Strengthening Our Force. Learn to ACT.
Combat readiness and operational excellence depend on total fitness—mental, physical, social, and spiritual.
When stress mounts or life challenges arise, looking out for one another is an operational necessity.
The ACT card is designed to fit in a wallet or uniform pocket, ensuring that life-saving crisis guidance and direct contact lines are always within reach.
If you believe a fellow Marine, friend, or loved one is in immediate danger, do not leave the person alone.
Ask: Assess their safety by asking direct questions: “How are you feeling?”, “Thinking of giving up?”, or “Are you thinking of killing yourself?”
Care: Provide active, non-judgmental support. Listen attentively with respect. Ensure they know they are not alone and that their unit stands with them.
Take Action: Secure any lethal means immediately. Connect the person directly to leaders, mentors, chaplains, or medical resources.
Crisis Response
If you believe a fellow Marine, friend, or loved one is in immediate danger, do not leave them alone.
· Call: Dial 988 and Press 1; call 911 in an emergency.
· Chat Online: Click on Veterans Crisis Line or 988 Lifeline
· Text: Send a message to 838255 or 988.
If you are calling from a DSN phone, dial 988. If calling from off-base, visit www.usmc-mccs.org/protect and click on “I want to help someone else” to find a list of international phone numbers.
Support Resources
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Chaplains: 100 percent confidential support
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Operational Stress Control and Readiness (OSCAR) Team Members: Peer-to-peer identification of stress
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Mental Health Providers: Direct clinical care
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Suicide Prevention Program Coordinator/Officer: Your unit’s primary contact for prevention
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Military & Family Life Counselors: Confidential counseling with virtual options
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Community Counselors: Counseling for individuals, couples, and families with virtual options
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Military OneSource: 24/7 access to specialized support with virtual options
Order ACT Cards for Distribution
To request ACT cards to distribute to your unit or at your program’s office, contact your local Behavioral Health branch head or Embedded Preventive Integrated Capability (EPIC) director or regional primary prevention integrator.