Findings on BOSS Fall 2000 Sample Survey of Military Personnel Richard Fafara, Ph.D. Strategic Planning & Policy CFSC

Sample Survey of Military Personnel Conducted semi‑annually (spring and fall) by the Army Personnel Survey Office, U.S. Army Research Institute. An Army-wide omnibus survey designed to address as many as 10‑20 issues important to the Army, soldiers, and their dependent family members.

Sample Survey of Military Personnel Samples are drawn of approximately 10% of officers and approximately 2-3% of enlisted personnel Fall 2000 SSMP: 4,055 officers and 5,473 enlisted personnel completed the survey questionnaire. Response rate: 50%. Data were weighted to match Army strength counts for the month-end of September 2000.

Have you participated in the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) program? SE = +/-2,1 Fall 2000

Have you participated in the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) program? SE = +/-2,2,2

Have you participated in the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) program? SE = +/-1,1,2

Where have you participated in a BOSS program? “Other” locations include Area Support Groups, MACOMs, etc. SE = +/-3,2 Fall 2000

The BOSS program at my installation is involved with: Of those who have participated in BOSS... This question focuses on key BOSS program elements. Survey response categories did not include other areas such as: AAFES Advisory Board Commissary Advisory Board Health Promotion Council MWR Council Dining Facility Council Barracks council Army Family Action Plan SE = +/-2,2 Fall 2000

What does your chain of command do to support the BOSS program? Of those who have participated in BOSS... “Other” can include actions such as: -Ensures BOSS committees meet regularly -CSM mentors BOSS committee -Resolves single soldier issues -Appoints soldiers on additional duty orders as BOSS reps. SE = +/-3,2 Fall 2000

What does your chain of command do to support the BOSS program? Of those who have participated in BOSS... SE = +/-3,3

What does your chain of command do to support the BOSS program? Of those who have participated in BOSS... SE = +/-2,2

Why do you participate in the BOSS program? Of those who have participated in BOSS... Other reasons for participating include: -Professional development -Just to make a difference -Network SE = +/-3,2 Fall 2000

Why do you participate in the BOSS program? Of those who have participated in BOSS... SE = +/-3,5

Why do you participate in the BOSS program? Of those who have participated in BOSS... SE = +/-2,3

Of those who have participated in BOSS... In what areas do you think that the BOSS program has led to major improvements? Of those who have participated in BOSS... SE = +/-3,2 Fall 2000

As a single soldier, the biggest barriers to my well-being are: SE = +/-7,3 Fall 2000

How satisfied are you with the BOSS program at your current installation? SE = +/-4,2 Fall 2000

Why don’t you participate in the BOSS program? Other reasons for soldiers not participating in BOSS include being: -Married -A single parent -Older (and feel that the program is targeted at young soldiers) -An officer (and feel that they risk fraternization by participating) Inconsistent marketing of the program is also another reason. SE = +/-2,2 Fall 2000

Why don’t you participate in the BOSS program? *Fall 1995 data not available SE = +/-2,3

Why don’t you participate in the BOSS program? *Fall 1995 data not available SE = +/-2,3

Summary BOSS Program Strengths: Good participation levels High program satisfaction Solid Chain of Command Support Improved areas identified as barriers to single soldier well-being:

Summary BOSS Program Weaknesses: Significant increase in soldiers who do not participate and do not know about BOSS. One-third of participants not sure of BOSS areas of involvement.