Two ongoing surveys will allow Army and Navy servicemembers and families to weigh in on programs critical to the readiness and morale of the all-volunteer force.

Why take part? MOAA and other advocacy groups use data from these and similar surveys to set legislative agendas, determining which focus areas will make the most difference for the wider uniformed services community. Only by identifying chokepoints, faulty programs, or areas of concern across the services can MOAA succeed in its efforts to improve quality of life for all in uniform, regardless of rank or branch.

Beyond the surveys, servicemembers and dependents can use the new DoD Housing Feedback System to address more direct housing concerns, such as submitting new maintenance orders, beginning the dispute resolution process on existing orders, and finding contact information for landlords/property managers, housing offices, or other DoD resources.

[RELATED: Urge Your Legislators to Pay Full Housing Costs for Servicemembers]

Some details about the ongoing surveys, including eligibility and open dates:

Navy Military Personnel Housing Survey

What: Survey-takers will be asked about their current housing (type, costs, etc.), how they make housing-related decisions, and how family concerns affect housing needs.

Why: Results will inform Housing Requirements Market Analyses (HRMAs), which are used to determine housing allotments on or near installations. Learn more about the importance of those reports – and some issues with DoD’s timeliness in their completion – at this link.

Details: Survey results are confidential. The survey takes 5 to 10 minutes and is open through Dec. 20. Click this link to learn more and to take the survey – have your Unit Identification Code (UIC) ready.

[RELATED: DoD Agency Names Top Priorities for State-Level Family Support in 2025]

Army MWR Survey

What: The Customer Needs Survey from Army Family and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (Army FMWR) is open to servicemembers assigned to Army installations or support activities (regardless of branch) and their family members, along with any other eligible Army MWR participants. It covers the full range of MWR offerings, to include child care, dining, gyms, and more.

Why: “We’ll use it to improve existing programs and develop new ones that better serve our customers – and create a more fulfilling Family and MWR experience for everyone,” Josh Gwinn, director of Family and MWR programs, said in a news release announcing the survey.

Why Else: Survey-takers will be entered to win a five-night trip to any Armed Forces Recreation Center Resort.

Details: The survey is confidential and takes about 10 minutes. It closes in January. Click here for details, to take the survey, and to enter the trip sweepstakes. Email amy.m.leon.naf@army.mil with questions.

Do you have concerns about housing or family readiness issues that aren’t covered by your survey, or do you fall outside the survey pools? MOAA is always seeking feedback from currently serving members and their families to ensure DoD programs are working as intended and quality of life challenges are addressed. Email legis@moaa.org to reach us.