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Overview | Definitions | Risk Factors | Why Marines May Not Seek Help
Prevention | Suggested Resources | Guidance | Key Terms
Deployments and separation are expected functions of Marine Corps life and can be divided into three main phases – pre-deployment, deployment and post-deployment. All three phases within the deployment cycle are distinct and pose their own challenges and needs for preparation. Poor planning for any part of the deployment cycle can negatively impact family stability, individual readiness, unit readiness, and cohesion and, ultimately, the ability to meet the mission. If Marines are not confident that their spouses and family are cared for and personal affairs are in order, then Marines will not be fully ready to contribute to the unit and cannot be considered mission ready or reliable. Proper planning will cover basic issues that affect family life such as home, finances, auto, communications, etc. If Marines do not accept the responsibility of adequately preparing their family prior to departure, or are not provided the time to do so, then they may negatively impact overall unit readiness and mission capability.
In the pre-deployment phase, the unit takes the lead in providing education and resources for families. A Command's commitment to family readiness will ensure the unit can successfully deploy with confidence. This commitment must include the following: Command involvement and prioritization of family readiness, the orchestration of timely pre-deployment briefings and unit events, encouragement for all spouses to attend a Lifestyles, Insights, Networking, Knowledge and Skills (L.I.N.K.S.) session (if they have not done so previously), the utilization of the unit Key Volunteer Network (KVN) and close coordination of services with local Marine Corps Family Team Building (MCFTB) staff.
Once a unit and the Marine deploy, readiness challenges manifest in different ways. Issues relating to prevention become unnecessary and are replaced by active problem solving. Problems with the flow of communication and information increase; emotional issues flare (especially if Marines are in harm's way); medical, dental or housing issues may be neglected pending the Marine's return. The problems that may have been surmountable in the past suddenly seem overwhelming and put additional stress on the spouse and the Marine. The possibilities are numerous and varied as to what could be potential problems once a Marine deploys, but most are not too far outside the scope of what can be considered “normal situations” or those commonly experienced during deployment. Those families that anticipated situations and coordinated a response plan are those who will have fewer deployment–related issues. Families within the unit will have been prepared and will rely on themselves, other families in the unit, the KVN and the supporting services available to all Marine families in their community. Solutions will be found locally.
Problems that may present during the “Return and Reunion” post-deployment phase often involve emotional issues triggered by the return of the Marine. Just as families would prepare for deployment, families must prepare for the return – logistically, emotionally and financially. Projects and tasks that were not accomplished may cause anxiety; a parent may worry that a child will react unfavorably or act out when the Marine returns; unresolved marital issues may come to the forefront;financial issues may be present due to pay fluctuations; and families may have to adjust to changes in the Marine's temperament resulting from combat stress or other issues.
Marines who are returning from deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom have often been involved in significant combat experience. Assimilating back into their home life and family routines may be more difficult than expected and may complicate the reunion process. To ease the transition from the battlefield to home, the families and the returning Marines require advance preparation and supportive services to avoid domestic strife and ensure sustained future combat capability.
- Stress:
- A mentally or emotionally disruptive or upsetting condition occurring in response to adverse external influences and capable of affecting physical health, usually characterized by increased heart rate, a rise in blood pressure, muscular tension, irritability, and depression.
- Family Readiness:
- Families who are prepared and equipped with the skills, tools and knowledge to successfully meet the challenges of the military lifestyle – especially during times of separation and deployment. A successful deployment for the Marine and family requires readiness through planning and advanced preparation to ensure the family can continue efficiently during their absence.
Pre-deployment:
Inadequate pre-deployment education of service member due to:
- Late implementation
Unit pre-deployment education can vary depending on the unit and the amount of time allotted prior to deployment. Proper pre-deployment preparation is not something that can be accomplished in a short time and the extra time a Marine may have to put towards the necessary activities is often redirected to accomplish the additional duties associated with the upcoming deployment. Pre-deployment briefs are regularly provided to outbound units but are often a short time prior to departure, possibly too late. The extra duties on the job do not leave a Marine time to adequately follow up on pre-deployment responsibilities.
