Armed Forces Recreation: Morale, Welfare & Recreation. Chapter 5

Transcription

1 Armed Forces Recreation: Morale, Welfare & Recreation Chapter 5 1

2 Learning Outcomes Remember key terms, and past and present structure of Armed Forces Recreation. Recognize and explain concepts related to professional practice in Armed Forces Recreation. Recall facts about the passions, pay & perks, possibilities, and preparation related to Morale, Welfare and Recreation careers in the four branches of service and the US Coast Guard. Recall and recognize available resources for future career planning opportunities. Evaluate how his or her preferences and passions connect with career possibilities in Armed Forces Recreation. Generate and execute a plan for further investigation of Armed Forces Recreation professional opportunities. 2

3 What is Armed Forces Recreation? Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) departments provide service to military personnel, their families, civilian personnel, military retirees, and other eligible participants. MWR s purpose is to contribute to the readiness, productivity, esprit de corps, and overall quality of life for service members and their families. There are numerous opportunities for those who are interested in earning a degree in recreation and leisure or related discipline. 3

4 What is Armed Forces Recreation? MWR professionals are not members of the military nor are they subject to military discipline To work in MWR, however, it helps to understand something about the military and the distinctive cultures of the five services, their branches, the units within those branches, and their specialized training So let me introduce you to one of my many selves you haven t met yet.... 4

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6 US Army Soldier s Creed I am an American Soldier. I am a warrior and a member of a team. I serve the people of the United States, and live the Army Values. I will always place the mission first. I will never accept defeat. I will never quit. I will never leave a fallen comrade. I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills. I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself. I am an expert and I am a professional. I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy, the enemies of the United States of America in close combat. I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life. I am an American Soldier. 6

7 In MWR, you ll work with perhaps the most... highly motivated people you ll ever know dedicated people you ll ever know professional people you ll ever know mission- and team-oriented people you ll ever know highly trained and competent people you ll ever know proud and self-confident people you ll ever know loyal and trustworthy people you ll ever know When a service member says I ve got your 6 you can bet your life on it because they ll bet theirs, too. 7

8 US Army Beret Colors & Flashes Earned berets Green = Special Forces (can be worn with all uniforms) Tan = 75th Ranger Regiment (can be worn with all uniforms) Maroon = Airborne (can be worn with all uniforms) Issued beret Black = Worn with dress uniform unless authorized to wear different beret (patrol cap worn with duty uniform) Flashes & badges designate individual units/groups US Army w/ 511th MI Bn badge 6th Special Forces w/ badge 1/1 82nd Airborne 8

9 Army Shoulder Tabs Individual Skill/Marksmanship 9

10 Tabs worn above unit shoulder patches Individual experience/skill badges worn on front of uniform 10

11 US Army Unit Shoulder Patches Worn on left shoulder = current unit (changes as soldier changes units) Worn on right shoulder = indicates combat service with unit (may be worn even if soldier changes units); some badges have combat service indicators 11

12 US Army Rank Insignia Examples Is God Thinks he/she is God 12

13 US Army Awards (medals for dress, ribbons otherwise) 13

14 Hooah! 14

15 (returning to mild-mannered professor mode now) 15

16 Challenges of MWR Think of MWR as community recreation in a special type of community, a community with all the standard community problems plus some unique ones: Mission priority 365/24/7 You enlist the service member, you reenlist the family Service members often deployed away from families for long periods Frequent relocations particularly difficult for children High risk nature and confidentiality of many service occupations Frequent difficulties with surrounding communities Psychological and emotional trauma from combat exposure and stress 16

17 How Did MWR Get Its Start? Varying anecdotal tales of how each individual service branch s recreation department began. Core recreation programs were relatively standardized and recognized between 1946 and 1955 by the branches of the armed forces. The U.S. Army Community and Family Support Center was established in 1984; followed by the creation of the Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command. Navy/USMC component and USAF Services developed at the head quarter levels at relatively the same timeframe. 17

18 What is MWR like Today? Continues to thrive in its mission to support the combat readiness of military personnel and family member support functions. Strong emphasis is placed on the professional development and growth of MWR professionals. The Department of Defense (DoD) hiring format maintains two equal but separate schedules: Grade Scale (GS) structure and Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) Rapidly changing technologies and forms of social media. Armed Forces Recreation Center (AFRC) resorts and other desirable locations are often sought by new and old-timers alike! 18

