Community -- You play an important role in the community around you. MWR supports you with community-building activities, events and celebrations that bring people together. Community is socializing with friends and neighbors, fellowship and networking, all conveniently located.

Growth -- As a soldier, you continually train to build your skills and stay sharp. In so many ways, MWR gives you that same edge in the rest of your life. You and your family have a world of choices for personal growth, self-enrichment, learning and discovery.

Peace of Mind -- Your well being is important to us. Through MWR, you have a "safety net" of professional resources that promote personal and family stability and give you peace of mind about what's important in your life.

Renewal -- Active duty is tough and demanding. Like everybody else, you need balance and time to recover from a hard day's work, MWR has many ways for you to relax, recharge, renew and rejuvenate.

Self-Reliance -- MWR cares about Army families. From financial counseling to preparedness for deployment or reunion, MWR support helps teach and encourage families to be self-reliant.

MWR and CFSC

The U.S. Army Community and Family Support Center (CFSC) was established by the Department of the Army in November 1984.  Commanded by Brig. Gen. Robert L. Decker, the CFSC provides oversight for Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) operations worldwide. "CFSC through its Army MWR programs serves the best Army in the World."

MWR Background

MWR in history started on the battlefields of World War I, where behind the lines, Salvation Army sisters and Red Cross volunteers ministered to the needs of soldiers as the forerunners of today's morale, welfare and recreation specialists. After the war was over, funding stopped and morale programs were mothballed. It wasn't until July 1940 that the Morale Division - later named Special Services - was established within the Adjutant General's Office.

Between 1946 and 1955, the core recreation programs were established and staffed by a combination of active duty military and civilians. Until the mid - 1980s, active duty enlisted soldiers and officers held military occupational specialties in Special Services and were assigned at every level of command. As those occupational specialties were discontinued, civilians continued to operate MWR programs with military oversight.

Special Services underwent much reorganization and had many names before coming to its present configuration as morale, welfare and recreation.

MWR Philosophy

Soldiers are entitled to the same quality of life as is afforded the society they are pledged to defend. Keeping an Army ready to fight and win takes more than hard work and training. Soldiers need a balance of work and play. The CFSC mission is to create and maintain "First Choice" MWR products and services for America's Army, essential to a ready, self-reliant force.

Source: U.S. Army Community & Family Support Center Employee Handbook

U.S. Army Community and Family Support Center
* Headquarters for Army MWR