- Lack of individualized attention by command
There is no mechanism to ensure a service member has taken the time and actions necessary to properly prepare for deployment. Units are able to track unit requirements prior to deployment but unless personal attention is provided (i.e., one-on-one conversations or smaller reinforcement briefs by NCOs, SNCOs and officers) there is no guarantee all things are in order.
- Lack of prioritizing family readiness as a form of unit readiness
Unit Commander/Senior leadership may not prioritize family readiness as a function of their unit readiness. Family readiness is a pillar to the command's success and must be integrated throughout the commander's time with a unit. It takes much more than a pre-deployment brief.
- Spouse unable or unwilling to participate in pre-deployment brief or process
Obstacles such as childcare, transportation, conflict with spouse's work schedule, feeling unconnected to unit, or denial of departure may prohibit a spouse from becoming educated or involved.
- Spouse reluctant to take on responsibility/ Marine reluctant to turn over responsibility
The Marine may not feel confident or comfortable in turning over all family matters to the spouse so they refrain from educating their spouse about responsibilities. Also, the spouse may not want to take on those additional chores or responsibilities (e.g., bill paying).
- Timing
Family pre-deployment education can vary depending on the unit and the amount of time allotted prior to deployment. Families need to have time to prepare prior to a unit deployment. More than one deployment briefing is suggested at least six or more weeks ahead of time, but this is not always practical from a unit perspective.
- Marine does not always inform their spouse of upcoming pre-deployment brief, readiness education or benefits of unit Key Volunteer Network (KVN)
Unit Commanders must ensure maximum participation by unit spouses. The fact is that the Marine is not prepared if the spouse is not prepared. Command leadership should intervene and inquire when spouses do not attend pre-deployment briefs.
- Family does not live locally
Families who do not reside in the same area as the unit may not feel as connected or informed about the pre-deployment process and therefore take a less active role. Depending on the distance, they may not travel to attend any pre-deployment briefs or unit functions. One possible benefit should a family live elsewhere is they may have already planned for and resolved separation related issues that are very similar to deployment issues.
- Spouse is inexperienced or new to the Marine Corps lifestyle
Newly married spouses (or very young spouses) are still acclimating to the Marine Corps lifestyles and may feel additionally challenged if asked to adapt to a new environment without their spouses to help them.
- Spouse does not speak English as a primary language
For obvious reason, spouses with English as a second language will have problems translating the volume of information they will receive in connection to a deployment (both written and oral). Comprehension may be a challenge that could then become a readiness challenge as well. This category of spouse can have similar challenges as those who are inexperienced or new to the Marine Corps.
- Short fused deployment leading to late or non-implementation of programs
Unit pre-deployment education can vary depending on the unit and the amount of time allotted prior to deployment. Proper pre-deployment preparation is not something that can be accomplished in a short time and the extra time a Marine may have to put towards the necessary activities is often redirected to accomplish the additional duties associated with the upcoming deployment. Pre-deployment briefs are regularly provided to outbound units but are often done too short a time prior to departure. The extra duties on the job do not leave a Marine time to adequately follow up on pre-deployment responsibilities.
- Individual Augmentees and their families may not receive valuable pre-deployment information and readiness education depending on time and availability. This leaves families unprepared for the stressors of deployment.
- Poor Recall/ Family Roster Management
The unit contact roster plays a major role in family readiness. It is the primary source of family information for unit family readiness members and must be accurate and updated in a timely manner. There are risk factors on a secondary level that pertain to roster management.
Correct rosters – many young married Marines may not (purposely or otherwise) list their correct home address and phone numbers (cell and land line) for use in the command recall roster. This may also apply to those families who are in a transitional housing situation (sharing house/apt. with other family, living in hotel until Marine deploys). Without proper personal information, Command and Key Volunteer (KV) communication is significantly delayed.
Unit Key Volunteer Network (KVN) and Family Readiness Officer (FRO) are not notified when a married Marine checks into the unit. Alerting both KVN and FRO would mean the new family receives a welcome to the unit, both personally from the KV, and from a unit representative. Unit POC info is also then provided to the family for future use.
Similar to the situation with married Marines checking into unit, Marines who get married do not have their new family contact information updated on the recall roster. The newly married (or about to be married) Marine must be educated about the proper administrative requirements once married. The unit must be made aware of the Marines' new situation/status. The same can be said of a Marine getting divorced.
