Make the Most of MWR

Morale, Welfare, and Recreation – it is what MWR stands for. But what does it mean? Just that – programming to boost morale and welfare and provide recreation programming. MWR is just that for the Army, Air Force, and Navy.  The Marine Corps has Marine Corps Community Services in lieu of MWR. These programs are on military bases to provide and deliver high-quality recreation.

Parks and Recreation

PARC or Outdoor Recreation, depending on the military branch and base, offers a variety of camping and outdoor equipment for rental prices. The offerings range from stand-up paddleboards to 6-person tents. Check out the equipment you may want to purchase one day at an affordable rate.

Tickets

Want to check out the local aquarium or a museum? Check out the MWR or Information Ticket and Travel for tickets. Local businesses provide tickets to military bases at discounted prices so that many more military families can appreciate and enjoy that experience.   Larger companies like Disney and Universal Studios also offer Salute and Military Freedom passes, respectively, at dramatically lower prices for a longer period of time. Take advantage of it! Going on an adventure with friends or as a family builds resilience in that devoted time together.

Travel

Want to travel more with a little less stress? MWR plans and offers tours for one cost, usually with transportation included for ease. Especially in overseas regions, MWR offices offer programming to see the area and beyond. In Okinawa, trips to mainland Japan, Thailand, and Hong Kong are offered, to name a few.  While living in Europe, travel from country to country without having to plan the route or tour. These tours include planned activities, meals, and transportation for one price and with less stress on you.

Movies

Do you check out the movie theater on your local military base? You should! The theaters receive current movies within two to three weeks of their release and sometimes even have early premieres. In 2022, Top Gun: Maverick and Devotion showed for free prior to the release dates to military families. Compare ticket prices, and you will likely find that the prices are much more affordable on post than off, and the food options are affordable and fun.

Lodging

MWR operates some recreational lodging, which provides an adorable getaway for military families. The options vary from military campgrounds to cottages on the beach to fancy hotels. All around the world, MWR operates lodging just for military and veterans and their families at affordable rates and amazing locations. Beyond the adorable lodging, there are other perks for checking out military lodging.

Fitness

Staying physically active and in shape are vital to military work and a healthy lifestyle. MWR Fitness centers have up-to-date equipment and are staffed with fitness experts to assist with creating the fitness program best for you. Aquatic, nutrition and intramural sports programs provide additional fitness programming. While the size of the gym and the numbers of them vary per base, check out your local fitness programs to see what is offered.

Make utilizing the MWR a priority this year, and it will be worth it.