Training families is essential for a successful deployment

Photo By Sgt. John Robbart III | Mary C. Henson, Lifestyle Insights Networking Knowledge Skills trainer, Marine and family programs, explains some of the issues families often face during a deployment at the condensed Lifestyle Insights Networking Knowledge Skills course held at the Abby Reinke Community Center, March 14. The MEU’s class was designed to prepare families for deployment by focusing on emotions, resources, pay, inter-family communication and volunteering.  

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON , CA, UNITED STATES

03.21.2012

Story by Cpl. John Robbart III 

15th Marine Expeditionary Unit

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - The 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s family readiness officer hosted an event to educate Marines, sailors and family members on the benefits and support that are available, during a class held at the Abby Reinke Community Center, March 14.

The class was a condensed version of the Lifestyle Insights Networking Knowledge Skills course, and was an opportunity for spouses to familiarize themselves with how the military operates. It focused on emotions, resources, pay, inter-family communication and volunteering.

“The purpose of today’s class is to give junior service members and their spouses fundamental information on Marine Corps basics,” said Rebecca M. Roman, family readiness officer, Command Element, 15th MEU. “There is a wealth of resources available for the family members. My job is to make sure they are as prepared as they can be for this deployment.”

The class started with a lesson on the common emotional cycle deployments often cause for the families at home. Since both service members and their spouses were present, this was a dual learning opportunity.

“The families need to support their Marine or sailor so they can focus on mission,” said Mary C. Henson, LINKS trainer, Marine and Family Programs. “The deployments don’t get easier, but the more you can prepare for them the easier they’ll be,” added the Marine spouse.

Over the years, the amount of resources available to the military and their families has significantly grown. In order to test the knowledge of the students, the LINKS instructors held a jeopardy-style quiz on those very resources.

“Playing the game about resources made the class more fun,” said Cpl. Stephen M. Box, embarkation specialist, Command Element, 15th MEU. “I learned about some resources I had never even heard of. I’m glad I was there,” added the 24-year-old native of Memphis, Tenn.

One of the many preconceived notions associated with military deployments is that there is an increase in pay. The various factors involved with deployment pay were also explained at the class.

“The class on pay really helped me out,” said Cpl. Kristopher J. Robinson, maintenance management chief, Command Element, 15th MEU.

“I’m glad that this information was explained to us now so that we can more effectively budget our money,” added the 22-year-old native of Kansas City, Mo.

For more information regarding 15th MEU family readiness, contact Roman at 760-429-5385 or by email at [e-mail].

• Date Taken: 03.21.2012
• Date Posted: 03.21.2012 16:44
• Story ID: 85563
• Location: MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON , CA, US