Now in its second full year, the Army Family Covenant is a living document that outlines the Army's recommitment to soldiers and their families. Army funding for family programs will double from $700 million to $1.4 billion in the coming fiscal year, helping the Army improve programs, facilities and services for families across the board — childcare, youth programs, fitness, recreation, sports, and respite care for families, to name just a few of the areas receiving influxes of covenant money.

Children enjoy one of the playgrounds surrounding the new child development center at Fort Myer, Va. The new CDC is the largest child-care center in the Department of Defense.

“There have been some major initiatives that come from legislation, some come from policy, but what I think will really make the Army work for Army families and what will really make the family covenant program meaningful on a grassroots level are all the little tweaks, the little changes here and there that just show our leadership is responding and listening,” said Secretary of the Army Pete Geren at the 25th Army Family Action Plan (AFAP) Conference earlier this year.

“The Army Family Covenant is in its second year, and the commitment is enduring,” said Rich Gorman, executive director/chief operating officer, Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command (FMWRC), during House Armed Services Committee MWR Hearings on March 12, 2009. “The Soldier and Family Action Plan provides the roadmap to address and improve gaps in existing programs and services. Although there is much work to do, significant progress has already been made in soldier and family programs, health care, housing, child and youth services, recreation, and education and employment opportunities.”

Andrews AFB, Md., had a grand opening for its new Tactical Fitness Center (TFC), Jan. 15, 2009. The new combat training center supports the 316th Wing's goal of keeping “airmen fit and ready to fight and win across the whole spectrum” with a new capability that will complement current Air Force physical fitness training policy. The TFC brings a flexible, intense, team-based capability to the Air Force's most important weapon system, its airmen, and is tailored to enhance current fitness levels and tackle the realities of current combat operations, officials said.

Airmen give their best during the inaugural exercise session Jan. 15 at the new Tactical Fitness Center at Andrews Air Force Base, Md. Staff members at the center focus on programs that build the core strength and endurance that are fundamental to a superior level of combat fitness, both as individuals and as team members.

Overseen by 316th Civil Engineers, the project included converting an existing space, and purchasing new fitness equipment, all of which came in just under $400,000. The circuit-style training area features a specially designed pull-up bar station, Concept2 rowers, and smaller pieces of fitness equipment, such as fit balls. plyometric boxes, kettle bells, dumbbells, rubber plates, and gymnastic rings, for example, which were purchased from The Garage Store. Promaxima Mfg., provided flooring for the new facility.

Under former Air Force Services Director Art Myers leadership, the Air Force completed numerous new fitness center projects, and brought many existing facilities up to a 4- and 5-star rating — the highest that can be achieved. Although funding for such projects has dwindled in the past few years, the Air Force has three projects that will be opening their doors at about the time this issue goes to press — Malmstrom AFB, Mont., Vandenberg AFB, Calif., and Charleston AFB, S.C., as well as 13 other projects slated through FY13.

Airmen explore the new fitness center addition at Eielson AFB, Alaska during the official grand opening ceremony, Aug. 13, 2008. The new addition has an indoor track and field, fitness equipment rooms along with Health and Wellness Center classrooms.

At Ramstein AB, Germany, Health and Wellness Center (HAWC), physical therapy, and fitness center staff are now collaboratively engaged in the Air Force's Total Fit pilot test, according to Maj. Lisa Tauai, Ramstein's Health Promotion Flight commander.

Major Chu Soh (left), 435th Medical Operations Squadron physical therapist, and Brian Kirby, 435th Aerospace Medicine Squadron fitness program manager, observe Col. Earl Matthews, 435th Air Base Wing commander, running on the treadmill Feb. 20 at Ramstein HAWC. The Fit-to-Win program provides analysis of a runner's gait and proper shoe selection.

Tauai points out that Total Fit is an effort to increase fitness levels, decrease injury rates, and better prepare airmen to fight and ultimately change the physical training culture.

By providing more programs and facilities that cater to the specific needs of families, including child and youth services, the Navy has built a culture of fitness that is strong.

“During the past year, Navy MWR has placed particular focus on family-oriented programs with significant growth in Child and Youth Programs (CYP) and general recreation programs that appeal to family members,” said John Baker, director, Fleet and Family Readiness, Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC), before the HASC Subcommittee on Military Personnel, March 12, 2009. “We have 78 family fitness areas operating in fitness centers at most of our major installations.”

NAS Whiting Field's new fitness center and pool.

Fit Factor, a Navy-wide youth fitness program has been implemented that encourages youth to develop and apply good nutrition and exercise habits, and the Navy's “Fitness for Life” programs were expanded.

“MWR has taken on an essential training role in supporting the Navy's Physical Readiness Program and implemented a test program for personnel over age 40 in Norfolk, San Diego and Pearl Harbor,” said Baker. “We continue to develop and implement innovative support programs for our sailors wherever they may be, as well as for our wounded warriors.”

During 2008, Marine Corps Commandant published the Marine Corps Vision and Strategy 2025 that established the future direction of the Corps.

“This important document reaffirms our core beliefs as an institution and the warfighting concepts validated in war,” said Timothy R. Larsen, director, Personal and Family Readiness Division, Marine Corps Manpower and Reserve Affairs Department, before the HASC Military Personnel Subcommittee on March 12, 2009.

The new Cunningham's Recreation Center at MCAS Cherry Point provides Marines with fun activities inside and out, including an Extreme Park with a new paintball field, skatepark and beach volleyball courts.

“Taking care of Marines and their families remains a point of main effort and the responsibility of leaders at all levels,” noted Larsen. “The MCCS and its over 80 programs serves as a ready resource to unit commanders and other leaders but also an integrated partner dedicated to enhanced personal and family readiness of Marines and their families.

To remain relevant and appropriately aligned to the future of the Marine Corps, MCCS developed its Vision and Strategy 2025 plan. Every MCCS program must demonstrate contribution to the Marine Corps goals for recruitment, retention and readiness but also remain flexible and capable of supporting the needs of our 'generations' of Marines and families, who have varying needs and support requirements. Regardless of generation, Marines and their families have reasonable Quality of Life (QOL) desires. The mission of MCCS is fairly simple — make it happen — regardless of duty station, environment, or mission.”

Coast Guard Morale, Welfare and Recreation facilities, programs and support networks play an integral role in the overall mission in the Global War on Terror.

“The Coast Guard is committed to researching and developing fitness programs and policies that will enhance the physical readiness of its members and reduce the risk of injury,” says Robert Skewes, chief, Coast Guard Office of Work-Life.

The Health Promotion staff in Coast Guard Headquarters is currently pilot-testing several fitness programs that are being implemented in other military services and law enforcement agencies across the country.