The Army established its first “mess clubs,” in the early 19th century. But military clubs and social organizations for military members and their families, did not come into prominence until after World War II. These clubs offered a sense of exclusivity and prestige to the officers and enlisted who remained in the armed forces after the conclusion of the conflict at a time when active duty pay was relatively low. They also began to serve an important informal function: they acted as a “third place” that minimized rank hierarchies in a way that enabled mentorship to thrive and heritage to be passed on. However, financial and cultural changes meant that clubs, such as the Jimmy Doolittle Center (JDC) and Rockers Bar & Grill here at Minot AFB, look a little different from those of the past.
Starting in the 1980s, congress removed funding for clubs from the defense budget, forcing them to have to operate out of their own profits. This shift to non-appropriate funds (NAF) was followed by other changes such as a push to de-emphasize alcohol as part of military culture. Military clubs also experienced greater competition from off-base dining options in the ensuing decades. Those who have been around for a while might still recall the months-long “member drives” of years past. Those drives were an effort to help keep the old club system profitable and able to continue to provide the services members and their families expected.
The most significant change, however, has been that most military installations now offer an “All Ranks” or combined club. While 2001 is often mentioned as the date where Officer and Enlisted Clubs combined here at MAFB, Julie Reiten, Supervisory Librarian at the MAFB library, suggests that, based on old newspaper articles, it appeared to have been a more gradual transition. She noted that, “Even before the enlisted club became J.R. Rockers on June 23, 2000, they start referring to the JDC as the JDC, not the Officers’ Club though they left the “Officers’” designation on the Ground Zero Lounge for longer.” From then on, more and more events became designated as “All Ranks” and by 2004 Airmen were directed to go to either facility to join the club. Over time, less events were held at the JDC, and most of the fun shifted over to the renovated Rockers Bar and Grill. The JDC is still available to rent for private events and utilized for military functions such as Changes of Command. One exception to this: Fun Fridays (previously known as First Fridays.)
Fun Fridays are a once-a-month base celebration where old school Air Force culture and heritage intersect with the modern emphasis on quality-of-life programming. Active duty members can stop by at the bar for a quick drink with co-workers before heading home or gather to celebrate major unit achievements. This was the case at February 7th’s event, where many gathered to celebrate a successful end to MAFB’s Nuclear Surety Inspection (NSI) and those who were lucky may have even enjoyed a drink courtesy of their leadership, who will often put money on the bar when celebrating unit milestones. In addition to bar service on Fun Fridays, which is available until 9:00 pm, families can enjoy dinner service from 4:30 to 6:30, bouncy castles, and additional crafts and activities put on by various base organizations. While a club membership is not required to participate (dinner is $10 for individuals or $30 per family,) club members and their families eat for free, one of many membership perks.
Club membership these days is less about exclusivity and formality and more about meeting the needs of the base community through quality-of-life programs. Like the dinner at Fun Fridays, these services are available to the community at large, but come with additional perks for those with a club membership that extend across all Air Force Installations. A complete list of MAFB member benefits can be found at the 5th Force Support Squadron Website https://5thforcesupport.com/club-membership/ ) and include things like a monthly free lunch at Rocker’s or the Bomber Bistro, and discounts at establishments such as the Arts & Crafts Center and Rough Riders Lanes. Monthly rates are based on rank which makes club membership within reach of anyone who hopes to support their club and the base community.
Choosing to support the Club and other businesses on base such as the Arts and Crafts Center is a way to invest back into the base community as NAF funds also support operations such as the base library, pools, and other quality-of-life programs. To join your local club or transfer an existing membership from a previous club, individuals can visit their local FSS Website or head directly to the Member Planet Website.
