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DOD Military Outreach Initiative

We are proud to announce that the Department of Defense has extended the Military Outreach Initiative until March 31, 2024!

Check Your Eligibility

About This Program

The Armed Services YMCA is proud to work with the Department of Defense to administer the Military Outreach Initiative. Established in 2008, the Military Outreach Initiative offers no-cost fitness facility memberships and respite child care services for eligible active duty military and their families nationwide. This initiative provides access to vital resources that promote mission readiness and family resilience.

  • Since 2008, this initiative has provided more than 140,000 memberships, of which more than 93,000 are through local YMCAs and another 47,000 through commercial/private fitness facilities.
  • To date, more than 172,000 military children have benefited from this initiative.
  • More than 1,800 YMCAs and 2,900 private fitness facilities currently support this initiative.

Eligibility Criteria

The Department of Defense established the following eligibility requirements for active duty Service members and currently serving Guard and Reserve: 1) MUST be on Title 10 orders; and 2) MUST have at least six months remaining on Title 10 orders as of the date the application is approved; and 3) MUST meet all criteria in one of the following four categories.

Category 1 includes Reserve Component and National Guard on Title 10 orders (Title 32 orders are not eligible).

  • I am assigned to a Service-designated Independent Duty Station that is not at or near a free or Service-provided fitness facility; AND
  • I require a single-person membership, or my family resides with me, and I require a family membership. Only one membership type (single or family) is authorized.
  • Sponsor is deployed or on “unaccompanied tour” orders that require the member to reside at an assigned duty location and restricts the spouse/family from accompanying the member; AND
  • Sponsor’s family resides at a Service-designated independent duty station or in an area that is not at or near a free or Service-provided fitness facility.
  • Sponsor is on Title 10 deployment orders that require the member to reside at an assigned duty location that restricts the spouse/family from accompanying the member; AND
  • Sponsor’s family resides at a Service-designated independent duty station or in an area that is not at or near a free or Service-provided fitness facility.

Title 32 orders are not eligible.

  • My duty location is my house address.
  • My home address is not located at or near a free or Service-provided fitness facility.
  • I require a single-person membership or my family resides with me and I require a family membership. Only one membership type (single or family) is authorized.

Applications and Forms

To get started, please review the Program Instructions and Requirements and FAQs. Download, complete, and submit the indicated documents based on your eligibility and status.

You can also take this short quiz to verify your eligibility.

Verify Your Eligibility

Program Instructions and Requirements

Please review before completing your application. This information provides eligibility and renewal criteria, and submission information.

Download PDF

Frequently Asked Questions

This document provides additional information on the general program, how it's funded, participant eligibility, membership renewal, and on the respite child care program.

Download PDF

New/Renewal Application

To be completed by the eligible Service member or spouse. Submit completed and signed form as detailed in the Program Instructions & Requirements or per Service branch emails below.

Download PDF

Waiver Request Form

Complete this form if you are applying to renew your membership but have NOT met the attendance requirements for the previous membership period.

Download PDF

Respite Child Care Application

Complete this form to request access to respite child care with your membership application. This form is optional. Note: Availability per fitness facility varies and may not be offered.

Download PDF

Independent Duty Station - Command Form

For Command Use Only. Use this Form to Certify Independent Duty Station (IDS) or Designate Fitness Facility

Download PDF

Private Fitness Center Participation Agreement Form

Download this form if the private fitness center near you is not currently a participating location. The private fitness center must complete this form. 

Download PDF

Submitting Your Application

1) New Membership Applications and Renewal Applications with required supporting documents must be emailed to the following correct Military Component Approving Official (MCAO). Do not email ASYMCA. Incomplete forms and forms sent to the incorrect email address will be returned and will delay your membership approval.

2) The Service branch MCAO reviews all requests and forwards approved applications to ASYMCA to activate the membership.

3) Once the ASYMCA receives an approved application from the MCAO, the ASYMCA provides the Service member instructions about how to activate the membership and works directly with the fitness facility to provide payment.

4) Due to the popularity of this initiative, please allow up to 30 days for an ASYMCA representative to provide membership instructions. If you have not received confirmation of your membership within 30 days, you may request a status update via email at dodymca@asymca.org for YMCA memberships or dodpf@asymca.org for Private Fitness memberships.

Contact Us

If you have questions regarding the DOD Military Outreach Initiative, please fill out the form below, or leave a voicemail at (571) 560-6836. Due to the high volume of requests, messages are returned within one week. Thank you for your patience and understanding!

Inquire About DOD Memberships

Please note: Program requirements and eligibility are established by the Department of Defense, not the ASYMCA, and therefore, not available to veterans. We apologize for any confusion.