Strong Bonds Experience and Recommendations?

CH (COL) Geoff Bailey — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 20:45:38 -0400

What has been your experience with the Army's Strong Bonds program? How did it help you? How well was it run and organized? Would you recommend it to another service member?

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Apr 29 at 2015 5:48 AM

SCPO David Lockwood — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 05:48:15 -0400

My strongest experience with bonding was when I made Chief in the Navy. The whole process taught us to work as a group and rely on one another because you can't do everything alone. That was back in 1995 and that group and I was initiated with are still friends today and I believe we will be friends for the rest of our lives.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2015 10:45 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 10:45:33 -0400

I go to the Strong Bonds retreats here in 7th SFG (A) as often as I can. It's like a PMCS for the marriage. Do these functions go over the same things, yes. But my wife and I learn something new every time. It also helps us to stay on track with previous lessons. Sometimes we can get so busy with our lives we forget to use these lessons learned. I think our personal favorite is the "Laugh You Way to a Better Marriage". I would highly recommend any Soldier and spouse going to any strong bonds retreat.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2015 12:25 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 12:25:17 -0400

Not sure if it was called Strong Bonds, but It sounds like the same program. It actually helped my spouse and I especially since my husband is not from a military background. He doesnt participate in "Spouse" events because they are geared towards wives. Other than what I tell him he knows nothing about military culture and we have been married 14 years. Ive been enlisted since before we married. I would say it placed him in a fun environment and he learned. We loved it.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2015 8:16 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 May 2015 20:16:03 -0400

Awesome experience! I love this program. My family and I attended a Strong Bonds retreat a couple of years ago and it was incredible. We had a blast and learned quite a bit. Definitely would recommend to anyone!