Deployment:
Breakdown in Communications between Marines and Family AND between unit and family:
- Breakdowns can result from the following:
- Changes of family phone numbers, addresses.
- Out-of-date rosters.
- Blackout periods at unit level when deployed.
- Inadequate contact by service member due to deployment circumstances.
- Family moves “back home.”
- Emotional barriers.
- Timeliness of communications.
- Loses touch with Key Volunteer Network (KVN).
- Information on unit family support programs is not passed from the older, more experienced Officer/SNCO spouses to the more junior or younger/newer spouses.
- Geographic withdrawal or isolation of family:
- Families may decide to move out of the area while a Marine is deployed or simply break contact with the unit. Either of these actions results in families being less informed. The KVN is the first point of contact with these families and is responsible for updating families through phone calls, personal contact and electronic/regular mail. If the KVN is not able to link with the families they lose personal touch, the personal connection, as well as the opportunity to bond the family to the unit and the other families. The opportunity to have a shared experience is the greatest factor in bonding – if that goes, so does the opportunity for affiliation. Isolation can also result from a spouse who is very active in her career/at work, with family obligations, attends school, or is otherwise so busy that they do not have time for unit functions, the KVN and the command overall.
- Excessive or inaccurate media coverage
- Excessive media coverage can challenge all concerned. Families dealing with real-time coverage will sometimes be drawing on false conclusions from the media reports, heightening their already elevated stress level. Official information being passed through the KVN, on unit answering machines and posted on unit websites is accurate and verified information, but may not reach the unit families as quickly as we would like. Families will need guidance on putting media reports in perspective and handling the excessive and dramatic nature of some reporting.
- Inadequate rear party support
- Unit personnel who are remaining behind to support families must be thoroughly educated and capable of handling a wide variety of technical, emotional and supportive issues. Ideally, the remain behind personnel have been simultaneously trained with the unit Family Readiness Officer (FRO) and has unit “corporate knowledge” of the unit families and their special needs, issues, and concerns.
Post Deployment:
- Inadequate use of “Return and Reunion” curriculum:
- Return and reunion at the end of deployments is a significant challenge for Marines and their family members, regardless of experience, length of service or deployment, and environment (battlefield or otherwise). Standardized curriculum has been developed by Marine Corps Family Team Building (MCTFB) for Marines and their families to help ease the stress, emotional flux and reunion challenges which the transition to the home environment can produce. Policy that encompasses Return and Reunion requires Commands to ensure Marines receive decompression time, education, and counseling, and that families also be offered the opportunity to attend Return and Reunion education and have access to counseling (individual or family) as needed.
- Poor communication between Marine and spouse
- Combat stress impacting family relationships
Pre-deployment:
- Overconfidence in self or spouse's ability to cope:
- Marines who have been with the Marine Corps for a long time may feel that they know all they need to know and have prepared. They also may feel that their spouse knows what to expect and do during their absence.
- Pride or unwillingness to appear in less than full control:
- Marines may not want to make it seem like they don't have it all under control. “I can take care of it.”
- Marine's desire to separate personal family life.
- Increased demands on time availability:
- Marines may be required to work beyond normal business hours, thereby denying them time to finish tasks. A Marine may also feel it is more important to focus on their unit training and preparation as this may have life or death implications once deployed.
- Focus on unit training becomes all consuming.
- Unsure of the resources available to accomplish tasks.
- Command does not set family preparedness as a priority.
- Fear of consequences of asking for help, not already having the answers, or admitting family problems.
Deployment:
Post Deployment:
- Do not understand the value and applicability of Return and Reunion (R&R) curriculum:
- The spouse may not have been educated as to what the R&R will do to help them with reintegration.
- They may not think it applies to them.
- Spouses do not want to muddy the waters in their relationship as the Marine has just gotten back from
deployment and has seen/been through very hard times.
- Spouse not sure how to help.
- Spouse does not want Marine to get into trouble.
Pre-deployment:
- Command setting the example and prioritizing family readiness is a crucial part of unit readiness.
