Coronavirus

Coronavirus Resources

Marines

Installation Resources

VideoUpdated 05/19/2021

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.

Most people who fall sick with COVID-19 will experience mild to moderate symptoms and recover without special treatment.

Marine Corps Community Services is firmly committed to helping protect the health and safety of Marines, their families, and our employees. We will continue to monitor the situation closely. We are ready and available to help support your needs online, by phone, and at Marine Corps installations around the globe.

Updated 03/09/2021 CDC Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People

How it spreads

The virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or exhales. These droplets are too heavy to hang in the air, and quickly fall on floors or surfaces.

You can be infected by breathing in the virus if you are within close proximity of someone who has COVID-19, or by touching a contaminated surface and then your eyes, nose or mouth.

Sympotoms

COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Most infected people will develop mild to moderate symptoms.

Common symptoms:
• fever.
• tiredness.
• dry cough.

Some people may experience:
• aches and pains.
• nasal congestion.
• runny nose.
• sore throat.
• diarrhoea.

On average it takes 5–6 days from when someone is infected with the virus for symptoms to show, however it can take up to 14 days.

People with mild symptoms who are otherwise healthy should self-isolate. Seek medical attention if you have a fever, a cough, and difficulty breathing. Call ahead.

Prevention

Protect yourself and others around you by knowing the facts and taking appropriate precautions. Follow advice provided by your local public health agency.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19:
• Clean your hands often. Use soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Maintain a safe distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Cover your nose and mouth with your bent elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Stay home if you feel unwell.
• If you have a fever, a cough, and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention. Call in advance.
• Follow the directions of your local health authority.

Avoiding unneeded visits to medical facilities allows healthcare systems to operate more effectively, therefore protecting you and others.

Treatments

To date, there are no specific vaccines or medicines for COVID-19.

Treatments are under investigation, and will be tested through clinical trials.

Self care

If you feel sick you should rest, drink plenty of fluid, and eat nutritious food. Stay in a separate room from other family members, and use a dedicated bathroom if possible. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

Everyone should keep a healthy lifestyle at home. Maintain a healthy diet, sleep, stay active, and make social contact with loved ones through the phone or internet. Children need extra love and attention from adults during difficult times. Keep to regular routines and schedules as much as possible.

It is normal to feel sad, stressed, or confused during a crisis. Talking to people you trust, such as friends and family, can help. If you feel overwhelmed, talk to a health worker or counsellor.

Marines

Community Counseling

The Community Counseling Program has made appointments available via phone and Skype, while in-person access is restricted. Contact your local office to confirm or schedule your tele-appointment.

You can also use apps like these: https://www.pdhealth.mil/resources/mobile-applications

Federal Voting Assistance Program

Updated

The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) is tracking the impact of the coronavirus pandemic 2019 (COVID-19) on Service members, their eligible family members, and U.S. citizens abroad, when voting absentee during the remainder of the 2020 election cycle.

In its role under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA), FVAP is working closely with partners at state and local election offices, the United States Postal Service (USPS), the U.S. Department of State (DoS), and within the Department of Defense (DoD) to provide assistance for voters experiencing international mail disruptions, shifting election dates, and other potential effects on the 2020 election cycle related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fitness: The HITT Workouts of the Day are now modified to incorporate at-home workouts! Stay active while facilities are closed by following the HITT Facebook page.

Information and Referral: Information and Referral (I&R) provides accurate, timely resources and can help reduce the stress of information overload. Your installation Marine and Family I&R specialists are ready to provide one on one consultations with you so that you can get the relocation information that you need. I&R colleagues at all United Way and 211 centers remain available to answer calls regarding the situation. All you need to do is dial 2-1-1 from your home, cell or work phone and you will be connected with the nearest community I&R center to you. If you are looking for resources for families at other locations, you can find an agency near them by going to www.211.org and selecting their location.

For further information contact your local Information, Referral, and Relocation staff.

Libraries: Most libraries are closed as a result of COVID19, however there are myriad opportunities available online. Digital library resources include such things as the Navy Digital Library, Tutor.com, EBSCO online resources and testing, Kanopy and Kanopy Kids for television shows, Scholastic for Children, and so much more!

