FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. — Better Opportunities for Single Service members, commonly called BOSS, is open to all single service members — including Soldiers, Marines, Airmen and Sailors stationed at Fort Leonard Wood. This includes single parents and geographically separated service members, often referred to as geo-bachelors and geo-bachelorettes.

According to Command Sgt. Maj. Tyler Dodd, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Leonard Wood command sergeant major and senior advisor for the Fort Leonard Wood BOSS program, the program is vital to individual well-being and overall military readiness.

Dodd said the program’s focus isn’t just about providing recreational activities — it’s about fostering a sense of belonging and building a “warfighter mentality” crucial for mission success, and with its significant population of single service members undergoing training and assignments, Fort Leonard Wood is a key location for the BOSS program.

“I do think that we’re affecting mission readiness and their personal readiness because we are providing opportunities where they feel they’re engaged and they’re a part of a team,” Dodd said.

According to Dodd, BOSS activities are intentionally designed to challenge participants, pushing them outside their comfort zones, fostering resilience and teaching life skills.

Sgt. Danielle Spencer, BOSS president, has been a part of the program for about four months. In that time, the BOSS program coordinated multiple events to help build morale and team building, such as trips to professional sporting events, life skills classes and professional development opportunities.

Spencer said the snowboarding and skiing trip has been her favorite activity so far, because it gave her the opportunity to experience something she had never done before.

“We were able to get a training class before participating in the fun and they allowed me to keep practicing until I felt comfortable enough to go on my own,” Spencer said. “Being part of this program has offered me the opportunity to connect with Soldiers all over Fort Leonard Wood and they are excited to share some of their ideas with me.”

Spencer said she urges others to get involved with the BOSS program for camaraderie and different experiences.

“I encourage other Soldiers to join and participate because it’s a great opportunity to make friends and have a better experience while stationed here,” she said.

The BOSS program is headquartered in Bldg. 496, at the corner of Constitution and Replacement avenues, across the street from Burger King. Call 573.563.5967 or visit the Fort Leonard Wood BOSS Facebook page for upcoming events and more information.