If that sounds like your kind of day, then why aren’t you doing it? No grill? Telling yourself it’s too expensive, you don’t have space, or you move too much? You’re not out of luck. Being in the military or former military, you’ve got a secret weapon most civilians don’t even know about: MWR – Outdoor Recreation.

Military life isn’t always ideal for owning a full-sized grill. Maybe you’re in the barracks, PCS’ing every few years, or just don’t want to haul a smoker around. That shouldn’t stop you from grilling up a good time.

Your local MWR Outdoor Rec office offers rental grills, outdoor cooking equipment, and everything you need to throw a proper cookout without making a long-term commitment or spending a fortune.

Each installation is a little different, but here’s the kind of gear you’ll often find available:

• Propane and charcoal grills (portable and full-size)
• Flat-top griddles
• Smokers
• Coolers, tables, chairs, and canopies
• Cooking accessories and utensils
  

Whether you’re planning a casual family dinner, a big unit event, or just a weekend grill session with friends, MWR’s got the gear to get it done.

Here are some quick tips for renting your equipment:

• Reserve Early: Weekends and holidays can book up fast.
• Check the Fuel Situation: Some rentals include propane and others you’ll need to bring your own.
• Clean Up Before You Return: Keep it in good shape and clean it up after use.

We all know that grilling isn’t just about the food, it’s about the vibe. It’s about being outside, slowing down, and sharing something good with your people. Thanks to Outdoor Rec, you can fire up a feast without owning a thing.

Want to take it a step further? Check out Find Your Reset: How Budget-Friendly Camping Heals More Than You Think, where you find out more about how you can rent a tent or camper and take your grilling game to the great outdoors.

So whether you’re TDY, newly stationed, or just not ready to commit to your own grill, don’t let that stop you. Head to MWR, rent what you need, and Grill & Chill like a boss!

Find Out More with MyMilitarySavings.com and Military Life & Family!

Over the years, the DoD has added more veterans to be able to utilize different programs/stores that are only on military installations. Back in 2020, more than 3+ million veterans were made eligible to shop at the Commissary and Exchanges and even able to utilize some of the Morale, Welfare, and Recreations (MWR) activities! This list included former prisoners of war, Purple Heart recipients, and service-connected disabled veterans and their primary caregivers. This was all part of the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act.

In November of 2024, the DoD announced that they will be working to improve the installation access for those disabled veterans who don’t yet have a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC). Those members will need to go to the installation’s visitor center with their REAL ID Act-compliant driver’s license or non-driver’s ID card to gain access to the installation.

Additionally, these members and their caregivers will still need their VA-issued letters (service-connected disability letter and/or caregiver patronage letter) OR their VA Health Eligibility Center Form H623A to show their eligibility to the Commissary, Exchange, or allowed MWR services since verification from ID scan isn’t available to verify their eligibility.

These veterans will be able to shop on base and even utilize the Click2Go program at the Commissary! This is wonderful news for our veterans! If you don’t yet have a Commissary Rewards Card, then make sure to get one so you can set up your account to save even more!

Find Out More with MyMilitarySavings.com!