Marine Corps Family Team Building: Marine Corps Family Team Building courses, for the most part, are on hold as a result of COVID-19. In some locations, the MCFTB team is able to offer virtual sessions, however they are not available at every installation. For those commands who have required Family Readiness Program Training that is due, for the next 30 days, an exception to policy is granted for Command Team training, Family Readiness Command Team Advisor training, and Family Readiness Assistant training for DRC/URC inspection purposes. HQMC will provide guidance every 30 days.

Marine For Life: Reach out to the Marine for Life Network, which connects transitioning Marines, veterans and their families with education, employment, and community resources that aid in their career and life goals. Live updates on current opportunities and information are available here. You can also connect with a Marine for Life Representative near you.

Military One Source: Military OneSource is committed to providing service members and military families everywhere with up-to-date information, resources and answers regarding its impact on military life.

The Military OneSource call center remains available 24/7/365 for personalized support. CONUS personnel can call 1-800-342-9647, and OCONUS calling options are also available.

This can be a demanding time. If you are feeling stressed, Military OneSource counseling services are also available by phone, video, and online.

MWR Programs

Many MCCS facilities are closed: base gym, club dining rooms, youth center, etc., while other facilities remain open Exchanges/Food Marts/Gas Stations. Most nonessential services are closed and we continue to strive to ensure access to essential services.

The Marine Corps is providing online resources and information via this website and social media to make time more productive, healthy, and endurable, both mentally and physically. Examples include providing High Intensity Tactical Training (HITT) workouts that can be done at home or in the barracks, enabling Community Counseling services via personal electronic devices, and centrally locating free online library, education, recreation, and entertainment resources and activities that are available to our Marines and their families.We are also working on an activity-based calendar for Month of the Military with daily activities to help families keep children engaged during this time of social distancing.

Personal & Professional Development: While COVID-19 may have impacted in-person services, your P&PD teams are still available to provide support through telephonic and other virtual efforts. Support from the Family Member Employment Assistance Program, Voluntary Education Program, Credentialing, and Leadership Scholar Program is available at each installation, and some courses are available through JKO or other online means.

Personal Financial Management: In light of COVID-19, the PFM staff continues to be available, in most cases, by virtual means. Support is also available through your Command Financial Specialist, located within each unit. Because COVID-19 has impacted the installations ability to provide in-person Personal Readiness Seminars (PRS), for the next 30 days, please use the JKO version of PRS for Marines who are due to meet this Financial Education Action Point.

Protect Your Health During a PCS in the COVID-19 Environment: Updated
If your PCS date is coming up, review this checklist to ensure you're prepared to make the move in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Protect Yourself From Scams!: If you suspect any fraudulent/criminal or cyber schemes targeting Department of the Navy personnel, facilities, or infrastructure during this pandemic, call the NCIS COVID-19 Fraud/Scam Hotline at 1-800-386-8762.

Skillbridge: Marines participating in the DoD SkillBridge Program will comply with OUSD P&R Memo dated 8 March 2020 (Travel Restrictions for DoD Components). Commanders are authorized to approve continued participation in SkillBridge programs in accordance with MARADMIN 162-20 (Travel Restrictions and Personal Guidance For Travel) with appropriate SES or GO level approval. Installation Commanders will make determinations for continuing SkillBridge training opportunities aboard their installation. The use of alternative training methods, including virtual training, is encouraged.

Substance Abuse: In light of our continuing national COVID-19 situation, an additional 60 day extension to the required timeline for Deployment Readiness Coordinator (DRC)/Uniformed Readiness Coordinator (URC) Training, Command Team Training, Family Readiness Command Team Advisor, and Family Readiness Assistant training outlined in MCO 1754.9B has been issued. For inspection purposes, commands are covered by the exception through 30 June 2020.

Transition Readiness Program

Transition Readiness Seminars continue to be offered virtually due to COVID restrictions. In addition to JKO options, the Department of Labor increased their virtual delivery capability of the DOL Employment workshop.

Marine Corps Installation TRS POCs, located below will provide location specific information for transitioning Marines.

Marines with upcoming end of active service (EAS) date or retirement dates may request a service extension through the current fiscal year if COVID-19 or its mitigation efforts are impacting the ability to carry out a smooth transition.

