There is a new program that is designed to benefit active duty Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Corps Servicemembers, and their families. It is a program that is designed to help mentor and support military spouses. The program is called COMPASS, and it one that hopes to give support and direction to military wives and husbands of active duty Servicemembers serving in the Armed Forces. The program is based on the AFTB Army program, and also the LINKS program in the Marine Corps, and it is supposed to give support, assistance and help to spouses of military personnel. The goals of the program include giving information on how the military operates, what their service’s mission is, and how the military System operates.
While mainly a Navy program, the program also includes Coast Guard and Marine Corps installations, where the only difference is that on such installations the information is inclusive about that particular service, not the Navy. It is set up in an informal system of small groups and classroom support settings, the meetings are often held at Servicemember homes and community centers on or near military bases. The classes are taught by experienced military spouses themselves, volunteers that are devoted to helping others understand and acclimate to the military way of life.
A volunteer group that serves Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard families, the Navy Services Family line is the overall supervisory agent for this new program. The COMPASS program is supposed to encourage and support the Navy (or sister service) Spouse, and guide them gently on a tour of what the service, what the military at large, is all about.
While it has most of its efforts centered in the Navy, it also supports similar meetings in Marine Corps and Coast Guard installations throughout the United States and Internationally.
This is a program that examines such things as basic rate/rank structure, basic entitlements and pay, benefits and services, and other things dealing with military life. It is set up for three sessions; each lasting about four hours long, and participants are paired up with an experienced military spouse to act as a “mentor” while they participate in the program.
So far the COMPASS program has been a rousing success. It is based on mentoring, encouragement and a spouse to spouse support network, which helps the individual and group immensely. It sets up peer networks, and support groups which directly affect the individual and family success in life and military activities.