Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) is a huge part of military family life. MWR programs in different branches provide much needed support and services to service members and their families.
MWR typically provides staffing and funding for libraries, pools, arts and crafts centers, woodworking shops and auto hobby centers. Other support programs include sports and recreation programs for adults and children. This could include team sports and physical fitness centers on many bases. MWR also funds on-base child development centers (CDC), youth center, teen center and other youth programs.
There will be a $105 million cut in the Army MWR budget in FY 2017.
This is in addition to a separate 23% workforce reduction over 2 years in Army Community Service Centers. These cuts could result in the closure of some facilities and programs. In addition, the budget cuts could result in hours being reduced or fees increased. Army soldiers and their families are the most impacted by these cuts. The cuts took effect on October 1.
The garrison commander will determine how cuts are applied at each base. This means that services and resources impacted will be varied by location. Army families should expect to feel the effects in calendar year 2017.
Army officials, including Lt. Gen Kenneth R. Dahl of Army Installation Command Management, have committed to maintaining CDC funding.
Many Army posts have already been readjusting services and programs for the last 5 years. Some bases have been working to offset costs through investing in programs. The investments ensured that the programs were either profitable or breaking even. Those that did not meet this benchmark were removed or totally revamped.
Outdoor recreation, arts and crafts, and auto skill shops are most likely to be affected by these cuts. Fitness centers could also see reduced hours and staffing.
Volunteers may be able to staff some programs. However, the program structure would need to allow volunteer support. This would allow some services to continue operating, even with the budget cuts.
The cuts should not affect remote or isolated duty stations where comparable services are not available off-base.
Four Army posts should expect to see impacts from the MWR cuts in the near future.
Is your military base impacted by MWR program cuts?
Fort Carson, Colorado:
The 4th Infantry Division will continue to provide staffing coverage for gyms and fitness centers. There will be slight, $1 or less, increase in fees for some programs. The Friday Night Date and Caring Saturday programs are also slated to be reduced. MWR funds both programs. Programs that are costly or have low turn-out are also on the chopping block.
Fort Huachuca, Arizona:
MWR is cutting $500,000. Ammo sales and weapon rentals will stop at the Sportsman’s Center. Skeet and trap shooting, plus Saturday Range 3, will still be available for people who bring their own weapons. There is no word about additional cuts.
Fort Jackson, South Carolina:
This base will see significant cuts in MWR programs and services. One fitness center will completely close. The other 3 centers will be open for 90 hours weekly. The library will be open 5 days instead of 7. One pool will close. MWR funded recreation trips are going to be completely cut. The auto hobby center will be open 4 days instead of 5.
Fort Sill, Oklahoma:
Fort Sill is facing a 25% cut in taxpayer funding. The library’s hours will be reduced. There will also be new fees for the pools, outdoor recreation and special events or programs.
Will other military branches be impacted by MWR cuts?
The budget cuts will also impact joint service bases where Army MWR has the lead. This includes bases that previously had both or all branches providing MWR programs, but switched to have these services provided only by the Army.
The Navy has also made cuts to its MWR programs. Many bases have closed art and craft centers, wood shops and auto centers. There are no additional changes predicted or anticipated this year.
The Marine Corps has not scheduled any cuts to its MWR programs this year. However, the service will continue to look at services and programs.
The Air Force has not released information about potential MWR service cuts.
While these services do not plan to cut services at this time, MWR programs could be changed or removed in the future.
I think it’s awful.. Congress is always finding ways to take from those who deserve it, and pad their own pockets.
Very disappointing indeed!
Agree with you
Those young people will go downtown spending money with some gyms or YMCA, it is not always in great neighborhoods, some are dangerous. Late at night it is not recommended.
How about the “youth centers”, all my children had great times after school with their friends living on many base like we did. Safety, fun, it was great for the children. What will happen with bored kids on a base? = trouble. This is not good.
Cut congress first
We should. If they keep cutting things we will not have a military!
They want to take away everything its ridiculous ,
Well they are sure finding money for the so-called refugees (I call them demographic/political game changing personnel) to get their free housing, free welfare food and more. Yet, the ones from this country sent to fight the wars and their families get the shaft. This is more than wrong in my opinion. These activities, buildings, supplies help to keep up morale, not just of the families, but the military troops themselves when they are actually at base home and not overseas. This country and our current government doesn’t have their priorities straight at all in my personal opinion.
I agree, Congress continues to spend money on their own interests. Also, I am saddened that immigrants and refugees have more access to welfare and medical services without paying taxes.
Very disappointed. I am now retired but I used the MWR a lot when I was ashore or in port for a period of time. The value and options were a god send for me being on military in some high priced areas like the NY/NJ area and the Bay area in California. That allowed me to take in various events and facilities on and off base. The gyms were great and the on base movies were fun. Some ran facilities for command functions and banquets. Sorry to see the cuts because the new generation doesn’t see the benefit of these things.
I think those who are making these cuts need to “walk in our shoes” for a year. They should try to survive on the exact same thing that a member of the military does. This includes salary, medical etc…. Live the life of an American military family. Then let’s see how many cuts they make!!
This is unbelievable! Congress cuts military benefits, military personnel so they have money to send to nations that hate and want to kill us. This is unacceptable! And it will continue after either Killary or Trump gets elected. I am so disgusted with this administration and this circus we are going through with this election.
This is exactly why my husband and I are voting for Gary Johnson. My husband is on military training orders for the next 2 1/2 months, and he’s already put in his vote. Nothing is going to change with them in office. Neither one of them.
Dee is correct!!!
We have been affected by the cuts in our clinics. They don’t even return our voice message. We’re retired & thought tricare was the best way to go.what a mistake. God help us
I think it’s unfortunate. Military personnel and their families sacrifice a lot for our country. However, we do have a huge national debt to overcome. I’m sure that there are going to be a lot of cuts outside the military as well.
I have been retired 32 years, but I always thought MWR was funded by “profits” from the Exchange.
The pool t (hat is closing on Ft Jackson is the one used by most families with small children and kids about 1en years old. The pool that will remain open can be used by families, but only to swim, not play (like diving for rockets or catching a football). Not everyone likes waterparks, one of which Ft Jackson has. So those of use that like to take small grandchildren and some slightly older will not have that opportunity. I know the soldier comes first, but families are right behind them!
I wonder what will happen now. The very fitness centers needed to promote physical fitness 24/7/365 will have hours reduced and or closed. Guess the need to meet physical fitness guidelines set forth by DOD will be reduced as well. I know, Dream on brother bear. I for one see the day when there will be no military for Congress and the political powers to be, to call on to fight some of the most stupid of conflicts. With the new (Possible) administration gearing up for “open trade”, “Open Borders”, “let in all the immigrants without proper I.D. or vetting by the State Department or Home Land Security, the State and local law enforcement agencies should expect to be activated, called up and put on full time Federal Government Duty, the same way as the Guard and Reserves have had to bear the brunt of carrying the load for full-time active duty forces being reduced to pre-world-war-II levels. Look out for the new 9/11 and pearl harbor conflicts to occur.
The only way things are going to change, is if we get away from the two-party system. We get further and further into debt, we’re giving all of this money to aid for other countries, yet we can’t even support our own people in the US. Nothing is going to change with Hillary, or Trump for that matter. That’s why my husband and I are voting for Gary Johnson.