In the event Marine Corps installations providing TRS have implemented restricted or suspension of regular services, the Transition Readiness staff will utilize modified procedures for completing transition requirements. Training codes will remain the same. Priority of service will be based on the end of active service (EAS) date of the transitioning Marine. Virtual capabilities may include, but are not limited to phone, Defense Collaboration System (DCS), Zoom, Skype, etc. TRS requirements include:

Initial Counseling completed face to face or virtually
Pre-Separation Counseling completed face to face or virtually
All TRS Workshop modules completed face to face or via Joint Knowledge Online (JKO)
Capstone Review completed face to face or virtually in most cases, by virtual means.

In addition to the option to complete TRS online through your local Transition Readiness office, the VA Transition Assistance Program (TAP) is working with all services to offer resources for transitioning during this time.

Review the following resources from the VA TAP:
VA TAP One-On-One Assistance
VA Coronavirus Remote Support
VA eLearning Options

Starting 1 April, the VA will provide remote one-on-one assistance to service members. The VA TAP team continues to work diligently to balance our mission of supporting service members and veterans with protecting the health and safety of our staff, their families, and those we serve in these unprecedented times. VA recognizes the valuable experience that transitioning service members have when they connect directly with VA. Despite any changes in normal VA TAP operations, service members still have the opportunity for remote One-On-One Assistance sessions with VA Benefits Advisors to preserve a sense of connectivity, and get their questions answered after participating in the JKO VA Benefits and Services course.

Contact your local Transition Readiness Program office to determine your next steps.

Local Transition Readiness POCs

Albany	Christopher Sanders (christopher.sanders@usmc.mil)
Beaufort	Rickey Johnson (rickey.johnson@usmc.mil)
Camp Lejeune	William Oldenburg (William.Oldenburg@usmc-mccs.org)
Camp Pendleton	Allison Callahan (allison.callahan@usmc.mil)
Cherry Point	Teresa Brice (teresa.a.brice@usmc-mccs.org)
Hawaii	Jeff Esposito (jeffrey.esposito@usmc.mil)
Henderson Hall	Stephanie Hechktopf (stephanie.hechtkopf@usmc.mil)
Iwakuni	Anthony Goodsell (anthony.goodsell@usmc-mccs.org)
MARFORRES	Cynthia Nothstein (cynthia.nothstein@usmc.mil)
Miramar	Larry Martin (larry.martin@usmc.mil)
Okinawa	Joanne Whitman (joanne.whitman@usmc.mil)
San Diego	Mina Threat (Mina.Threat@usmc.mil)
Quantico	Parisa Fetherson (parisa.fetherson@usmc.mil)
Parris Island	Veronica Perez-Romero (veronica.perez-romer@usmc.mil)
29 Palms	Christopher Ward (christopher.l.ward@usmc-mccs.org)
Yuma	Anthony Steen (Anthony.steen@usmc.mil)

Unit Personal and Family Readiness Program: In light of our continuing national COVID-19 situation, an additional 60 day extension to the required timeline for Deployment Readiness Coordinator (DRC)/Uniformed Readiness Coordinator (URC) Training, Command Team Training, Family Readiness Command Team Advisor, and Family Readiness Assistant training outlined in MCO 1754.9B has been issued. For inspection purposes, commands are covered by the exception through 30 June 2020.

Victim Advocacy Services

Sexual Assault Prevention Response In light of COVID-19, Marine Corps Sexual Assault Regional Coordinated and Victim Advocates continue to work with commands to prevent sexual assault within all ranks and provide care for those affected by sexual assault.

Victim Advocacy remains an essential service, and SARCs and SAPR VAs maintain telephonic and/or in-person availability throughout the Marine Corps.

SAPR is a commander’s program with non-delegable duties that require continuous oversight. Commanders are responsible for cultivating an environment in which sexual assault is not tolerated; conducting regular training on how to respond to and report a sexual assault; ensuring those who are sexually assaulted are treated impartially, with dignity, and without prejudice; and holding offenders accountable.

