USMC Prevention in Action Newsletter

The Marine Corps responds and intervenes quickly and effectively once aware of problematic behaviors among Marines, Sailors, and dependents. However, we need to improve prevention efforts across the Marine Corps. Historically, we have attacked these behaviors individually and with a narrow focus, while mainly using awareness campaigns and training to reach Marines, Sailors, and families. We are shifting to a more holistic approach to prevention efforts across the Marine & Family Programs p...

Positive Youth Sports Coaching Makes a Huge Difference in Athletes’ Lives

In the dynamic world of youth sports, the significance of positive coaching goes beyond the scoreboards. Centered around the four pillars of mental, social, spiritual, and physical fitness, positive coaching has emerged as a profound force that shapes young athletes' lives both on and off the field. 1. Mental Fitness: Positive coaching fosters mental resilience in young athletes. By focusing on constructive feedback and growth, coaches encourage players to develop a growth mindset, which e...

Tired of Feeling Tired?

Join your Marine Corps community in participating in the inaugural USMC Sleep Challenge, March 4 through 31. The link between sleep, health, and happiness is real and when you are not sleeping well, you aren’t your best. A healthy night’s sleep starts the moment you wake up and includes what you do during the day and your evening routine.  The 2024 USMC Sleep Challenge will test your ability to make lifestyle changes that can help you get enough of the quality sleep you nee...

Looking for Resources? Contact Information, Referral and Relocation

Photo by Lance Cpl. Hannah Hall Information, Referral and Relocation (IR&R) is a one-stop shop, designed to meet the challenges of the mobile military lifestyle by expanding access to resources on- and off-installation. IR&R staff are available to provide individualized assistance with locating information, resources, and referrals, and serve as a liaison between service members and their families and local resources. Relocation services is a mission essential activity that supports M...

24 hours, 7 days a Week of Constant Support

Along with resources provided at the installations, such as counselors, chaplains, and other advisors, the below resources are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and provide support to service members and their families. SUICIDE PREVENTION Veterans/Military Crisis Line Free, confidential resource for all service members and veterans. www.veteranscrisisline.net Call 988, then press 1. Send a text message to 838255. Chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/chat. Calling from Overseas...

Learn to Swim

GET UP TO SPEED UNDERWATER PROGRAM DETAILS 6 months 3 years of age Parent ChildProvides experiences and activities for children and parents to learn about and explore the water together 4 5 years of age Preschool 1 Orients children to the aquatic environment and helps them gain basic aquatic skills Preschool 2Helps children gain greater independence in their skills and develop more comfort in and around the water Preschool 3Helps children start to gain basic swimming propulsive skills to be...

Child and Youth

The Marine Corps Exceptional Family Member Program EFMP is a mandatory enrollment program designed to coordinate permanent change of station assignments for active duty sponsors who have a family member with special needs When Marines are assigned to locations where their family members have access to required care it allows the Marine to focus on the mission enhancing the individual and family readiness EFMP assists Marines in managing the dual demands of a Marine Corps career and the special n...

Family Child Care

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Interested in being a professional FCC ProviderCYP offers a certificate program which will increase your knowledge of child development maximize your skills as a Professional Child Care Provider and provide the resources for a successful home based business Classes are held over a five day period in the New Horizons CDC Building694 You must be 18 year of age or older have a high school diploma a love for children be emotionally stable no convictions or evidence of family v...

Boys & Girl Clubs of America Names 2023 National Military Youth of the Year

Selected among five regional finalists from Boys & Girls Clubs of America-affiliated military Youth Centers worldwide, Xavier B. of U.S. Army Garrison Fort Campbell Children and Youth Services took home Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s 2023 National Military Youth of the Year title, along with an additional scholarship to support his future plans. Emceed by ESPN sports broadcaster, Lewis Johnson for the fifth year in a row, Xavier was honored during the annual National Military You...

Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point Honored for Suicide Prevention

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jeffrey Barnes, the installation executive officer of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point posed for a group photo with installation stakeholders whose hard work and dedication contributed to winning the Marine Corps Suicide Prevention Recognition Award during an award ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, held April 18, 2024. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jack Labrador)  Each year, the United States Marine Corps (US...