- Unit Leadership Education on Family Readiness:
- Unit leaders at all levels need to become familiar with overriding Marine Corps policy, programs and services concerning family readiness. Command involvement and readiness support for families before, during and after a deployment can have a direct impact on the success of the unit's family readiness efforts and overall unit readiness. It is vital that the commander articulate readiness goals, the vision for family readiness, information about the mission, and the plan to link Marines in the unit, family members and available resources. The common goal is to enable families to be self-sufficient and prepared. Many resources and guidance are available.
- Establish a functioning, endorsed and funded Key Volunteer Network (KVN) program.
- HQMC and Installation MCFTB offices provide support for the KVN. The unit KVN serves as the official communication link between a deployed command and its families. The KVN is primarily a spouse-to-spouse connection that commanders use to pass important, factual, and timely information on the status and welfare of the operational unit. MCCS Key Volunteer Trainers and other MCFTB staff provide standardized training for individual volunteers and unit Family Readiness Officers (FRO), as well as guidance on establishing and maintaining a KVN.
- Ensure the Marine assigned to the FRO position is allotted ample time to effectively execute family readiness goals.
- CO coordination with Family Readiness Officer (FRO), Key Volunteer Coordinator (KVC) and Key Volunteer Network (KVN).
- Ensure Individual Augmentees and their families receive proper pre-deployment information and readiness education prior to deployment. The IA's departing unit should continue to assist the families with an operating KVN. Prior to departure, the unit FRO should meet with the IA, as well as ensure the IA's spouse is assigned to a KV. The family of an IA should also be absorbed by the gaining unit's KVN who can provide timely official information and support. Additionally, IA families/spouses should meet with their local MCFTB for additional support and resources. Efforts must be made to contact and assist these IA families and incorporate them into existing unit readiness efforts.
- Encourage participation in KVN from all ranks.
- Spouse Education programs, such as L.I.N.K.S. serve as preventative measures by providing spouses with the skills needed to meet the challenges of the military lifestyle, including instruction on coping with deployment.
- Coordination of Family Readiness programs and services with local Marine Corps Family Team Building (MCFTB) Staff.
- MCFTB staff can assist with readiness program development and delivery in such areas as Pre-deployment, Return and Reunion, Family days, KVN and L.I.N.K.S. education and trainings, PREP classes and CREDO retreats. Many installation MCFTB personnel have developed supplemental training and support groups for family members. A Children's Deployment Puppet Show has been produced professionally and is available via video throughout the Marine Corps. Additionally, based on the needs at their installations, MCFTB Coordinators have facilitated support groups for family members of Marines who have been detached from their non-deploying units and sent on deployments with the operating forces. These family members occasionally do not have access to a traditional KVN and can benefit from additional support.
- Encourage the use of Military OneSource to assist with translation services for spouses who do not speak English as a primary language.
- Educate unit leaders on all available support resources.
Deployment:
- Assign, educate and empower rear party personnel.
- Adopt comprehensive communications plan that may include unit newsletter, unit answering machine, unit website, activating Key Volunteer Network (KVN) phone tree, email/message traffic, coordination with rear detachment personnel, etc.
- Educate senior leaders, family readiness personnel and rear detachment about comprehensive resource information (Military OneSource, Marine and Family Services, etc.)
- Address specific unit concerns by providing or coordinating “just in time counseling.” For those times of heightened stress, the command is able to request stress management support from the local Marine and Family Services (MFS) counseling staff. They may also be able to tailor briefs relative to the needs of the unit and families who may require help coping with a suicide in the unit or a training accident. MFS also provides classes on a variety of other topics such as parenting classes, new parent support and couples counseling. Contact your local MFS office to coordinate.
- Address specific unit concerns by endorsing/coordinating Care for the Caregivers for KVN.
- Care for the Caregivers is a facilitated discussion for KVs and others who actively support the unit and their families. Over time, the stress and demands of caring for others and responding to their needs becomes a drain on those supporting the unit. CREDO Chaplains facilitate the discussions and provide the KVs the opportunity to focus on themselves and rejuvenate their energy and spirit.
- Encourage rear party personnel to provide information and referrals to local support groups.
- MCFTB or other base support services may be actively involved with support groups from families and children for those dealing with issues surrounding deployment.