Family Advocacy Victim Advocacy through the Family Advocacy Program for victims of domestic abuse and for non-offending parents of children who have been abused remain essential and available as well, with services provided telephonically

Installation Resources

Check with your local installation offices to ensure continuity of service and operations. Below is a list of dedicated coronaviurs webpages from installations who have published one:

Installation

MCRD Parris Island & MCAS Beaufort

Families

Childcare

Virtual Annual Training Options available for CYP to ensure CYP Direct Care staff continue with their professional development and pay progression.
MCB Quantico – Child Development Center (CDC) South is temporally closed due to positive COVID-19 case. Program will relocate to CDC North to resume operations for mission essential.
MCAS Iwkauni – All CYP has closed until further notice. Currently pending COVID-19 test results with Management Staff.
MCCS Lejeune-New River – All CDCs will begin to reopen, 5 May as more Marines and Civilians are returning to workforce.

Each Marine Corps installation and its community are facing different circumstances. This is not a one-size fits all situation, so local commanders are working with their childcare development center staff to assess daily operations. When able, they will stay open to support childcare needs.

Currently 11 out of 14 Installation CYP Programs are operational across the Marine Corps.Enrollment is based on essential need and mission of each Installation.

Each CYP is frequently cleaned and sanitized inside and outside the classrooms/facility throughout the day.

Staff and children will increase handwashing practices.

Program adjustments may include:

Limiting classroom ratios of no more than 10 (to include staff)
Limit visitors to/from the programs/classrooms
Increase health screenings in the lobby as children/parents and staff enter the facility.
Limit operations to full time care for mission essential personnel (limit and/suspend hourly care and part day / supplemental programming).

Education

Many organizations are offering free or discounted online educational tools and programs that you can take advantage of while children are home from school. Don't forget to reach out to your local School Liaison Program office for more resources. Here are some to start:

EFMP

The U.S. Secretary of Education has issued new resources to assist educaters to ensure that students with disabilities continue to receive services required under the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act in the event of school closures due to COVID-19 outbreak. This federal guidance answers common questions about when and how state and local education authorities must provide instruction, including when to consider use of online or virtual instruction.

Military OneSource EFMP ROC is available 24/7 to answer questions associated with special needs.

Schedule a live chat 24/7
Get information and referral
Find online learning resources

State Department issued guidance to passport processing centers, notifying them that only 'essential' passports are being processed at this time. Marine Corps dependent with regular OCONUS PCS orders are not considered essential and are not being processed at this time.

BUMED reporting that approximately 70% of CONUS deployed response to COVID is coming from the Navy, which is impacting appointment availability at MTFs, to include the medical portion of suitability screening in many locations.

It is possible that dependent family members will not have completed suitability determinations or passports when Stop Movement guidance is lifted. MM has been notified and is working with individual Marines, as needed.

Federal Voting Assistance Program

Updated

Libraries: Most libraries are closed as a result of COVID19, however there are myriad opportunities available online. Digital library resources include such things as the Navy Digital Library, Tutor.com, EBSCO online resources and testing, Kanopy and Kanopy Kids for television shows, Scholastic for Children, and so much more!

Professional Development

360 Training (Regulatory Approved Training – government or employer-required courses): https://www.360training.com/
Candid (How to acquire funding for your nonprofit): https://candid.org/?fcref=lr
Media Bistro (Improving Media Careers – courses, feedback, mentors, webinars, etc.): https://www.mediabistro.com/
Microsoft Learn (Professional Learning Paths): https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/
No Red Ink (Building Stronger Writers through interest-based curriculum, adaptive exercises, and actionable data): https://www.noredink.com/
Treehouse (Learn to Code, Gain a New Skill, or Job Search): https://teamtreehouse.com/
Udacity – Improving Job Skills (Free 30 Day Trial): https://www.udacity.com/

Staying Engaged

With school closures and children being sent home, it is important for both parents and children to acclimate to new schedules and routines during this period. Here are some tips for keeping your children engaged at home:

Create/keep a routine for activities and time limits throughout the day.
Use digital education tools to help keep your children academically on track.
Coordinate with your child's school to collect and complete learning materials, assignments, and be informed on the submission and grading process.
Use puzzles, crafts, and board/card games to keep your children entertained.
Enlist your children's help with household tasks and cooking during the day.
Help your children overcome social distancing with communications tools, like Kids Messenger, and educational games and apps that can be used virtually with friends.

Education

Audible Stories

Kids everywhere can instantly stream an incredible collection of stories, including titles across six different languages, that will help them continue dreaming, learning, and just being kids.

