The Moral, Wellness, and Recreation department (better known as MWR) does so much for service members and their families. Think of it as your one-stop shop website/location for all things happening around the post, all the free services available to you, and the connection spot for other Army programs to be seen by YOU – the family member, and to get information into your hands.
Every post will vary in services, so checking the MWR website is one of the first things I do when we find out we are going to PCS. I want to know what free events they put on, what kind of rental services they offer, what kid’s events and community events are happening, what the gyms look like, what the outdoor recreation department has to offer etc.
Over the last five years, I have tried to take advantage of as many things as I could and still, there are many I want to try. Here are a few of my favorite or most used services:
1. Tickets and attractions!
Did you know your local MWR typically receives discounted tickets for lots of the most common attractions/venues around your area? Even better, they often receive free tickets to current events to hand out on a first come first serve basis. From rodeos in Texas to ball games to concerts, be sure to follow your local MWR for info. They typically announce it on their Facebook and you can pick up tickets from their office.
2. Recreation
From youth sports, to trail running clubs, to color runs, if you have not checked out what your local MWR recreation department has to offer in these areas, do it now! We’ve participated in 5k’s, a triathlon, k1-mile mile races, trail races, and hiking clubs for free or almost free!
3. Party Rentals
Did you know most MWRs rent out inflatables, tables, chairs, and more for a fraction of the cost it would be to rent from a party rental store? For my son’s birthday we rented tables and chairs instead of buying them and our neighbor rented a giant Paw Patrol bounce house for the weekend of their son’s birthday!
4. Bowling Alley
Okay, here me out…what’s better than an inexpensive, indoor activity, half a mile from your house after too many snow days in a row to count?! We love it as a family outing also!
5. Free Gyms
Technically this could fall under recreation but for me, it deserves its own category. I know that often childcare is a limiting factor so this does not apply to everyone in every season, however…I encourage you to try them out if you are able. In my experience, they have great equipment, FUN classes, and LOTS of options! I love trying them all when I get to a new post – there’s always the gym the retirees go to, the cross-fit-like gym, the cardio-heavy gym, and the indoor (and outdoor) lap pools. If you need a pep talk on getting there because you’re female and feel like you don’t belong, come chat with me!
6. On-Post Library
If you have little kids, I’d encourage you to see what events your post-library puts on! Many of the ones I’ve been to have great indoor play areas for cold days and if you are struggling to meet other moms and dads at your new duty station it can be a great place to connect. Lego club, story time, and adult book clubs are all fun FREE ways to connect!
7. Equipment Rentals
Want to see if your family would have fun camping but don’t want to commit to ALL the equipment, check If your local MWR has rentals! Want to try a pull-behind camping trailer instead, they might have those too! I am so grateful Fort Carson (and I’ve heard other posts in areas with skiing) rents out ski and snowboard equipment for a fraction of the cost as rentals at the ski hills.
8. Shooting Complex
Okay, technically I haven’t used this but it’s often a part of our family’s Saturday routines and one of my husband’s favorite hobbies. Often the shooting ranges managed by the post are more affordable to use than off-post ranges. Also, some complexes help run competitions for other shooting sports like archery and skeet. And I know personally, I feel better knowing that they are being managed by a shooting range employee for the safety of all those participating.
Okay, I could probably go and on! Here are some others I haven’t used but think are incredibly valuable!
Auto skill center! This little center provides things like oil changes for spouses of deployed service members, battery jump services, auto skills classes, as well as simply facility usage for when you need to work on your own car but might not have all the necessary space or equipment! This reminds me I need to recharge my car’s AC freon.
All the Army Community Service classes and resources such as the Financial Readiness Program which walks service members and families through courses such as Understanding Your Military Retirement Thrift Savings Plan, Budgeting 101, Financial Milestones etc. You can find so many ACS resources through your local MWR!
Arts and Crafts! Did you know some posts have a designated Arts and Crafts facility for all things painting, ceramics, pottery, photography, etc.? You can take classes, rent the space, go with a friend, find kids programs, etc.! Check your local MWR website for more info!
Parent support programs and classes, kids’ recreational sports, golfing and driving ranges, travel services, adult outdoor adventure experiences, the list could go on and on…instead I’ll leave you with the link to find your own MWR. I encourage you to browse, get to know what resources are available to you, and see what opportunities have been created by spouses and volunteers that saw a need, and decided to meet it by making a program for YOU – the current military spouse!
As always, I’m here to answer questions if you have any!
Have you used your local MWR? Tell me what your favorite services are to use!
Corrie and her husband transitioned from full-time ministry to military life in 2017 and have lived in Missouri, Texas, Virginia, and Colorado! They have been married for 8 years and have two little boys whom they love to adventure with through hiking and being outdoors! She loves woodfired pizza, coffee, hiking, getting the most out of the free military gyms, and building community! You can find more military encouragement, resources, and duty station bucket lists on her Instagram @ajoyfulmilspouse