Post Deployment:
- The command should provide comprehensive Return and Reunion programs and services to both the Marines and families. Should one or the other not receive timely, adequate reintegration education, it could negatively affect the reunion process, the relationship and the Marine's future readiness. Though the focus of this section is on spouses and families, it is important to remind Commanders of the specific reintegration requirements for Marines returning from combat experiences and the need to provide proper decompression time in addition to stated services.
- Provide “Return and Reunion Guide for Marines and Families.”
- Provide Return and Reunion Briefs for Spouses.
- Plan post-deployment education/briefings for Marines and families.
- PMEs/briefings for Marines could include topics such as Domestic Violence, Alcohol Abuse, Combat Stress, Anger Management, etc. Spouses can receive a version of the above targeted for them. They may also benefit from information concerning changes to LES/budgeting, and child related issues. Together, the Marine and spouse could attend a PREP session, receive couples counseling as needed through MFS or Military OneSource, benefit from classes on financial management, etc.
- Refer and educate Marines and family about Military OneSource.
- Military OneSource is able to coordinate counseling services for Marines and families in need of counseling support to help cope with deployment related issues, reunion concerns, parenting, childcare, and other everyday issues. Marines and family members are allowed six face-to-face counseling sessions per incident with a civilian mental health practitioner for free. A Marine or family member will call a OneSource consultant who will determine if there are on-base resources readily available to assist the caller. If on-base resources are not available, the OneSource consultant will provide the caller an immediate referral to counseling assistance and, using their nationwide network of providers, will find a licensed mental health practitioner near the caller. Utilizing Military OneSource is ideal for Marines and Marine Reservists (and families) needing counseling services, but who are not located near an installation.
- Refer and educate - Mental Health Network.
- The Department of Defense has funded a program directing the Mental Health Network (MHN), one of the nation's leading mental and substance abuse health care organizations, to provide counseling specialists to individual units who are remotely located and unable to access local services, or to utilize MHN to augment local counseling providers. MHN is available to assist with pre-deployment briefs, deployment issues and especially return and reunion/reintegration issues.
- Educate Marine and families about available support services
HQMC MCFTB website
http://www.usmc-mccs.org/kvn/pocs.cfm (POCs for MCFTB) Local MCFTB staff
Unit Deployment Guide for Commanders
Unit Deployment guide for Families
Key Volunteer Network Training Materials
Key Volunteer Network Online Training
L.I.N.K.S.
L.I.N.K.S. Online Training
FRO Training- Available through MCFTB
FRO Online Training
Standardized Return and Reunion Materials
Warrior Transition Program
**Warrior Transition Brief and the Return and Reunion Brief for Marines are designed to be delivered in theater by Chaplains or other qualified personnel. MCFTB personnel provide the Return and Reunion Brief for spouses aboard the installations. The Return and Reunion Guide for Marines and Families is posted on the website, but hard copies are also available aboard the installations.
Military OneSource. The service provides information and referral assistance 24/7/365 via toll free telephone 1-800-342-9647 and Internet access (www.militaryonesource.com.) OneSource users can get information (reports, tip sheets, CD, booklets, etc.) on topics to include coping with deployment, reunion, parenting, childcare, relocation, everyday issues, and education.
ALMAR (032/03) Policy for Return and Reunion of Marines
MARADMIN (219/04) Return and Reunion
MCO 1754.6A Marine Corps Family Team Building
NAVMC 1754.6A Marine Corps Family Team Building
Care for the Caregivers:- Care for the Caregivers is a three-hour facilitated discussion for KVs and others who actively support the unit and their families. Over time, the stress and demands of caring for others and responding to their needs becomes a drain on those KVs supporting the unit. CREDO Chaplains facilitate the discussions and provide the KVs the opportunity to focus on themselves and rejuvenate their energy and spirit.
Chaplain:- Provides spiritual guidance, personal counseling, and life issues counseling in a confidential setting. Chaplains are protected by the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which ensures confidentiality. Under military law, chaplains must keep conversations confidential when service members seek their spiritual guidance, either as a formal act of religion or a matter of conscience. Chaplains do not have to keep conversations confidential when a service member speaks with them for reasons other than spiritual guidance. When it is in the best interest of the person involved, the chaplain is expected to assist the individual in identifying the appropriate means of self-disclosure without violating the individuals trust. For additional information of the Chaplains confidentiality guidelines, contact the base legal office or the installation chaplain's office.