All stories are free to stream on your desktop, laptop, phone or tablet.

Cool: Marine Corps Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) is a credentialing awareness, information and resources capability for all Marines. In addition to general information on credentialing and licenses, Marine Corps COOL also provides extensive associated linkages covering the gamut of education, transition, recruiting, career and veteran’s resources.

Education

Khan Academy: Khan Academy offers practice exercises, instructional videos, and a personalized learning dashboard that empower learners to study at their own pace in and outside of the classroom.

Leadership Scholar Program: The Leadership Scholar Program (LSP) helps exceptional Marines who want to pursue their education at highly selective schools after they transition out of the Marine Corps, with an emphasis on junior enlisted Marines.

Libraries: Most libraries are closed as a result of COVID19, however there are myriad opportunities available online. Digital library resources include such things as the Navy Digital Library, Tutor.com, EBSCO online resources and testing, Kanopy and Kanopy Kids for television shows, Scholastic for Children, and so much more!

Librivox: Librivox provides free audio books from the public domain. You will find 5000+ books in their catalogue.

MarineNet: The Marine Corps distance learning network, MarineNet, is the one-stop shop for online Marine Corps training and education products. MarineNet provides 24/7 access to thousands of online courses. The MarineNet portal is at marinenet.usmc.mil. For a complete list of courses currently offered, browse the course catalog.

National Science Foundation: A diverse collection of lessons and web resources for classroom teachers, their students, and students' families. Covers Astronomy & Space, Physics, Biology and much more.

PBS LearningMedia: UNC-TV and PBS have curated FREE, standards-aligned videos, interactives, lesson plans, and more for teachers like you.

Project Gutenberg: Project Gutenberg is a library of over 60,000 free eBooks. Choose among free epub and Kindle eBooks, download them or read them online. You will find the world's great literature here, with focus on older works for which U.S. copyright has expired.

Skillbridge: Marines participating in the DoD SkillBridge Program will comply with OUSD P&R Memo dated 8 March 2020 (Travel Restrictions for DoD Components). Commanders are authorized to approve continued participation in SkillBridge programs in accordance with MARADMIN 162-20 (Travel Restrictions and Personal Guidance For Travel) with appropriate SES or GO level approval. Installation Commanders will make determinations for continuing SkillBridge training opportunities aboard their installation. The use of alternative training methods, including virtual training, is encouraged.

Smithsonian's National Zoo: The Smithsonian's National Zoo is committed to supporting teachers, students and families around the globe as they face unprecedented new learning challenges. They are actively developing new materials to help learners of all ages respond to this challenging period, so check back frequently.

Transition Readiness Program

Marine Corps Installation TRS POCs, located below will provide location specific information for transitioning Marines.

Initial Counseling completed face to face or virtually
Pre-Separation Counseling completed face to face or virtually
All TRS Workshop modules completed face to face or via Joint Knowledge Online (JKO)
Capstone Review completed face to face or virtually in most cases, by virtual means.

Review the following resources from the VA TAP:
VA TAP One-On-One Assistance
VA Coronavirus Remote Support
VA eLearning Options

Contact your local Transition Readiness Program office to determine your next steps.

Local Transition Readiness POCs

Albany	Christopher Sanders (christopher.sanders@usmc.mil)
Beaufort	Rickey Johnson (rickey.johnson@usmc.mil)
Camp Lejeune	William Oldenburg (William.Oldenburg@usmc-mccs.org)
Camp Pendleton	Allison Callahan (allison.callahan@usmc.mil)
Cherry Point	Teresa Brice (teresa.a.brice@usmc-mccs.org)
Hawaii	Jeff Esposito (jeffrey.esposito@usmc.mil)
Henderson Hall	Stephanie Hechktopf (stephanie.hechtkopf@usmc.mil)
Iwakuni	Anthony Goodsell (anthony.goodsell@usmc-mccs.org)
MARFORRES	Cynthia Nothstein (cynthia.nothstein@usmc.mil)
Miramar	Larry Martin (larry.martin@usmc.mil)
Okinawa	Joanne Whitman (joanne.whitman@usmc.mil)
San Diego	Mina Threat (Mina.Threat@usmc.mil)
Quantico	Parisa Fetherson (parisa.fetherson@usmc.mil)
Parris Island	Veronica Perez-Romero (veronica.perez-romer@usmc.mil)
29 Palms	Christopher Ward (christopher.l.ward@usmc-mccs.org)
Yuma	Anthony Steen (Anthony.steen@usmc.mil)

Tuition Assistance: TA is available for all active duty Marines with at least 24 months of service. Tuition assistance is also available to reservists on continuous active duty, enlisted reservists ordered to active duty 120 days, and to reserve officers ordered to active duty for two years or more.

