About two dozen single soldiers traveled from Fort Riley to Bandera, Texas, in mid-march to hone their leadership, mentoring, and resiliency skills. But it wasn’t a military directed exercise. It was voluntary trip led by the Better Opportunity for Single Soldiers, or B.O.S.S. program.

The group spend a weekend at the Rancho Cortez “Cowboy Fitness Ranch” with activities ranging from horseback riding and roping contests to a campfire. Their first day at the ranch the group was up early for a 7 a.m. workout, which was followed by a healthy eating demonstration, a yoga class, water aerobics, high-intensity interval training and a mind-body class.

The Cortez Ranch is known for offering visitors a range of programs that revolve around moving, fueling the body.  The B.O.S.S. participants chose the location and the program as part of an Army-wide initiative aimed at growing soldier leaders.

“The Life Skills Training Events are part of a new pilot program within B.O.S.S.,” said Sgt. Adam Hughes, Department of the Army B.O.S.S. Representative at Installation Management Command in San Antonio. “This is not a free trip or recreation event, it’s quite simply a leadership and mentoring program designed to give soldiers skills that they can use the rest of their lives. It ties in nicely with the Army’s Soldier for Life principles.”

If the B.O.S.S. program succeeds–it’s currently being tested across 18 Army installations–it could be expanded. Single soldiers at other posts have opted to engage in life skills programs like auto skills training, wilderness survival skills classes and basic cooking courses. According to Hughes, the possibilities are endless.