Home >> Marine & Family Services >> L.I.N.K.S.

.:Lifestyle, Insight, Networking, Knowledge & Skills:.

Bldg. 696 T Cottontail Rd.
760-830-1696
Mon - Fri: 7:30am - 4:30pm
Sat, Sun & Holidays: Closed

L.I.N.K.S. is an official Marine Corps program which helps families connect to the Corps.

The Marine Corps has expanded its definition of family, to include the family Marines were born into, sworn into, and married into.  The L.I.N.K.S. program now offers multiple curricula to accommodate all aspects of a Marine’s family: L.I.N.K.S. for Spouses, L.I.N.K.S. for Teens, L.I.N.K.S. for School-Age Kids, L.I.N.K.S. for Marines, and L.I.N.K.S. for Marine Parents and Extended Family.

.:The Meaning of L.I.N.K.S.:.

L - Lifestyle is a way of living; in this case, it means understanding the military community and the unique lifestyle it offers.
I - Insights come from experienced Marine Corps spouses, who relate their experiences of living the Marine Corps lifestyle.  These spouses understand first hand what you are going through and who want to help you adapt to the new culture you married into.
N - Networking represents the relationships you form during L.I.N.K.S. and throughout your journey in the Marine Corps.
K - Knowledge is what you will leave with and what will help you understand and navigate the Marine Corps culture.
S - Skills learned to help you enjoy and thrive in our Marine Corps community.

.:L.I.N.K.S.:.

L.I.N.K.S. for Spouses -- L.I.N.K.S. for Kids -- L.I.N.K.S. for Teens

L.I.N.K.S. for Marines -- L.I.N.K.S. for Marine Parents & Extended Family

CAX - A Day in the Life of a Hero

L.I.N.K.S. Mentor Training – Schedule Coming Soon!

Childcare is provided by CDC and should be reserved one week in advance.

January 9- LINKS Spouse 8-5
January 13, 14- Mentor Training 6-9
January 29- LINKS Marines 8-3
February 9, 11- LINKS Spouse 8-1
February 24, 25- LINKS KIDS 4-6
March 9, 10- LINKS Spouse 8-1
March 16 & 17- LINKS Teens 4-7

April 1- KIDS CAX 9-2
April 20, 21, 22- LINKS Spouse 6-9
May 6- Spouse CAX 8-4
June 12- LINKS Spouse 8-5
June 18- LINKS Marines 8-3

July 13, 15- LINKS Spouse 8-1
July 20, 21- LINKS Kids 10-2
July 29- LINKS Teens 9-5
August 10, 12- LINKS Spouse 8-1
August 17, 18- Mentor Training 6-9
September 10- LINKS Marines 8-3
September 14, 15, 16- LINKS Spouses 6-9

October 5, 6- LINKS Kids 4-6
October 28- Spouse CAX 8-4
November 20- LINKS Spouse 8-5

.:LINKS for Spouses:.

Introduction - Introduces the L.I.N.K.S. concept and welcomes spouses to the Marine Corps Family.

The Corps - Outlines USMC structure and mission to include Navy personnel attached to USMC units.  Provides historical insights and discusses traditions.

The Maze:  Benefits and Services - An overview of benefits, privileges, and resources available to USMC families; including the location of these services and how to access their wealth of information.

Pay Day - Explains the differences between a civilian and a military paycheck, while introducing the Leave and Earning Statement (LES), including a general discussion on basic pay and allowances.  Beneficial financial management tips are also presented.

Separation and Deployment - Discusses the inevitable separations USMC/Navy families will experience and provides suggestions from seasoned spouses on how to successfully balance the additional responsibilities when your Marine is away.

Crossroads:  Moving in the Military - Insights on the moving process; everything from the first packer’s inspection to clearing quarters.

Getting Along - Focuses on healthy interaction with others in the family and community.  Insights into the role of the Navy Chaplain and family support.

Staying Marine - Provides participants with information on the benefits and opportunities for those who choose to “Stay Marine”.

Investing in Your Community - Explores the benefits of becoming involved in your community, inside the gate and out.

