CSM James E Ervin
I would like to welcome you to Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), Maryland. Congratulations
on your assignment to APG! You are now a part of an organization with a long and distinctive history dating back to 1917.
Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) was established on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland’s Harford County in 1917 to provide the nation a site where Army materiel could be masted and tested. At the same time, the Edgewood Arsenal was established nearby to provide a site for the development, production, and testing of chemical warfare material. The two installations were officially joined as Aberdeen Proving Ground in 1971.
The Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers(BOSS) program was established in 1989 to respond to the recreational needs of single Soldiers, who make up 35% of the Army. As the
program was implemented throughout the Army, it became evident that quality of life was the primary concern of single Soldiers. In 1991, the Chief of Staff of the Army officially approved BOSS members to participate in community service projects. Recreation and leisure, quality of
life, and community service are the core components of the BOSS program.
Team APG BOSS supports the overall quality of life for single Soldiers, geographical bachelors
and single parents. Team APG BOSS addresses quality of life (QOL) issues and concerns by recommending improvements through the installation chain of command. We also encourage and assist single Soldiers in identifying and planning for recreational and leisure activities. Additionally, it allows for the opportunity to participate in and contribute to their respective communities. Team APG BOSS’s goal is to support our Senior Leadership with the readiness and resilience of our fighting force. Committee members are lead by elected Soldiers with the guidance from me, the Senior Enlisted Advisor.
With representation from each unit, we focus on three pillars, quality of life, recreational activity and community services. At the monthly meetings, we plan activities to support each pillar. We have addressed QOL issues, such as, providing additional wall lockers and cleaning supplies to Soldiers who live in the barracks.
With many of Maryland’s attractions being within an hour drive, we have visited places such as Dave and Buster’s, Six Flags and Route 40 Paintball.
Some of our community services include visiting Veterans at Perry Point VA hospital, playing baseball with children of the League of Dreams and building homes with Habitat for Humanity.
There are many reasons to join Team APG BOSS. As a member of Team APG BOSS, you will
enhance your professional skills and decision-making abilities as we set forth to assist our Senior Leadership with taking care of our Soldiers.
We look forward to meeting you and hearing your opinions. Please PROVIDE FEEDBACK about Team APG BOSS to your unit representative or email Team APG BOSS president, SGT Jimenez at [email protected].
Once again, welcome to Team APG at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland!
Sincerely,
JAMES E. ERVIN
Garrison Command Sergeant Major
.
