you’re stationed on an installation or off but it’s hard to keep an overview of what’s available through MWR Programs. That is why we’ve compiled one easily accessible list for you.
But first things first, here’s who’s eligible:
- Active Duty Military Personnel (including Guard & Reserve) AND their Families
- Retirees
- Veterans awarded the Purple Heart or Medal of Honor
- Veterans with a service-connected disability
- Former POWs
- DoD Civilian Employees
Additionally, caregivers for Veterans are eligible for certain MWR programs to accompany their Veteran.
Here’s our select list of MWR programs, please note that programs vary by location, you can check your location here (https://installations.militaryonesource.mil/search?program-service=5/view-by=ALL):
- Fitness, aquatics, and sports program: Visit the gym, pool, play organized sports or try yoga.
- Boating, bowling, golf courses and stables: Try out special-interest programs such as golf, scuba diving or flying. Get great deals on boat rentals and horseback riding or take your family and friends out for a night of bowling!
- Individual skills development programs: These programs range from arts and crafts to automotive skills.
- Information, Tickets and Travel program: Eligible patrons can get tickets to the movies, amusement parks, sporting events and concerts at heavily reduced rates. In addition to that, this program helps getting good deals on everything from resort reservations to airfare through the newly established American Forces Travel program (link zum artikel)
- Recreational lodging program: Go camping, rent a beach cabana or a ski chalet!
- Outdoor recreation programs: We’ve already touched on that in our article on free national park passes here (link zum artikel), but in addition to that, there’s many more activities. A few select ones are hunting, fishing, mountain biking and recreational paintball!
- Libraries: This might seem like the odd one out but trust us, this one is much more than you think, especially if you’re utilizing your educational benefits! You can take full advantage of the library resources if you need any book, article, or magazine for studying. You don’t even have to go there in person, you can access the MWR Libraries online from anywhere in the world!
- Single Service Member Programs: MWR programs offer many different programs for younger servicemembers up to age 25. This includes tours, trips, concerts and special event activities.
- Recreation Centers: Watch a big game with your friends or enjoy some video games and video game tournaments!