Closure/Celebration - Cake cutting and Celebration—Summation of the L.I.N.K.S. journey and encouragement to participants to continue developing their knowledge and skills—and to “Pass the Word” to other spouses.

.:LINKS for Kids:.

L.I.N.K.S. 4 Kids is a fun-filled, half-day workshop for Marine kids ages 6-12.  L.I.N.K.S. is delivered by MCFTB staff and mentor volunteers.  The program offers an orientation to the Marine Corps lifestyle, helping youth adapt to the unique challenges military life often presents.  The curriculum targets school age youth 6-12 years old.

The climate is informal, with a fun nurturing structure and format.  Youth receive real life tips, information on Marine Corps culture, and available resources to enable them to help themselves.

L.I.N.K.S. 4 Kids is a forum for youth to pass on their Marine Corps Lifestyle insights in a positive, casual, and fun environment; using the concept of “helping others help themselves.”  L.I.N.K.S. 4 Kids provides school age youth the opportunity to make new friends and enjoy being a part of the Marine Corps family.

Introduction - Introduce youth participants to L.I.N.K.S. and help them feel comfortable with one another and their surroundings.

The Marines Corps - Provide an overview of the organization and mission of the Marine Corps. 

My Hero is Away - Understand deployments you may encounter as a Marine Corps youth.

Are you Plugged in? - Develop an awareness of internet safety.

Smooth Move - Provide knowledge, tips and information for a successful military move.

Friends Rule - Understand characteristics of being a good friend.

Community Connection - Discuss the importance  of becoming involved in your neighborhood.

Celebration - Celebration of the L.I.N.K.S. journey and encourage you to “Pass the Word” to other youth.

.:LINKS for Teens:.

Marine Corps Teens look to one another to …

• Understand the Marine Corps mission and how it affects them.
• Access (ACE) the knowledge and develop the skills to successfully meet the challenges ahead.
• Make new friends. Reach new levels!!!

Introduction - Introduce the L.I.N.K.S. concept and welcomes teens to the Marine Corps Family.

The Corps - Provide an overview of the organization and mission of the Marine Corps.  Discuss basic history, tradition and culture. 

Map it Out - Become more informed about the many services, benefits, and privileges Marine Corps families have and how to access them.

$how Me the Money - Educate teens on financial awareness.

The Real Deal - Understand separations and deployments you may encounter as a Marine Corps Teen and to be emotionally and intellectually prepared.

Marine Teens on the Move - Provide knowledge, tips and information for a successful military family move.

Getting Along - Understand other cultures and backgrounds and to focus on getting along.

Community Connection - Discuss the importance and benefits of becoming involved in each new community and to encourage participants to discover the opportunities available in each of these communities.    

Celebration at the Cyber Café - “Cyber Café” — Summation of the L.I.N.K.S. journey and encouragement to participants to continue developing their knowledge and skills — and to “Pass the Word” to other teens.

.:LINKS for Marines:.

Introduction - Introduces the L.I.N.K.S. concept and welcomes Marines.

The Maze:  Benefits and Services - An overview of benefits, privileges, and resources available to Marines and their families; including the location of these services and how to access their wealth of information.

Pay Day - Explains the differences between a civilian and a military paycheck, while introducing the Leave and Earning Statement (LES), including a general discussion on basic pay and allowances.  Beneficial financial management tips are also presented.

Separation and Deployment - Discusses the inevitable separations or deployments Marines and their families will experience, and to educate the Marine of the emotional impact associated with the absence.

Crossroads:  Moving in the Military - Insights on the moving process; everything from the first packer’s inspection to clearing quarters.

Getting Along - Focuses on healthy interaction with others in the family and community.  Insights into the role of the Navy Chaplain and family support.

Staying Marine - Provides participants with information on the benefits and opportunities for those who choose to “Stay Marine”.

Closure/Celebration - Cake cutting and Celebration—Summation of the L.I.N.K.S. journey and encouragement to participants to continue developing their knowledge and skills.

.:LINKS for Marine Parents & Extended Family:.