Tutor.com: Online tutoring and homework help for U.S. military and their families provided 24/7 at no cost by the U.S. Department of Defense and Coast Guard Mutual Assistance.

Marines Education

Cool: Marine Corps Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) is a credentialing awareness, information and resources capability for all Marines. In addition to general information on credentialing and licenses, Marine Corps COOL also provides extensive associated linkages covering the gamut of education, transition, recruiting, career and veteran’s resources.

Leadership Scholar Program: The Leadership Scholar Program (LSP) helps exceptional Marines who want to pursue their education at highly selective schools after they transition out of the Marine Corps, with an emphasis on junior enlisted Marines.

MarineNet: The Marine Corps distance learning network, MarineNet, is the one-stop shop for online Marine Corps training and education products. MarineNet provides 24/7 access to thousands of online courses. The MarineNet portal is at marinenet.usmc.mil. For a complete list of courses currently offered, browse the course catalog.

Skillbridge: Marines participating in the DoD SkillBridge Program will comply with OUSD P&R Memo dated 8 March 2020 (Travel Restrictions for DoD Components). Commanders are authorized to approve continued participation in SkillBridge programs in accordance with MARADMIN 162-20 (Travel Restrictions and Personal Guidance For Travel) with appropriate SES or GO level approval. Installation Commanders will make determinations for continuing SkillBridge training opportunities aboard their installation. The use of alternative training methods, including virtual training, is encouraged.

Transition Readiness Program

Marine Corps Installation TRS POCs, located below will provide location specific information for transitioning Marines.

Initial Counseling completed face to face or virtually
Pre-Separation Counseling completed face to face or virtually
All TRS Workshop modules completed face to face or via Joint Knowledge Online (JKO)
Capstone Review completed face to face or virtually in most cases, by virtual means.

Review the following resources from the VA TAP:
VA TAP One-On-One Assistance
VA Coronavirus Remote Support
VA eLearning Options

Contact your local Transition Readiness Program office to determine your next steps.

Local Transition Readiness POCs

Albany	Christopher Sanders (christopher.sanders@usmc.mil)
Beaufort	Rickey Johnson (rickey.johnson@usmc.mil)
Camp Lejeune	William Oldenburg (William.Oldenburg@usmc-mccs.org)
Camp Pendleton	Allison Callahan (allison.callahan@usmc.mil)
Cherry Point	Teresa Brice (teresa.a.brice@usmc-mccs.org)
Hawaii	Jeff Esposito (jeffrey.esposito@usmc.mil)
Henderson Hall	Stephanie Hechktopf (stephanie.hechtkopf@usmc.mil)
Iwakuni	Anthony Goodsell (anthony.goodsell@usmc-mccs.org)
MARFORRES	Cynthia Nothstein (cynthia.nothstein@usmc.mil)
Miramar	Larry Martin (larry.martin@usmc.mil)
Okinawa	Joanne Whitman (joanne.whitman@usmc.mil)
San Diego	Mina Threat (Mina.Threat@usmc.mil)
Quantico	Parisa Fetherson (parisa.fetherson@usmc.mil)
Parris Island	Veronica Perez-Romero (veronica.perez-romer@usmc.mil)
29 Palms	Christopher Ward (christopher.l.ward@usmc-mccs.org)
Yuma	Anthony Steen (Anthony.steen@usmc.mil)

Tuition Assistance: TA is available for all active duty Marines with at least 24 months of service. Tuition assistance is also available to reservists on continuous active duty, enlisted reservists ordered to active duty 120 days, and to reserve officers ordered to active duty for two years or more.

K-12 Education

Audible Stories

Kids everywhere can instantly stream an incredible collection of stories, including titles across six different languages, that will help them continue dreaming, learning, and just being kids.