Chaplains Religious Enrichment and Development Program (CREDO):- CREDO is a retreat-based program started in 1971 by a Navy chaplain concerned about the militarys drug problem. Since that time, CREDO has developed into a multi-faceted retreat program located worldwide. CREDO retreats are offered to enable Marines, their families, and other authorized personnel to develop personal and spiritual resources and grow toward increased functional ability, religious maturity, and accept responsibility.
Just In Time Counseling:- For those times of heightened stress, the command is able to request Stress Management support from the local Marine and Family Services (MFS) counseling staff. They may also be able to tailor briefs relative to the needs of the unit and families who, for example, may require help coping with a suicide in the unit or a training accident. MFS also provides classes on a variety of other topics such as parenting, new parent support and couples counseling. Contact your local MFS office to coordinate.
Key Family Readiness Members:- Family Readiness Officer (FRO) - appointed by the unit commander, the FRO is the main point of contact for the unit’s family readiness issues.
Key Volunteer Coordinator (KVC) - appointed by the unit commander, communicates directly with the FRO on behalf of the families in the unit and acts as liaison to the FRO and commander. The KVC represents all KVs on family readiness matters.
Key Volunteer Advisor (KVA) - optional position appointed by the Commander. Position may be filled with a spouse that has experience as a KV and preferably served as a KVC. The KVA acts as an advocate for the KVN program and a mentor for the KVC and the KVs by providing advice and support.
Key Volunteer (KV) - appointed by the commander and works with individual families following the leadership of the KVC. All appointments must be in writing.
Chaplain - Chaplains are an integral part of your readiness team and can support the unit and families during each phase of deployment. They are able to assist with pre-deployment briefs and preventative relationship courses and perform a major role in the return and reunion process.
MCFTB Staff - installation MCFTB Staff can deliver family support and readiness education programs as well as training for the FRO, KVC and KVs.
XO and SgtMajor of the unit - These unit personnel will further the commanders’ intent in regards to unit and family readiness.
Key Volunteer Network (KVN):- The KVN is an integral part of a Marine Corps unit family readiness program and is the primary communication link between the commanding officer and the unit families for the enhancement of mission readiness. The KVN supports the spouses of the unit Marines by providing communication from the command, serving as a source for information and referral services and by helping foster a sense of community within the unit. It also welcomes new families and familiarizes them with available services. http://www.usmc-mccs.org/kvn/index.cfm
Lifestyle Insights, Networking, Knowledge, and Skills (L.I.N.K.S.):- is a volunteer-based, team-mentoring program designed by spouses, for spouses. The curriculum focus is for spouses new to the Marine Corps community, but any spouse is welcome to attend. The program offers an orientation to the Marine Corps lifestyle, helping new spouses adapt to the unique challenges military life often presents. Participants receive real life tips, information on Marine Corps culture, and available resources to enable them to help themselves and also give new spouses the opportunity to network with others who will share their Marine Corps journey. The eight-hour open L.I.N.K.S. training is regularly scheduled by your local MCFTB Office and is scheduled over a series of mornings, evenings or in a one-day format. L.I.N.K.S. online training is also available to meet the needs of more remote commands. Log on to the MCCS website (MCFTB – L.I.N.K.S.) www.usmc-mccs.org. for more details and how to access online training.
Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS):- Enhances unit and family readiness by delivering programs such as Marine Corps Family Team Building (MCFTB), Military One Source Information and Referral Service, Counseling Services and New Parent Support. The programs are designed specifically for Marines and families to increase their awareness of relevant readiness issues, while offering creative ideas to build a healthy family. Through proactive education, training, coordination of support services, materials and tools, MCCS promotes personal and family readiness that can be applied in everyday situations. Military One Source is also able to coordinate counseling services for Marines and families in need of counseling support to help cope with deployment related issues, reunion concerns, parenting, childcare and other everyday issues. Marines and family members are allowed six face-to-face counseling sessions per incident with a civilian mental health practitioner for free. A Marine or family member will call a One Source consultant who will determine if there are on base resources readily available to assist the caller. If on base resources are not available, the One Source consultant will provide the caller an immediate referral to counseling assistance, and using their nationwide network of providers, will find a licensed mental health practitioner near the caller. Utilizing Military One Source is ideal for Marines and Marine Reservists (and families) needing counseling services but who are not located near an installation. Marine and Family Services (MFS) counseling is available to those units and families in need of counseling support in the areas of combat stress, stress reduction, anger management, new parent support, and couples counseling.
