Family Support
The Family support system within the Marine Corps has changed from what was once a hodge podge of wives groups and phone trees into a command oriented approach. The migration into today's cohesive approach has a history, that although painful at times, did work just not very effectively. It all started with a group called the Key Volunteer network.
The Key Wives Network began with the increasing percentage of married Marines and the realization that issues concerning family members impact on a Marine's ability to focus on the duties assigned. The Key Wives Network proved its value during Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm when many units deployed with little advance warning. Family members left behind relied on each other for information, help, referrals, and support. In recognition of the valuable contribution made by the informal networks, General Carl E. Mundy Jr., Commandant of the Marine Corps, formalized the Key Volunteer Network within the Marine Corps.
Just as the Network has evolved over time, so has the role of those Volunteers. Overall, Volunteers are better trained today and are more professional in the execution of their duties than those of any previous time. They are also keenly aware of their role as a conduit for communication between the families and the unit. The unit Volunteer Network is a reflection of the CO and his/her priorities; its strength lies in its ability to assist the unit by serving the needs of its families.
There are several handbooks, or guides, that you may find useful. We have them in our archives as well. You will notice that there are two possible links shown. The first is where we located what we added to archives while the second is , in fact, a link to our archival copy. We did it this way because when government entities reorganize their web presence there are sometimes links that get overlooked.
Unit, Personal And Family Readiness Program (UPFRP)
MCO 1754.9B dated 25 MAR 2019 [ at Marines.mil ] [ from Our Archives ]
Family Readiness Command Team Handbook undated [ at MCCS LeJuene ] [ from Our Archives ]
Family Readiness Officer Curriculum Handbook V3 dated June 2013 [ at MCX ] [ from Our Archives ]
Deployment Support Handbook dated 2015 [ at Navy.mil ] [ from Our Archives ]
L.I.N.K.S Handbook dated 2018 [ PERSONAL Site ] [ from Our Archives ]
Readiness & Deployment Handbook dated 2017 [ MCCS Okinawa ] [ from Our Archives ]
These manuals are from the Key Volunteer Program and although outdated may contain information that you may find useful. They have been DELETED from Marines.mil and are no longer avialable.
OUTDATED Key Volunteer Network Commanding Officer's Guide NAVMC 2917 [ from Our Archives ]
OUTDATED Key Volunteer Network Key Volunteer's Guide NAVMC 2918 [ from Our Archives ]
OUTDATED Key Volunteer Network Key Volunteer Coordinator's Guide NAVMC 2919 [ from Our Archives ]
OUTDATED Key Volunteer Network Key Volunteer Training Guide NAVMC 2920 [ from Our Archives ]