All stories are free to stream on your desktop, laptop, phone or tablet.

Khan Academy: Khan Academy offers practice exercises, instructional videos, and a personalized learning dashboard that empower learners to study at their own pace in and outside of the classroom.

Librivox: Librivox provides free audio books from the public domain. You will find 5000+ books in their catalogue.

National Science Foundation: A diverse collection of lessons and web resources for classroom teachers, their students, and students' families. Covers Astronomy & Space, Physics, Biology and much more.

PBS LearningMedia: UNC-TV and PBS have curated FREE, standards-aligned videos, interactives, lesson plans, and more for teachers like you.

Project Gutenberg: Project Gutenberg is a library of over 60,000 free eBooks. Choose among free epub and Kindle eBooks, download them or read them online. You will find the world's great literature here, with focus on older works for which U.S. copyright has expired.

Smithsonian's National Zoo: The Smithsonian's National Zoo is committed to supporting teachers, students and families around the globe as they face unprecedented new learning challenges. They are actively developing new materials to help learners of all ages respond to this challenging period, so check back frequently.

Tutor.com: Online tutoring and homework help for U.S. military and their families provided 24/7 at no cost by the U.S. Department of Defense and Coast Guard Mutual Assistance.

Entertainment

Audible Stories

Kids everywhere can instantly stream an incredible collection of stories, including titles across six different languages, that will help them continue dreaming, learning, and just being kids.

All stories are free to stream on your desktop, laptop, phone or tablet.

Digital Library Resources

Most Marine Corps libraries and reading rooms are closed or restricted as a result of COVID-19, but you can still access library resources online, from home. Here are some resources available to the Marine Corps community, and you can find more in this article:

Kanopy - Stream movies with your MCCS Library Card. Contact the Library Program at usmclibraries@usmc.mil for assistance creating your free library account, if you do not already have one. Please include name, rank or USMC affiliation (civilian position or retiree) and duty station in your request.
Navy Digital Library - Use CAC access or create a Navy Digital Library account through DS Logon.
Military OneSource - Search for "The Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Digital Library" and create
a Military OneSource account to access the content.

Librivox: Librivox provides free audio books from the public domain. You will find 5000+ books in their catalogue.

National Park Virtual Tours

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah: https://www.nps.gov/brca/
Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico: https://www.nps.gov/cave/
Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida: https://www.nps.gov/drto/
Google’s Virtual National Park Tours: https://artsandculture.withgoogle.com/en-us/national-parks-service/parks
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii: https://www.nps.gov/havo/
Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska: https://www.nps.gov/kefj/
NYC Parks @ Home: https://www.nycgovparks.org/highlights/parks-at-home
Virginia Safari Park: https://www.virginiasafaripark.com/
Yosemite National Park: https://www.nps.gov/yose/
Yellowstone National Park: https://www.nps.gov/yell/

Other

NASA STEM Activities for Students at Home

Project Guttenberg: Free eBooks Database

9 Amazing Street Art Murals in New York

Buckingham Palace Virtual Tour

Great Wall of China

Johnson Space Center

The Hidden Worlds of National Parks, 113 Museum Views

Virtual Tour of the White House

Project Gutenberg: Project Gutenberg is a library of over 60,000 free eBooks. Choose among free epub and Kindle eBooks, download them or read them online. You will find the world's great literature here, with focus on older works for which U.S. copyright has expired.

