With around 65,000 people around the world supporting the quality of life for United States Armed Forces personnel and their families, Morale, Welfare and Recreation (or MWR) — a.k.a. Armed Forces Recreation — is a network of park and recreation professionals who serve in the military and offer everything you would see at a traditional, community-based park and recreation agency. It also is a sector of the park and recreation world that provides a lot of civilian career opportunities for students and young professionals looking to get into the field – and, as one of NRPA’s active member networks is the Armed Forces Recreation Network, I’m looking forward to chatting about a topic we haven’t covered much on today’s episode.

Joining me today are three individuals who are making huge impacts within their respective branches of the military when it comes to recreation and all the benefits it provides those who serve.

I’m thrilled to welcome John Prue, the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) program analyst for Navy Region Mid-Atlantic and incoming chair of the NRPA Armed Forces Recreation Network; Caité Kendrick, the recreation program manager at IMCOM Readiness for the U.S. Army; and Kiersten Warren, the outdoor recreation business manager for Air Force Services.

Tune in to the full episode below as we discuss all things Armed Forces Recreation/MWR and what led each of them to a career in this field. You’ll also learn:

• How access to recreational opportunities are having a positive impact on those who serve in the Navy, Army, Air Force and more
• The similarities and unique differences between MWR installations and traditional, community-based local park and recreation agencies
• Why MWR is essential for the physical and mental health of those serving in the military, as well as their families
• What career opportunities in MWR are available (even for civilians!) and how you can learn more
• Why NRPA members should join the Armed Forces Recreation Network, and much more!

Additional Resources:

• NRPA Armed Forces Recreation Network
• Navy MWR website
• Air Force Outdoor Recreation website
• Army MWR website
• Careers in MWR via USAJOBS