BOSS: Better Opportunities for Single Service - Joint Base Lewis McChord

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Better Opportunities for Single Service Members is a program that supports the overall quality of life for single Service members. The BOSS program is based on three program pillars:

• Quality of life.
• Community service.
• Recreation and leisure.

The BOSS executive team is made up of four individuals from various backgrounds who contribute different ideas and social experiences. The JBLM BOSS Team is overseen by the the MWR Adviser, the Joint Base Sergeant Major and the Joint Base Senior Enlisted Advisor. Each unit assigns a BOSS rep to represent the voice of their Service members. Unit BOSS reps are responsible for ensuring their Service members are well-informed about upcoming events and quality of life issues.

Installation BOSS Meetings

Installation BOSS meetings are held the first Wednesday of every month at 1 p.m., alternating between Nelson Rec Center and the McChord Club. These meetings serve as a forum for the unit, squadron, battalion, and brigade BOSS reps to voice the opinion of their Service members, obtain valuable information on upcoming events and receive materials such as event flyers, calendars, and magazines.

Get Involved with BOSS

Help make JBLM a better place to live and work with BOSS.

If you're interested in getting involved with the BOSS Team, ask your unit rep or stop by the BOSS Office located inside the Warrior Zone. Getting involved with BOSS through fundraisers, event setup/teardown/participation, community projects and more could enhance your promotion packets. A popular option each fall is the Theatrical Nightmare Haunted House, "A Walk in the Dark."

Download the application form. Volunteer Management Information

History of BOSS

The BOSS program originated in 1989 (as Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers) to respond to the recreational needs of single Soldiers aged 18-25 who make up 35% of the Army. As the program was implemented throughout the Army, it became evident that quality of life was the primary concern to single Soldiers. In 1991, the Chief of Staff of the Army officially expanded BOSS to include all aspects of Soldiers’ lives. Some BOSS members then began to express an interest in participating in community service projects which were added as a component of the program. In 2010, Fort Lewis and McChord Field merged to become Joint Base Lewis-McChord. An aspect of this merger was to encourage airmen to participate in the BOSS program, and thus BOSS was rechristened as Better Opportunities for Single Service members.