I joined the U.S. Army in 2007, and it was love at first sight. Before the Army, my life lacked structure and guidance. I grew up in a dysfunctional household, and when I was presented with the structure and support the Army offered, I soaked it up like a sponge. It was this mentality that always left me feeling indebted to the military—my rescuer and provider of structure—that I owed everything good in my life to. Who was I to take advantage of the additional benefits they offered, when I had already been given so much?
It’s the young,
20-year-old Soldier I’d like to address today. I want to tell that young
Private to take advantage of the resources that the Army and military provide
to its members. Programs such as the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS), Family Readiness Group
(FRG), intramural sports leagues, education benefits, and even pickup basketball games at the
fitness centers are there for you—to further develop you as a 
person, as a Soldier,
and to help improve your health and performance. These are all opportunities to
grow socially, mentally, physically, and even spiritually—and they’re being
offered to you because you’re part of the military family. Even on the days it
might not feel like it, the military is invested in your well-being.
It’s OK for you to partake in these programs. Don’t feel guilty about using these resources because they were created for members of the military community! Use these opportunities to grow and get the best experience you can out of your time in the military. They’ll help you learn about yourself, deepen connections with your battle buddies, and expand your knowledge and skills. Engage in these opportunities while you can because one day it goes away, and you might not have the chance to have those experiences again.
Young Private, you don’t want to end up sitting back, reminiscing, and wishing you had taken the opportunity to grow more during your service. So do it now—while you’re in and while you can. It is part of what you signed up for and will make you a better Military Service Member. You’ll also be grateful to know what it feels like to be a social equal to your peers and accepted for who you are, rather than what you can provide. You’ll feel like a member of the military family instead of someone who only feels indebted to the institution that saved them.
You might think you haven’t earned those opportunities yet, or that you’re somehow undeserving, but I hope you take this old Sergeant’s advice to heart, push those negative thoughts aside, and get connected to those programs. They’re opportunities to grow, and personal growth is an important part of your overall health and performance as a Military Service Member.
If you are already involved and can speak to the benefits of these programs, share your wealth. Use your experience, rank, or leadership to encourage others to get involved—whether they’re a new recruit or an NCO on their 3rd re-enlistment.
Ready to get started? Visit your installation’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) program office to find out what’s offered. For example, you could join an intramural sports team, go swimming, or work with a trainer at the fitness center.
Meanwhile, get personalized answers to your health and performance questions from our experts at HPRC. Also, check out the following resources to help you stay fit, resilient, and ready for your next mission!
- Social fitness. Learn leadership traits, how to be a good teammate, and skills to improve your relationships with others.
- Physical fitness. Get information on training for PT and preventing injury.
- Mental fitness. Learn how to use mental skills to make the most of your time in the Army.
- Army Wellness Centers. Get access to many programs and services, including sleep education, exercise tests, body composition analysis, and biofeedback.
- Performance nutrition. Learn how what you eat fuels your body and mind for better performance,
- Financial fitness. Visit Military OneSource’s Personal Finance section to find out how to make smart decisions about saving, spending, and other money matters.
Jarad Modaber, of the Henry M. Jackson Foundation, is a student intern for the Consortium for Health and Military Performance (CHAMP) at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS). An Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) Veteran, he served in the U.S. Army from 2007–2012 when he was placed on the permanent disability retirement list. He is a graduating senior at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), paramedic, and EMS instructor.
* The opinions and assertions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of USUHS or DoD. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or policies of The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc. Mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. The author has no financial interests or relationships to disclose.
