What is the Army Volunteer Corps? (AVC)

The AVC is a new way of thinking about volunteers and volunteering within the Army. The AVC embraces existing volunteer programs, unites all volunteers who support Soldiers and Families, including the Active Force, National Guard, and Army Reserve, and formalizes the Army’s commitment to volunteerism.

No matter where individuals volunteer in the Army community, they have the same goal. People volunteer to contribute to the Army, to Soldiers and to their Family members. The intent of the AVC is to recognize this commonality of purpose among all Army volunteers and to instill the same pride in being an Army volunteer as they now have for the organization where they provide their service

How do I join the Army Volunteer Corps? (AVC)

There is no organization to join. You are a member of the AVC when you volunteer for any organization that provides services to Soldiers and Families.

All volunteers are encouraged to register in the Volunteer Management Information System (VMIS) to search for available volunteer opportunities and track their hours.

Register in VMIS here: https://vmis.armyfamilywebportal.com/

  • The system is used throughout the entire Army.
  • Once a volunteer creates an account (profile) and learns the capabilities of the system, they can continue their volunteer work seamlessly from post to post without having to re-register with each move.
  • Service Members who are pursuing a citation/award/medal can track service hours through the VMIS system--DD4162 and DD4713 are generated by the system.   
  • Spouses/Family Members can track volunteer service for resumes, academic programs (National Honor Society, etc.), college applications.
  • VMIS serves as a repository which maintains/stores all service information entered for future reference. 

  •  Logging hours can help earn a Department of Army volunteer award.

 

Types of Volunteers

Statutory Volunteers are those volunteers authorized by federal statute (10 USC 1588) to provide services in certain Department of Defense activities such as MWR, family programs, museums, chaplain, child care, etc.  Statutory volunteers, when acting within the scope of their position description, are provided certain benefits by law such as worker’s compensation.

Private Organization volunteers are part of non-federal entities authorized to operate on the installation.  These organizations contribute to the overall installation mission, but their volunteers are not considered statutory.  All liability for incidents/accidents or injury to the volunteer are the responsibility of the private organization

Gratuitous Service volunteers provide services to organizations not covered under the federal statute, and do so with no expectation of compensation or benefit coverage.

Q: Where do I go to learn about the volunteering process and volunteer opportunities in person?

A: Come to Army Community Service (ACS) SFTAC , 1145 Niles Ave, Building 4973, Fort Stewart, GA 31315 and ask for the Army Volunteer Corps Coordinator (AVCC).

Q: Do I set my own volunteer schedule?

A: Yes, you are able to set your weekly volunteer schedule with the immediate supervisor or Program Manager.

Q: Can I volunteer with more than one organization?

A: Yes! You are able to volunteer with more than one unit/directorate/organization.

Q: Can civilians volunteer on Fort Stewart?

A: Yes, civilians are welcome to volunteer on post.

Q: Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to volunteer?

A: No, as long as you have a DoD ID card, you are able to volunteer on post.

Q: How old do I need to be to volunteer?

A: Most Army volunteers are Statutory volunteers, therefore the minimum age is 14 years of age. However, private organizations on post follow their own charters and regulations, therefore, age may vary from organization to organization.

Q: Can I use my volunteer service on my resume?

A: Yes, you can. In fact, you are encouraged to use your volunteer service as unpaid employment experience. Employers will recognize your time and service. 

Q: How do I show proof of my volunteer service? 

Tracking your hours in VMIS creates your Volunteer Service Record, DA Form 4162. Download your Volunteer Service Record from your VMIS account by logging in and clicking on the Service History tab. Scroll down to the bottom and click on DA Form 4162.