In 1989, the U.S. Army Community and Family Support Center (USACFSC) and IMAs were tasked to develop a program to get single soldiers involved in determining their recreation and leisure needs. Implementation of the BOSS program began with single soldiers’ focus groups. In early workshops, QOL issues emerged along with recreation and leisure needs and were presented to the local command as part of the workshop out-brief. In 1991. The Chief of Staff. U.S. Army, formally expanded the BOSS program to include all areas of single soldiers" lives. This change provided single soldiers with the opportunity to surface quality of life issues through the chain of command. During the evolution of the program, single soldiers indicated a desire to participate in activities related to community support: this interest was adopted as another component of the program. At the 1995 Army – wide BOSS conference, attendees identified the lack of BOSS guidance and program standardization as one of the top five quality of life issues for single soldiers.

PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATION OF THE PROGRAM

The philosophical foundation of the BOSS program is based on the entitlement of single soldiers to surface issues and recommend policy changes that will enhance their overall quality of life, to participate in recreation and leisure activities of their choice, and to contribute to and participate in their local communities. This program provides an opportunity to assist in the development of single soldiers and leaders.

COMPONENTS OF THE BOSS PROGRAM

Quality of Life…. For single soldiers, QOL includes those things that soldiers can directly or indirectly influence to enhance their morale, living environment, or personal growth and development. The QOL issue identified or raised during the BOSS meetings will be directed to the appropriated command or staff agency for resolution on the installation.

Recreation and Leisure Activities…. Activities may be planned by the BOSS committee or by the BOSS committee working in conjunction with other MWR activities. Soldiers will assume a lead role in planning BOSS events. Events should be planned that meet the needs and desires of the single soldiers.

Community Service…. The BOSS committee may elect to participate in community programs or projects that make a difference in the lives of others, in the community, and ultimately, in themselves. The service will be voluntary in nature and in accordance with the installation volunteer program. The program can be implemented in support of existing or established volunteer programs or programs developed by the BOSS committee.