L.I.N.K.S. for Marine parents and extended family members recognizes that for many of our Marines, their parents and extended family members play a major role in their lives, providing both support and advice.  The content focuses on parents and the extended family new to the Marine Corps community.  The program offers an orientation to the Marine Corps lifestyle, helping the participant better understand the unique challenges military life often presents.  With an increased level of understanding comes an increased ability to provide support and advice as the parent or family member of a Marine.  It is imperative to understand however, that family members who are non-ID card holders will be unable to utilize many of the services listed within this document. 

Introduction - Introduces the L.I.N.K.S. concept and welcomes participants to the Marine Corps family.

The Corps - The United States Marine Corps - Outlines USMC structure and mission to include Navy personnel attached to USMC units.  Provides historical insights and discusses traditions.

• National Defense Organization
• History of the USMC
• Marine Corps Oaths
• Marine Corps Recruiting Command
• USMC Installations
• Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF)
• Marine Forces Structure
• Marine Expeditionary Force Structure
• USMC Rank Structure
• USMC Uniforms
• USMC Social Functions
• Common Terms Used in the Marine Corps
• How to Tell Military Time
• Marine Language Quiz
• Glossary of Traditional Marine Corps Language
• USMC Acronyms

The Maze - The Maze: Benefits and Services - An overview of benefits, privileges, and resources available to USMC families; including the location of these services and how to access their wealth of information.  This section is provided for information only, as non-ID cardholders many parents and extended family members are unable to access many of these services.

• Local Map/Resources
• Commissary
• MCCS Programs and Services
• Other Quality of Life Programs and Services
• Casualty Procedures

Pay Day - Explain the differences between a civilian and a military paycheck, while introducing the Leave and Earning Statement (LES), including a general discussion on basic pay and allowances.  Beneficial financial management tips are also presented.

• Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
• Pay and Allowances and Deductions

Separation and Deployment - Discuss the inevitable separations Marine families experience and provide suggestions on how to successfully balance the additional responsibilities when your Marine is away.

• Corresponding with Your Marine’s Leadership
• Deployment Emergency Contact Sheet
• Deployment Checklist
• Operational Security (OPSEC)
• Care Packages
• MotoMail
• Activities for Children
• Return, Reunion, and Re-Integration

Crossroads - Moving in the Military - Insights on the moving process; everything from the first packer’s inspection to clearing quarters.

• Information Gathering-Who can help (RAP/Military OneSource/Sponsor)
• Money and Moves-Allowances and Entitlements
• Checklist for Moving
• Household Goods (HHG) Claims Information
• Words of Wisdom (WOW)

Staying Marine - There are many reasons why “Staying Marine” makes sense financially, emotionally and professionally.  This section offers some of the more notable reasons to stay and provides a sample career progression for officers and enlisted alike. 

• Example Career Progression - Officer
• Example Career Progression - Enlisted
• MOS Roadmaps - Paths toward Promotion
• Military Occupational Specialties (MOS)
• “Stay Marine” Overview
• Stay Marine - 11 Benefits
• Benefits at a Glance

LINKS for Spouses & LINKS for Marine Parents and Extended Family
Now L.I.N.K.S. has an interactive, multimedia version of their training online! Perfect for the spouse or family member with a schedule that doesn't allow time for in-person training, or one who doesn't have access to a L.I.N.K.S. team. Online training includes fun exercises, printable handouts for each session and a certificate of completion. Click HERE to visit L.I.N.K.S. Online now.

.:CAX - A Day in the Life of a Hero:.

Although the L.I.N.K.S. program is available at most bases, MCAGCC is the only base to offer the unique experience of L.I.N.K.S. CAX. Named after the Mojave Viper training regimen our Marines go through before deployment, formerly called Combined Arms Exercise or CAX, this program takes you beyond the classroom and allows you to catch a glimpse of the training village, take a ride in a seven-ton and enjoy a field meal, MRE style. CAX for Kids and Teens is a day of hands-on exploration into the life of a Marine. Youth will have the chance to eat an MRE, try on a flak jacket, run an obstacle course and more!

Although all of the information is given in just one day, the quality and content is the same. The participants still learn the history of the Corps; customs, courtesies and dress; rank structure; career planning; communication; deployment readiness; finance; PCS and moving; as well as an overview of what the community and the high desert have to offer!