In 1983, a white paper titled, The Army Family, by Army Chief of Staff General John A. Wickham Jr was a catalyst for the Army provided for Soldiers and their Families. The Army recognized the integral support role of Soldiers’ Families and created the Community and Family Support Center (CFSC) on November 23, 1984, under General Order Number 40.

CFSC provided not only Soldiers with Families, but single Soldiers too, through a network of MWR support programs, including child care, youth programs, schools, libraries, sports and athletics, financial counseling, spouse employment programs, in-theater support to deployed

Soldiers, Family Readiness Groups, lodging, and fitness centers. MWR also manages its business operations based on “best business” principles to provide new MWR services and expand current ones through cost-effective savings. Following the activation of the Installation Management Command (IMCOM), CFSC became the Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command (FMWRC) on 24 October
2006.

Throughout MWR’s history, the mission  remained constant. Army MWR exists because the U.S. Army states it “…is committed to the well-being of the community of people who serve and stand ready to defend the nation, to enhance the lives of Soldiers, their families, civilian employees, and military retirees.”

The mission is to serve the needs, interests and responsibilities of each individual in the Army community for as long as they are associated with the Army, no matter where they are.

Family and MWR, through the Army Family Covenant, seeks to bridge the gap between the garrison and the local community, and contribute to the Army's strength and readiness by offering services that reduce stress, and build skills and self-confidence for Soldiers and their Families.

Family and MWR programs, services and activities offer Soldiers and Families opportunities to enrich their lives culturally and creatively. Our programs relieve stress, build strength and resilience, and help the Army Family stay physically, mentally and financially fit.

• Child, Youth & School Services

• Army Family Programs

• Soldier Programs & Community Recreation

• FMWR Business Initiatives

• Armed Forces Recreation Centers

• MWR Recreation Delivery to theater operations

The Army’s investment in delivering the highest quality programs and services – from Family, child and youth programs to recreation, sports, entertainment, travel and leisure activities – reflects its commitment to the Army Family Covenant.

Number of Army Installations, Camps, Posts, Depots, etc.

• 287 total (including National Guard and Reserve Locations
• 157 total (managed/supported by IMCOM - due to BRAC and Joint Basing)
• 104 total have Army MWR programs

Army MWR Facility Types and Numbers

• CYS: Child Development Centers (167)
• REC: Libraries (93), Fitness, aquatic, athletic and recreational facilities (714)
• BI: Golf Courses (50), Bowling Centers (83)
• 35 Warrior Transition Units
• 53 Education Centers
• 583,000 Family and Single housing units
• 55 Travel Camp Operations (including RV Parks, Recreation lodging, small camp grounds, large campgrounds)
• 78 Outdoor Equipment Centers

Demographics

• A family-oriented market with an average of 56% of active duty, Guard and Reserve Soldiers married
• Of the 1,008,220 children more than 66% are under 11 years of age
• Nearly 38% of active duty Soldiers belong to a minority group
• More than 45% of active duty spouses are under 25 years of age
• Approximately 13% of active duty Soldiers are female