AWC (Army Wellness Center): Have you used it? Has it worked for you? Do you even know what it is?

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 13:04:14 -0500

There's a lot of benefits that not everybody knows. The AWC, Army Wellness Center, is one of them. I've been using it for the last 4 months and my experience there is just great. Basically, this is a center that helps you with everything that is wellness related like stress management, weight control, sleeping disorders or even tobacco cessation. In my case, I use it for weight control, they give you different test to know where you are and get you in the right track. From body fat %, measured by a Bod Pod that in any other place would cost you from $150-300 to metabolism rate, rated by your breathing in a 15 mins. With them I keep track of my body fat more accurately than just taping my neck and belly. The staff members are very professionals and well prepared, at least a health related Bachelor Degree, so you won't be talking with a Gym Rat with a book of Bro-science. Do you know if there's an AWC in your post? If not, check here: https://armyfit.army.mil/AWC/Default.aspx
They are also working to get the program to the Army Reserve: http://www.army.mil/article/120301/Army_Reserve_unit_first_to_join_Army_Wellness_Center_program/

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Mar 9 at 2015 2:35 PM

SSG Robert Burns — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 14:35:26 -0400

This is great information and something to be considered at the squad level for any Soldiers struggling in those areas. I am very interested in the weight issues since it seems to be such a problem these days for our young and old Soldiers. What more could you ask for. Great tool.

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Mar 9 at 2015 5:59 PM

CPT Zachary Brooks — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 17:59:31 -0400

The nearest one to me is going to be Fort Bragg which is about a 90 minute drive. Do you have any suggestions to leverage this for the reserve and national guard types?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2015 6:26 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 18:26:57 -0400

Thanks for the info, hopefully I get sent somewhere that has one of these places

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2015 10:27 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 10:27:12 -0400

I've visited the one here at Fort Gordon several times over the past few months. I think they offer a really good look into your overall health and the facilitators here are extremely knowledgeable in their field. I did the metabolic test, Bod Pod, and Fitness Test and each assessment has been really accurate. I wanted to make sure I was maintaining a healthy lifestyle and not letting my overall fitness suffer while on profile/recovering. I honestly wish I had visited sooner!

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Mar 11 at 2015 10:09 AM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 10:09:12 -0400

I wasn't aware, but there does appear to be one at JBLM. I'll have to look into it. Great info!