YMCA | DOD Military Outreach Initiative

We are proud to announce that the Department of Defense has extended the Military Outreach Initiative until March 31, 2023!

GET ASSISTANCE: (571) 265-7814

Monday-Friday, 08:00-19:00 EST
After Hours: Email Don Kandel

About This Program

The Armed Services YMCA is proud to work with the Department of Defense to offer the Military Outreach Initiative. The Military Outreach Initiative offers gym memberships and respite child care services for qualified military members and families nationwide. Through this initiative, military members and families receive access to vital resources that promote youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

The initiative has provided more than 87,000 YMCA memberships and nearly 43,000 private fitness memberships to military families
More than 164,000 military children have benefited from this initiative
More than 1,700 YMCAs and nearly 2,500 private fitness facilities support this initiative

Eligibility Criteria

Please review the criteria for each category to determine your eligibility for the DoD Military Outreach Initiative program. Additional information for this program can be found by downloading a copy of the FAQs here.

Category 1: Active Duty Independent Duty Personnel

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.

Category 2: Unaccompanied Spouse/Family of Active Duty

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.

Category 3: Unaccompanied Spouse/Family of Joint Deployed Guard and Reserve

Sponsor is on 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.

Category 4: Community Based Warrior Transition Unit (CBWTU)

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.

Application and Forms

To get started with your application, please download and review the instructions and requirements. Once you have reviewed the instructions, please download, complete, and submit the indicated documents as needed.

Program Instructions and Requirements

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

DOWNLOAD PDF

Membership Application

To be completed by the eligible service member or spouse. The completed and signed form can be submitted as detailed in the Program Instructions & Requirements.

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

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

Download and complete this form to include access to respite child care with your membership application. This form is optional and need not be completed if respite child care is not needed.

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

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

Download PDF

Submitting Your Application

Due to the popularity of this initiative, please allow up to 30 days for the Armed Services YMCA Coordinators to respond to your request.
The best way to speed up your application is to ensure it is complete with the necessary signatures and submitted to the correct Military Component Approving Official (MCAO).
Incomplete forms and forms sent to the incorrect email address will be returned and will delay your membership approval.
If you have not received confirmation of your request within 30 days, please contact dodymca@asymca.org for YMCA memberships or dodpf@asymca.org for Private Fitness memberships.

Get Help with Your Application

If you have issues or concerns regarding the DoD Military Outreach Initiative and need assistance, please contact Don Kandel at (571) 265-7814, Monday - Friday, 08:00 -19:00 or email anytime.