Quizzes and Games

Atlas Games: https://www.atlas-games.com/
Citizenship Test: https://www.libertyellisfoundation.org/quiz-info/czoyOiIzMSI7
Code Fred: Survival Mode (https://www.msichicago.org/science-at-home/games/code-fred-survival-mode/)
Crossword Enthusiast (Browse and/or Create your own Crossword Puzzles): https://crosswordhobbyist.com/
Dictionary.com’s Crosswords: https://www.dictionary.com/e/crossword/
Disney Jr. Games: http://disneyjunior.disney.com.au/games
Geography Quizzes by Buzzfeed: https://www.buzzfeed.com/tag/geography-quiz
The Guardian’s Crossword Puzzles: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords
How to Play Hearts Card Game: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSr_89K_65c
JackBox Games (How to Play with Friends Remotely): https://www.jackboxgames.com/how-to-play-jackbox-games-with-friends-and-family-remotely/
JetPunk (thousands of free quizzes): https://www.jetpunk.com/tags/all
Learning Games for Kids: https://www.learninggamesforkids.com/
Lumosity Brain Games: https://www.lumosity.com/en/
PBS for Kids Games: https://pbskids.org/
Perfect Fit (Build and Customize Personalized Puzzles): https://perfectfit.sg/
Retro Arcade Games: https://archive.org/details/internetarcade
Sporcle (educational & entertaining quizzes): https://sporcle.com
Stadia by Google (play video games without a console): https://stadia.google.com/
Uno Online: https://www.letsplayuno.com/
“The Witness” Puzzles: https://store.steampowered.com/app/210970/The_Witness/
Words with Friends: https://www.zynga.com/games/words-with-friends-2/

Virtual Tours

National parks and museums are offering virtual tours of their facilities to help you explore from home during this period.

Museums:

National Portrait Museum

Natural Museum of Natural History

Renwick Gallery

The British Museum: Museum of the World

Dali Museum

The Louvre

Museum of the American Revolution

Monticello: Thomas Jefferson’s Home

The Museum of Flight

Zoos:

Atlanta Zoo: Pando Cam

Cincinnati Zoo: Home Safari Facebook Live

Georgia Aquarium: Live Cams of beluga wales, African penguins, jellyfish, and more

Houston Zoo: Live Animals Cams

Loggerhead Marinelife Center: Facebook Live Events

Monterey Bay Aquarium: Live Cams

New England Aquarium: Facebook Live Events & Activities

Oregon Zoo: Video Series with Animals, updated regularly

San Diego Zoo: Watch & Learn

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Video

Fight Vaccine Misinformation Updated 05/19/2021

MARINE MINUTE: CFT CANCELLED

Covid Fatigue

Gen. (Ret) Jim Mattis - Wear a Mask

Marine Minute: PCS with EFMP Families

Stop the spread

Marine Minute: Household Goods Safety

Spiritual Fitness

Maintaining wellness amidst COVID-19

Information on Service Extension due to COVID-19

How to Make Face Mask From a Skivvy Shirt

Users accessing this page on a restricted network should use a personal device to view the videos below.

A Message on COVID-19 from Gen Berger and Sgt Maj Black

Travel Restrictions Extended Through 30 June 2020

Just the Facts on COVID-19

In light of the rapid spread of COVID-19, here are some precautions and resources to be aware of as the situation continues to develop. If you, or your family, are experiencing potential symptoms, you call your health care to determine if you are need of medical intervention. Calling first is a necessary precaution to help contain he spread of the virus. The list of symptoms for COVID-19, according to the CDC includes:

Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath

These symptoms may appear as soon two days and as many as 14 days after exposure. As the numbers of cases in the United States continues to rise, it is important to limit close interaction with others when possible. Please follow your state and local news and guidance for specific information on travel restrictions, lockdowns, and closures.

Resources & Information

Military OneSource provides a comprehensive list of resources and information for military members and DoD civilians.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): https://www.coronavirus.gov

U.S. Government Response: https://www.usa.gov/coronavirus

Center for Disease Control: https://cdc.gov/coronavirus

Department of Defense: https://www.defense.gov/coronavirus

Headquarters of the Marine Corps: https://www.marines.mil/Coronavirus/

Coronavirus Related Articles

Beware of COVID-19 Financial Scams: Fears about the coronavirus and the lack of medical supplies like masks are being exploited by scams. Here are some of the top scams that Marines and families need to be aware of during the covid-19 outbreak.

Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month Observances Continue Through COVID-19 Restrictions: The observation of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month will not be stopped by COVID-19. Read more about how you can support this important awareness initiative.

Volunteer Appreciation Month: Virtual Version: April is Volunteer Appreciation Month! Volunteering looks different in a world that requires physical distancing amid COVID-19 concerns, but you can still get involved with these virtual volunteering opportunities.

Boost your Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Beyond the obvious medical impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, additional impacts are social isolation, financial hardship, and relational pressures. Boost your mental health by staying active and keeping in touch with your networks!

April Is Child Abuse Prevention Month: How can you protect and encourage children during the covid-19 pandemic?