Tutoring Resources For Your Student

The new school year is in full swing. This means a little additional support may be needed in certain academic areas for some students. Many resources available to assist your child in mastering specific skills and subjects. Tutor.com/military --- Tutor.com is free for active military members’ dependents looking to  receive one-on-one support from an expert tutor via text/chat or audio. Learners are able to add tutors to their “Favorites,” so they can use them in future s...

What's Your Back-to-School Budget Spending Plan?

School is out for summer, and many of us are looking forward to relaxing. Planning for the 2024-25 school year may be in the far reaches of our minds; however, let’s not push it too far back. If you do, you could risk the potential of spending more money than intended. Here are some helpful tips for back to school on a budget:   Take inventory. Identify what your child already has and recycle their gently used clothing. Children constantly are growing, so instead of replacing...

Resources to Support Emotional Health

Marines and families can access a variety of resources to help them navigate life’s challenges, build skills, and develop coping strategies. Chaplains offer 100 percent confidentiality. Community Counseling Program Free counseling services for active-duty service members and their dependents. CCP provides short-term solution focused non-medical counseling over the course of 8-10 sessions. No referral needed. The Family Advocacy Program addresses child and domestic abuse through p...

Marine Lands Post-Transition Career in Environmental Consulting

Maj. Vincent Stigall, Deputy Branch Head, Personal and Professional Readiness Branch at Headquarters Marine Corps, completed an 80-day SkillBridge program with Hiring Our Heroes (HoH) that led to a job in environmental consulting with Metropolitan Solutions located in Portsmouth, Va. Not only did Maj. Stigall receive on-the-job training with an industry leading employer, but he was also able to take advantage of the many benefits that go along with participating in a HoH Corporate Fellowship co...

Family Conversations Around Grade School Transitions

Transitions between grade schools are pivotal moments in a child’s educational journey, marking shifts in academic expectations, social dynamics, and personal growth. For Marine Corps families, these transitions can be both exciting and scary. Families benefit significantly from intentional conversations and resources like the School Liaison Program to support them during these crucial times. Moving from elementary to middle school introduces increased academic demands with a structured s...

Finding Strength After Domestic Abuse

This article was written by a civilian staff member at Headquarters Marine Corps.    Experiencing domestic abuse can have lifelong implications. Individuals impacted by abuse may feel weak or shame, and often feel alone.   However, the fact that you survived or perhaps are currently surviving in an abusive relationship shows that you have more strength than you might feel.   While the path to healing is different for everyone, we do know that fitness...

How 24/7 Support Lines Make a Difference

Victims of military sexual assault are never alone – no matter when or where assistance is needed. Marines and their families have immediate access to resources and referrals by calling their installation’s 24/7 Sexual Assault Support Line.      The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Victim Advocates (VAs) and Sexual Assault Response Coordinators (SARCs) who staff these support lines are dedicated to getting it right. A single phone call may be the only ch...

Preparing for Natural Disasters as a Marine Corps Family

Creating a plan to manage natural disasters is an essential element of your Marine Corps family’s readiness. While it may feel like a daunting task, there are numerous resources available to assist you.   There are three essential steps in being prepared for an emergency: Stay informed, make a plan, and build a kit. But where do you begin?  Resources to help you get started:  Ready, Set, Prepare is a workshop provided by Marine Corps Family Team Building...

Ten Reasons to Pursue a Career in Childcare

Love working with children and want a fulfilling career? A job in childcare could be the perfect fit! There are numerous benefits to working in the childcare field. Top 10 reasons to work in childcare: 1. Childcare is a stable field. Having a stable career is important and working in childcare provides stability. Childcare will always be needed for working families. Additionally, early childhood education is widely recognized as essential to the growth and development of young children. This...

Spouses Making Connections during a PCS

Searching for a job? Don’t know which installation is the next destination? It’s not impossible to learn the location of your next Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, but it’s certainly not easy.   Check out four strategies to connect in advance:   1. Network online. The internet is the easiest way to stay connected and find relevant information on jobs and employment. Update profiles on Indeed or USAjobs  and fill out their resume bui...

Tips on Going Back to School as a Military Spouse?

