department. Post commanders were responsible for their
on-site PXs and all proceeds were used solely for the Soldiers’
benefit. The Army quickly recognized the positive influence of
such services on its troops’ morale but continued to overlook
their families until 1981.
The establishment of the first PX evolved into a series of new
programs. In 1903 Congress authorized the Army to build
schools, libraries, recreation centers, and gyms for the troops.
More programs followed, including the establishment of the
Army Morale Division in 1918, the Motion Picture Service in
1920, and the Library Service in 1923.
In 1941, with World War II on the horizon, the Army
introduced “Special Services,” the new name for its Morale
Division. Since then MWR has managed entertainment
activities, special events, and touring shows and
performances for our Soldiers and family members around
the world. Then, in 1950, Special Services was placed under
the Army Adjutant General’s Office. Regardless of the name
changes, the programs were still run primarily for the troops.
The Army took a few small steps to include families in its
morale programs. It created the Army Community Services
(1965), a Youth Activities Program (1968), and Outdoor
Recreation Program (1971). It also provided schools and
housing for the troops and their families. It wasn’t until
1981that the Army introduced its first significant familyoriented
programs, the Family Advocacy Program and the
Army Family Symposium.
Those 1981 programs signaled a turning point in the
Army’s philosophy about the role families play in its overall
success. Another major event took place in 1984, with the
establishment of the Army Family Action Plan (AFAP). AFAP
became the vehicle through which its new policy became
a tangible program for Soldiers and their families to take an
active role in improving their lives. That generated a series
of programs aimed at improving the lives of all troops,
unmarried and married, and families, which culminated in
2011, when the Family and MWR Command was deactivated
in a ceremony at Fort Sam Houston and replaced by the Army
Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation services within
the Installation Management Command. Regardless of the
name and management changes, the innovative services
provided to active and retired Soldiers and their families
remain diverse and beneficial.
Programs administered worldwide by the US Army
Installation Management Command (IMCOM, G-9, Family
and MWR), are available to active duty and retired members
on and off Army installations. On-base programs are based
on the needs of authorized personnel who work and reside
on them. The variety is amazing. They follow the progression
of life, from wedding sites to resort hotels, with plenty of
services sandwiched between.
MWR manages hundreds of great venues in desirable
locations around the world for conferences, military families
hosting weddings, receptions, and other special events
or just plain relaxing. The facilities also offer world-class
catering, event planners, and staff who are attuned to the
military lifestyle.
The list of venues, some with mystique-laden names that
do not even hint at a military connection, reads like a Hall of
Fame list of five-star resorts. Among them are: Fort Belvoir,
VA, Officers Club, overlooking the Potomac River,
Fort Riley, KS, Catering and Conference Center, Dragon Hill
Lodge, Korea, Shades of Green, on Walt Disney World Resort
in Orlando, Florida, Hale Koa Hotel, in exotic Hawaii, and
Edelweiss Lodge and Resort in the Bavarian Alps.
The last four on the list are full-service resort hotels run by the
Armed Forces Recreation Center (AFRC). They are joint
Since 1948, 446 Soldiers have
represented the United States at the
Olympics, earning 111 medals in a
variety of sports. WCAP continues
that proud tradition and creates high
morale among Soldiers and civilians.
48 ARMY 245: Call to Duty