MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- With more than 50 percent of marriages ending in divorce in the country, the Marine Corps has committed itself to reducing that number within its ranks by requiring newlyweds and engaged couples to attend introduction marriage courses.

Aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, the Prevention Relationship Enhancement Program is designed to help couples move in the right direction.

The day-long course is based on hours of research and focuses on helping couples communicate with one another without fighting, explained Lt. Robert LeCompte, deputy command chaplain here and a Port St. Lucie, Fla., native.

“Communication is key in a relationship,” said Lance Cpl. John Cotto, an aviation technician with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 165 and a Springfield, Mass., native. “[This course] made it easier to refrain myself from talking over [my wife] and to listen to what she is trying to say.”

While the course focuses mainly on communication, it also addresses other aspects and challenges married couples face.

“It talks about keeping things fun, child care, differences in personalities in spouses and being aware of the pitfalls from your personal past,” said LeCompte.

The Base Chapel holds this course every first Thursday of the month. For more information or to sign up, contact the chapel at (858) -577-1333.