Installation Chaplain Programs
Each military service branch offers programs designed to enrich marriage and maintain a healthy relationship by helping couples develop better communication skills and rekindle the romance. These programs are generally:
- Run by chaplains and supported by commanders, Military and Family Support Centers, and installation family readiness programs
- Non-faith-specific
- Either low-cost or free to service members and spouses
Air Force + Space Force: Marriage Care is a weekend retreat program designed to help Airmen and their families reintegrate into family life after a deployment. Marriage Care is open to active duty, reserve and National Guard Airmen, and their spouses.
Army: Strong Bonds offers single Soldiers, couples, and families relationship-building skills to thrive within the military lifestyle. The Strong Bonds couple weekend retreat is offered by Army chaplains and is designed to strengthen relationships, inspire hope, and rekindle marriages. Strong Bonds is open to active duty Army, Army National Guard, Army Reserve, and Air National Guard families.
Coast Guard, Navy + Marine Corps: Chaplain’s Religious Enrichment Development Operation (CREDO) Spiritual Fitness Division provides Coast Guard, Navy and Marine Corps families with 4 programs offered at 10 locations worldwide. Retreat options include Personal Growth retreats, Warrior Transition retreats, Marriage Enrichment retreats and Family Enrichment retreats. All CREDO retreats are free, including meals and lodging. Registration is required.
National Guard + Reserves: National Guard and Reserve families are eligible for the Service programs listed above, as well as marriage enrichment programs within your state of assignment. Marriage enrichment programs vary by state. While some are Service-specific, many programs are becoming “purple” and welcome families from all Services. If there isn’t a marriage enrichment program specific to your Service in your location, don’t be afraid to ask a sister-Service if you can attend their program.