19 Where Are The Careers in MWR Located? Military support is found literally around the world: in large urban cities & rural areas on coastlines, in deserts, on Pacific islands and along mountain ranges on ships & submarines 6 of 7 continents in every climates imaginable 19

20 MWR vs. Civilian Agencies Each of the four branches of service has program service areas similar to civilian recreation agencies: Youth Recreation and Sports Golf Course Management Music/Arts and Crafts Sports and Physical Fitness Special Events and Entertainment Resorts and Hospitality Outdoor Recreation and Adventure 20

21 Where To Find Career Information About MWR Army MWR: USMC Community Services: Navy MWR: Air Force Services: Coast Guard MWR: 21

22 US Army MWR- Armed Forces Resort Center (AFRC) Hospitality professionals organize and plan relaxing and exhilarating vacation experiences for military personnel and their families. The resorts are operated by the Army Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command. Offers full range of hotel opportunities and amenities. Careers at five vacation destinations: Florida, Hawaii, Korea, Germany, and Virginia. 22

23 Passions: Friendly and team-oriented. Customer Service Pay and Perks: Depends on education, time in the military system, and hospitality industry. Preparation: Bachelor s degree in recreation, or special event planning Possibilities: Various opportunities in 5 vacation destinations 23

24 US Marine Corps Community Service Careers The well-being and recreation needs of Marines have become a vital service component of MCCS programs. Energetic program designed to identify and address issues and concerns affecting the living environment of Marines and family members. Gives voice to Marines and family members in the development of recreational events that best meets their needs. 24

25 Marine Corps Community Service Passions: Program planning, needs assessment, and evaluation Pays and Perks: Professionals work worldwide and are usually considered recreation specialists. Preparation: Bachelor s degree in recreation and leisure Possibilities: Career advancement is available worldwide 25

26 US Navy MWR- Fleet Recreation Recreation professionals provide holistic leisure experience for sailors whether in port or overseas. Provide individual and group activities: Tours Picnics Athletic competitions Fitness and wellness activities 26

27 US Navy MWR- Fleet Recreation Career Path Passions: Passionate about serving others and is an independent thinker Pay and Perks: Depends on the number of job responsibilities Preparation: Bachelor s degree in the field of recreation management Possibilities: Career options are available at fleet sites around the world 27

28 US Air Force Services Outdoor Recreation Career Path Provide military personnel and their families with opportunities to participate in the outdoors through activities and adventures. Emphasis on outdoor recreation skill development and opportunities for Airmen to acquire lifetime leisure skills that assist them in remaining combat ready. 28

29 US Air Force Services Passions: Natural resource protection, adventure, and skill building Pay and Perks: Flexible work environment and generous retirement program. Preparation: Bachelor s degree in park management, recreation, sports programming etc. Possibilities: Thriving recreation and adventure programs 29

30 Advancing Your Career: The US Army s MWR Non- Appropriated Fund (NAF) MWR training program qualifications: College graduate with a degree in the specialty sought (require college transcript) Overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.9 or Major GPA 3.5 (on the 4.0 scale) Must be able to relocate to a regional training site, successfully complete the 18 months of OJT Upon successful completion of training, be willing to relocate to a permanent placement location nationwide. 30

31 Armed Forces Recreation Conclusion MWR departments provide service to military personnel, their families, civilian personnel, military retirees, and other eligible participants. MWR exists because the Armed Forces are committed to the well-being of the entire military community. There are numerous positions for students who are interested in earning a degree in recreation! 31

32 Conclusion cont. To be competitive for career opportunities with MWR, consider: US Army MWR s Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) Management Training Program US Navy MWR s Internship Program Join a professional organization such as the NRPA, NIRSA, AAPHERD etc. Think critically about what program service area you are interested in contact their HR Dept.! 32

33 In Review Fleet recreation is made available to military personnel with which branch of service? US Army US Navy US Marine Corps US Air Force US Coast Guard 33

34 In Review Which professional national organization is committed to innovative training and professional development opportunities for MWR employees? NRPA - Armed Forces Recreation Network Military Installations American Society Military Recreation National Association Armed Forces National Association 34

35 In Review Recreation professionals working for Armed Forces Resort Centers can find career opportunities at which resort destination(s)? Florida Hawaii Germany All of the above None of the above 35

36 In Review Which of the following is not considered a term for Morale, Welfare and Recreation: MWR Armed Forces recreation Military recreation Department of Defense recreation 36