BOSS survey requests Soldiers' input

By Emily Brainard, Army Flier StaffOctober 22, 2010

BOSS survey requests Soldiers' input
Spc. Jonathon Dunham, Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers president, takes the group's online survey Oct. 14. The questionnaire aims to gather Soldiers' and Families' input on needed programs here, and will collect information through Nov. 30 at... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Soldiers Armywide have a chance to make their voices heard and improve quality of life programs by participating in the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers online survey.

The survey is at <a href="http://www.boss.armymwr.com" target="_blank">www.boss.armymwr.com</a> now through Nov. 30.

"The survey is an overall needs assessment. It's a way for us to reach out into the field and gain a better perspective on what our single Soldiers' wants and needs are," said Sgt. Danielle Colson, Department of the Army BOSS representative with Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command.

Soldiers - married or single - and their Families may participate in the survey.

"Participating in this survey is putting BOSS in the minds of the married Soldiers so they can take the information and use it later on when they're trying to make sure they have well-rounded troops on their force," Colson said.

Data collected from all demographics can be used by local Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation staff to improve quality of life programs, said Evy Bludsworth, Fort Rucker DFMWR deputy director and BOSS adviser.

"The survey is important for all single Soldiers. It is a way to get their voices heard. This will allow for programs to be created that they want, not what someone else feels is needed," she said.

Past focus groups here have resulted in more targeted, enjoyable events, including a recent cruise to the Bahamas, Bludsworth said.

"Fort Rucker works hard to resolve quality of life issues and provide programs for our single Soldiers. This survey is one more way for us to find out what they want," she said.

"Participants' time is greatly appreciated and lets their voice count," Colson said. "They are the voice of the single Soldier, and with this survey, we're able to make a difference."