Leaders Guide - Marital Problems - General Information

Many life stressors stem from relationships. Whether in a dating relationship or married, relationship problems leading to distress may result from difficulties in communication, parenting, sexual intimacy, finances or immaturity. The average age of married enlisted Marines is 28, the youngest of the four military services. Additionally, 40% of Marine Corps spouses are under the age of 25, again the youngest of all military services. Coupling this young age with the demands of a military lifestyle can result in significant challenges for Marine couples. There is a tendency among some supervisors and commanders not to interfere in a unit member's personal life. Experience suggests, however, that relationship problems can quickly interfere with duty performance and personal readiness. Relationship problems have been identified as a significant risk factor associated with suicide in the Marine Corps and can be a major source of stress in a deployed environment. Combat and operational stress reactions have been compounded and sometimes precipitated by relationship difficulties at home.

The Marine Corps takes a proactive stance in supporting healthy marital relationships. Most leaders are keenly aware of how relationships can impact mission readiness. When Marines are confident that their relationships are in good standing and their spouses are supported, they are able to focus on the mission at hand.

Pre-marital Counseling:: Statistics show that marriage is much more successful and enjoyable when couples go through counseling prior to saying, "I do." Many Navy chaplains have organized pre-marriage seminars that teach skills to help couples prepare for a lifetime together. To find out about pre-marriage seminars available in your area, including Prevention Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP) courses, check with your base chaplain.
Counseling:: Counseling or "talking therapy" involves a trained professional assisting a member in resolving problems or making a change. Counseling can be done one-on-one or as couples or groups. It can be helpful for a number of concerns such as stress symptoms, poor sleep, nervousness, tension headaches, relationship difficulties, work problems, depression and anxiety disorders.
Divorce:: The legal termination of a marriage. All states require a spouse to identify a legal reason for requesting a divorce when that spouse files the divorce papers with the court. These reasons are referred to as grounds for a divorce.
Separation:: A situation in which the partners in a married couple live apart. Spouses are said to be living apart if they no longer reside in the same dwelling, even though they may continue their relationship. A legal separation results when the parties separate and a court rules on the division of property, such as alimony or child support -- but does not grant a divorce.

All couples have disagreements and arguments but when conflict is chronic or goes unresolved, marital problems can escalate. Common risk factors for marital conflict are:

Leaders can support Marines and their spouses by becoming familiar with the many programs on the installation and in the community that support marriages. Some of the programs on the installation are:

Counseling Center:

Provides a variety of programs and services to military members and their families to enhance life skills and improve their quality of life. This mission is accomplished through a variety of seminars, workshops, treatment groups, counseling, and interventions services. Individual, marital and family counseling, provided by licensed professionals, is available by appointment. In addition to counseling services, the Family Advocacy Program (FAP) is dedicated to the prevention, education, reporting, intervention and treatment of domestic violence. For more information and to set up a counseling appointment please contact your installations Counseling Center at Marine and Family Services.

Marine Corps Family Team Building (MCFTB):

MCFTB provides educational resources and services to foster personal growth and enhance the readiness of Marine Corps families. MCFTB is comprised of the following:

These programs are supported at all major installations by Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) through a MCFTB office staffed with a MCFTB Director and MCFTB Coordinator or Key Volunteer Trainer. The L.I.N.K.S. and KVN programs are supported almost entirely by Marine Corps spouse volunteer effort.

Marine and Family Services (MFS):

Encompasses those programs focusing upon the needs of the individual concerning education, prevention and intervention /treatment programs. Departments housed in this area will include Retired Activities, Transition Assistance Program, Lifelong Learning Education Programs, Libraries, Child, Youth and Teen Programs, New Parent Support, Exceptional Family Member Program, Information Referral, Suicide Awareness, Intervention and Treatment, and auxiliary programs such as the Armed Services YMCA and Navy/Marine Corps Relief Society. For more information please contact your installations Marine and Family Services Center.

Marriage Enrichment Retreat (MER):

A Chaplain developed CREDO program, the MER provides couples with the opportunity to explore ways to keep their marital relationship growing and to deal with the conflicts that occur in any intimate relationship. The MER enables participants to explore the emotional, physical and spiritual needs of marriage, and to grow closer as couples.