Army Volunteer Corps

Take the O*Net Interest Quiz! This quick and simple assessment highlights your current volunteer interests and expands opportunities to gain more! When you complete the assessment, send your results to us and let us match your interests to opportunities! 

Welcome to those participating in the

2024 Make A Difference Day!

Volunteer Waiver and Photo Release

If your organization is looking for volunteers and would like for the Army Volunteer Corps (AVC) to push out your project information, please complete and return the Fort Carson AVC Volunteer Needs form

Fort Carson has a volunteer umbrella position which covers all off-post volunteer service with local non-profits called Fort Carson Operation Good Samaritan. Under this position, your volunteer hours can be tracked through the Volunteer Management Information System (VMIS). Build your official Volunteer Service Record at https://vmis.armyfamilywebportal.com, and follow the steps below: 

     1)    Identify the Non-Profit Organization you want to volunteer with. 

     2)    Register with the organization, and complete registration, orientation, screening etc. 

     3)    Email/deliver a copy of your registration forms to the Army Volunteer Corps office.  

     4)   Create a VMIS account on https://vmis.armyfamilywebportal.com. Under the 'Opportunities' tab search for Fort Carson Operation Good Samaritan (Off Post), click on the position, and apply!

NOTE: You will track your service hours on the VMIS system as well as on the organization's hours tracking system. 

Click here to access the list of local community partners for volunteering opportunities!

Volunteer Opportunities (Local Community)

• Catholic Charities 
• Care and Share
• Colorado Springs Promise Food Distribution 
• Citizen’s Project   
• Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region
• Salvation Army
• Silver Key Senior Services (ongoing opportunities)
• Pike's Peak United Way (ongoing opportunities)
• Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center

• Silver Key Senior Services: Meals on Wheels, Food Pantry & Veteran Companionship Program 
• Local Food Pantries 

Click here for On-going Off Post Volunteer Organization List

Girl Scouts of Colorado

Junior Achievement of Southern Colorado

National Alliance on Mental Illness--Colorado Springs

On post opportunities include:

Off Post

Volunteer of the Quarter (VOQ) 

The Fort Carson VOQ award recognizes any outstanding volunteer instrumental in the support of a Unit, Directorate or Private Organization throughout a specified quarter. The VOQ award is based on a Fiscal Year. Downloadable/Fillable PDF VOQ Submission Packet

Units may recognize up to: 5 per brigade; 2 per separate Battalion; 2 per Private Organization/Directorate.

4ID & Fort Carson Volunteer of the Quarter Award Recognition Schedule:

Annual Recognition Ceremony

2025 4ID and Fort Carson Annual Volunteer Award Recognition Ceremony-- 10 April 2025 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Colorado Springs, Colorado

Nomination packets for Youth Volunteer of the Year, Adult Volunteer of the Year, and the Steadfast and Loyal Hall of Fame Inductee Due: 7 February 2025

Submission packets for the Commanding General's Certificate of Appreciation and Exemplary Service Award Due: 7 February 2025 

Units may recognize up to 2 volunteers per Battalion; 2 volunteers per separate Battalion; 2 volunteers per Private Organization/Directorate. The exception is the Commanding General's Certificate of Appreciation--all submissions will be accepted based on criteria. 

Click below for specific award packet submission details: 

• Commanding General's Certificate of Appreciation Packet with Sample Memo
• Exemplary Service Award 
• Youth Volunteer of the Year
• Adult Volunteer of the Year 
• Steadfast and Loyal Volunteer Hall of Fame 
• MOVSM Army Regulation 600-8-2  Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal Resources and Templates 

4th Infantry Division & Fort Carson Award Guide

This informative guide will provide criteria, staffing channels and other award details for not only installation awards, but also for FORSCOM, Dept. of the Army and Army Branch Spouse Awards--see guide.

Immediate Recognition

• Commanding General's Certificate of Appreciation 
• Kit Carson Impact Award
• MOVSM Army Regulation 600-8-2 Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal Fillable Form

The Volunteer Management Information System (VMIS) is how you track and verify volunteer hours. For VMIS click here: https://vmis.armyfamilywebportal.com/

New Volunteer Orientation, VMIS & OPOC Training

Training is offered the last Wednesday of every month (except November & December), 1330-1500hrs, ACS Main Center, 6303 Wetzel Ave., Building 1526, Fort Carson, Colorado 80913. Click here to register.

Or we will come to you! Click here for Portable Classes.

VMIS

The VMIS Quick User Guide will provide a quick reference on How to Get Started, How to Select a Position & How to Enter Volunteer Service Hours

OPOC Reference Materials, Forms & Templates

Organizational Point of Contact (OPOC) Appointment Orders Memorandum Template

Volunteer Service Agreement DD2793

Talent Release Form (social media) DD2831

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

A: Come to Army Community Service (ACS), 6303 Wetzel Ave., Building 1526, Fort Carson, and ask for the Army Volunteer Corps (AVC).

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 Carson?

A: Yes, civilians are welcome to volunteer on post. All fully engaged civilian volunteers may be issued a gate access pass through the Army Volunteer Corps office.

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: Is Childcare offered while I volunteer?

A: Registered ACS Volunteers can utilize hourly childcare while volunteering with ACS.  Children must be registered with CYS. Childcare will be at Ivy CDC and Patriot School Age Center.

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. 

Installation volunteers fall into three categories:  statutory, private organization, and gratuitous service. 

• 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.

Click here to return to the Army Community Service (ACS) Main Page.