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.
Medical Treatment Facility (MTF):- A military hospital or outpatient clinic where licensed health practitioners provide diagnostic, medical, and surgical services to eligible personnel.
Military OneSource:- The services of Military OneSource supplement the existing support system for Marines and their families by providing assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via toll free telephone and Internet access. In addition, Military OneSource supports geographically dispersed Marines and their families (recruiters, Inspector and Instructor staffs, and mobilized reservists) who do not have traditional services available. Resources are available on topics to include parenting and childcare issues, education services, financial information and counseling, legal, elder care, health and wellness, crisis support and relocation. Marines or family members seeking assistance can call 800-342-9647. Military OneSource Online can be visited at www.militaryonesource.com.
Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP):- PREP is a relationship enhancement program, empirically developed by psychologists at the University of Denver. PREP teaches couples how to effectively communicate, work together as a team to solve problems, manage conflict without damaging closeness, and preserve and enhance commitment and friendship. It is designed for premarital and marital couples, whether distressed or not. PREP is not therapy; it is an educational and practical application opportunity to learn what works in a relationship. Participation in the PREP is a huge boost to family readiness and functionality. The role of PREP is to teach partners to express themselves, get to the heart of problems, avoid standoffs, and connect with each other instead of pushing each other away. When one becomes better at open communication, learns how to keep discussions from negatively escalating into arguments, and knows how to connect with others, then commands and families positively benefit.
Return and Reunion For Marines:- A standardized “Return and Reunion for Marines” presentation has been developed, and is posted on the MCCS website for use by unit commanders and installation staff (commanders, chaplains, MCFTB staff). All unit commanders, installation commanders, and the CG, Marine Forces Reserve are tasked to ensure that Marines receive this brief before returning home.
Return and Reunion For Spouses:A standardized “Return and Reunion for Spouses” presentation has been developed, and is posted on the MCCS website for use by installation staff (commanders, chaplains, MCFTB staff). All installation commanders and CG, Marine Forces Reserve are tasked to ensure that deliveries of it are readily available and marketed to family members (spouses, children, and significant others) aboard receiving installations and at appropriate reserve locations as early as 30 days prior to return of units. A narrated and annotated version of this presentation is available through the Navy’s Lifelines 2000 for those not proximate to an installation or otherwise unable to attend a live presentation.
Return and Reunion Guide For Marines and Families:- Return and Reunion Guide for Marines and Families has been developed for use by single Marines, married Marines, spouses, Marines with children, significant others, and Marine Reservists going back to civilian jobs. It will be provided in a cargo pocket sized hard copy to all Marines prior to their departure from the theater of operations, and is available on-line to installation staff and family members at home.
Support Groups:- Based on the needs at their installations, MCFTB Coordinators have facilitated support groups for family members of Marines who have been detached from their non-deploying units and sent on deployments with the operating forces. These family members occasionally do not have access to a traditional KVN and can benefit from additional support.
Task Oriented Response Team (TORT):- Currently only available in Camp Pendleton, the Task Oriented Response Team is a command driven event and a very specific service concept intended to service and support units specific needs, typically during deployment phase. This concept has been provided at Camp Pendleton for units who have seen a high number of injuries and/or fatalities. The response team, comprised of Marine and Family Services counselors, provide stress reduction trainings for unit families and Key Volunteers. The stress reduction briefing can then be followed up with small breakout counseling sessions or individual counseling- again provided by Marine and Family Service counselors. The TORT is capable of offering briefings on a variety of topics relative to the needs of the unit and is not restricted to combat related issues. Contact your local Marine and Family Services office to coordinate a TORT. Though the TORT is not staffed by MCFTB, they do become involved in the process as a part of deployment readiness.
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