MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- In order for spouses and children of Marines to cope with the hurdles of a military lifestyle, Camp Pendleton’s Marine Corps Community Services “L.I.N.K.S” spouses together for when their Marine deploys.

The L.I.N.K.S program focuses on the Marine Corps’ ‘Lifestyle’, ‘Insights’ from experienced spouses to assist in adapting to the lifestyle, ‘Networking’ with other spouses and people during the Marine Corps journey, ‘Knowledge’ to help navigate the military culture and new ‘Skills’ to succeed in the Marine Corps community.

“All spouses, whether they live on or off base, are encouraged to attend,” said Cheri Meredith, program coordinator, MCCS. “The training is conducted in a fun way so attendees have a good time learning about how to cope with the loss of a loved one and focusing on the added responsibilities around the house.”

During the sessions, mentors, other spouses who have been living the Marine Corps’ lifestyle for many years and some who are newer to it, cover topics such as Marine Corps history, base services and resources, military moving, deployment and separation, and investing time to participate in the Pendleton community’s numerous family-oriented events.

“We develop a mentor team,” said Meredith. “The L.I.N.K.S. mentor is a dual program; they mentor other spouses and in return it gives them invaluable public speaking experience they can use on their résumés.”

Some of Meredith’s goals are sharing her knowledge learned during more than a decade of experience living as a Marine Corps spouse and helping other spouses learn more about military life and the Marine Corps. She advises spouses to begin participating in activities as soon as they arrive here and teaches the ins and outs of moving in the military.

“One bit of advice I would give about taking on the role as a military spouse is not to stress about it,” she said. “Research your new duty station, schools, community and make living arrangements before getting there.”

While the program’s curriculum targets those who are new to the Marine Corps community, the information provided is very beneficial at all levels of military lifestyle experience.

Sessions for L.I.N.K.S are held the first and second week of each month at the Marine Corps Family Team Building’s Family Readiness Center, located near the San Luis Rey housing area.

Free child care is available at the Child Development Center during L.I.N.K.S sessions and interested spouses should call 760-725-2335 for more information.