Lifestyle, Insights, Networking, Knowledge, and Skills (L.I.N.K.S) is a program within Marine Corps Family Team building that enhances the readiness of Marines, single married, and their families by offering an orientation to the Marine Corps lifestyle.

Historically L.I.N.K.S has been offered only to Marine Corps spouses. The Commandant of the Marine Corps, General James Conway, has issued new guidance for the Family Readiness programs. L.I.N.K.S classes are available for Marines, parents of Marines, and the children of Marines.

The program works through a partnership of volunteer spouses, Marine Corps Family Team Building (MCFTB) staff, Marine Corps Career Retention Specialist, and Chaplains.  The discussion group leaders are experienced military spouses who facilitate the learning process by using a mentoring style of presentation.  The climate is informal, with a nurturing structure and format.  Participants receive real life tips, information on Marine Corps culture, and available resources to enable them to help themselves. 

L.I.N.K.S provides information on:

• Marine Corps history tradition and language
• Benefits and services
• Financial awareness
• Dealing with separation and deployments
• Tips on moving
• Effective communication

“Very helpful!  It made me put everything into perspective!”
“Very helpful!  I learned a lot!”
“I enjoyed all the helpful information.  I believe I will use a lot of the information.”
“I think this class was really nice.  I learned new things and I’m really glad I came.”
“I gained a whole new perspective on my Marine and his feelings, thoughts, and view on the Corps.”
“I think it was very helpful and inspirational!”
“Wow!  There is so much assistance out there for everything.”
“Fun and creative, lots of information to cover, but helpful.”

Test your knowledge of Marine Corps history and traditions. Take the “test” here.

1. Which battle does the “blood stripe” on a Marine’s blue trouser represent?
   

   Battle of Belleau Wood
   Guadalcanal
   Chosin Reservoir
   Chapultepe

2. Which of these Marines is a two time MOH recipient?
   
   

   SgtMaj Dan Daly
   1stLt Presley O’Bannon
   Cpl Comacho
   GySgt Joshua Stelly

3. The four core elements of a Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) are:
   

   ground combat element, installation personnel admin center, joint reception center,
         expeditionary warfare school.
   command element, ground combat element, aviation combat element, combat service support.
   command element, ground combat element, recruiting command, Marine Corps logistics       command.
   

4. An unmarried child of a Marine between the ages of 21 and 25, who qualifies as a full-time student, is eligible for an ID card.
   

   True
   False

5. As a Marine Corps family member with an ID card, you are only permitted to shop at Marine Corps retail facilities.
   

   True
   False

6. All of the following are MCFTB programs except...
   

   Family Readiness/LifeSkills
   PREP
   Family Member Employment Assistance Program
   LINK

7. The Navy Marine Corps Relief Society is a nonprofit charitable organization whose purpose is to assist Navy and Marine Corps service members and their families in times of need with financial assistance.
   

   True
   False
   
   

8. This is a portion of pay designated to be set aside for a specific purpose, such as support of family, payment for a debt, or a deposit to savings.
   

   Garnishment
   Allotment
   Allowance
   Federal income tax

9. The Relocation Assistance Program is responsible for
   

   giving you money for moving on PCS orders
   cleaning your house when you move out
   hosting PCS seminars to answer questions about moving
   pet-sitting when you move

10. Enrollment in the Exceptional Family Member Program is an automatic disqualifier for a Marine to advance in his or her career.
    

    True
    False

Congratulations! You have completed the test. Want to know more? Contact Marine Corps Family Team Building and sign up for L.I.N.K.S. The program, designed to assist Marine family members “navigate the scarlet and gold road,” will provide a wealth of knowledge on Marine Corps life. Call us at 703-693-1457.

Marine Corps Family Team Building Director
703-693-4840

L.I.N.K.S. Trainer
703-693-1457