In a September 2022 memo titled, Taking Care of Our Service Members and Families, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III laid out specific actions to improve and enhance support to military members and their families.  Helping military spouses meet their educational goals is one way the services are supporting the “taking care of people” effort.   Military spouses may be eligible to sign-up for My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) scholarship program? Recently e...

Whole-Hearted Hand-offs Make PCS Better for EFMP Families

The installation Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) team is a great resource and support for families with PCS orders. One of the primary responsibilities of EFMP is to help families think through, plan, and access specific resources that will help to make the Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move less challenging.  As part of our standardized PCS Warm Hand-Off process, families can expect the following support: • Contact from their Family Case Worker following receipt of orde...

Dangers of Limited Sleep

Many factors could be causing you to lose sleep. Luckily, there are things you can do about it to turn those bad habits into good ones. Service members and shift workers are more likely to experience sleep disturbances, which can lead to: Weight gain. Sleeping too little may prompt you to eat bigger portions and/or crave junk food.  Impaired memory. Lack of sleep can affect your ability to think, remember, and process information.  Impaired reaction time. Lack of sleep puts you a...

Five Health Care Checkups for Your Child Before School Starts

Summer isn’t quite over yet, but it’s almost back-to-school season. For parents, this means that it’s time to make a list of all the things your child needs for the new school year. As you begin to shop for new notebooks, pencils, binders, and clothes, don’t forget your child’s school-related health checklist. Now is the time to schedule appointments and beat the rush, as health care providers are usually busy just before the school year begins. TRICARE provide...

Plan Ahead for a Sane Summer with the Kids at Home

Some families thrive with strict summer schedules, while others manage best with only general guidelines. Whichever feels best for your family, consider using the following tips to help make this your best summer yet!  1.  Embrace Boredom.  Boredom is not a problem to be solved. It is an itch to scratch. Rather than stepping in when you hear the inevitable “I’m bored,” give your kids some time and space to explore the boredom. Watch their curiosity and ima...

Use Your Creative Side to Strengthen Your Coping Skills

Coping with emotions is a life skill that helps us adapt to challenges. Tapping into your creative side is a great, fun resource for healthy emotional expression. You don’t have to be an artist to do so! Creativity is expressed in many forms like visual art (e.g., drawing, painting), writing, cooking, or dancing. In visual art, images describe inner feelings and thoughts. When using art to express intense emotions, we experience catharsis, an emotional release that provides relief and red...

Don’t Sleep on Sleep Continuity

Why does sleep continuity matter?     Sleep continuity is the ability to sleep through the night without waking up and plays a significant role in the ability to cope with stress and regulate emotions. Disrupted sleep continuity is often referred to as fragmented sleep or interrupted sleep. If not feeling refreshed in the morning or experiencing daytime sleepiness, disrupted sleep continuity may be to blame.      What are the effects of sleep continuity disruption?  ...

Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Discusses Resiliency, Trauma, and Stress

Marine Corps Child Care

Many military families with young children require some form of childcare. Unfortunately, the cost of child care is prohibitive for many families. Last month, in a memo titled "Taking Care of Our Service Members and Families," Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, outlined a series of policy changes to help military service members and their families. For Marine Corps families, it means some good news changes to its Child and Youth Programs (CYP) child care fees. Beginning October...

Do You Fight Fair in an argument?

Conflict is a normal and healthy part of every relationship. Well-managed conflict can promote growth, intimacy, and trust in a relationship. Unresolved conflict, poor communication, and unhealthy interactions can chip away at the foundation of a relationship and increase relationship dissatisfaction. Here are some guidelines for resolving conflict fairly in your relationship. Do not avoid it. Avoiding the issue will not make it go away. Pick a time and a place to discuss the problem. Leaving...

Connecting with the Program Staff and Your Peers for Mentoring and Support

Did you know that every major Marine Corps installation has an Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) office, with subject matter experts standing by to assist you with your disability-related needs? The EFMP team of professionals connects families with resources and referrals that will help grow their network of support and reduce additional stressors faced by families. Looking to connect with the local EFMP team? Be engaged. EFMP staff conduct quarterly check-ins with enrolled families. Us...