Is the buddy system mandatory outside of AIT, BCT or training environment?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 14:34:42 -0400

Is the battle buddy system to be used outside of training environment wether it be same gender or opposite gender

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2020 2:37 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 14:37:06 -0400

It is highly recommended for safety purposes but is not a requirement. Check to see if the organization has a policy in place on this because it varies depending upon the organization.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2020 2:37 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 14:37:24 -0400

It's always good to have a battle with you....but outside of BCT and AIT, it's not required unless Commands require them....especially at training exercises.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2020 2:42 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 14:42:32 -0400

As others have said, outside of TRADOC environments, it's not required. However, if you are new to a post or an area, if you can't get someone to come with you, make sure someone knows where you are going, and when you expect to be back. The Army has an acronym for this: GOTWA:
G: Where are you going?
O: Others going with you?
T: Time you expect to be back
W: What happens if you don't return?
A: Actions on contact (while you are away) [usually only applicable in tactical environments]

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Jul 1 at 2020 3:29 PM

SSG Carlos Madden — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 15:29:29 -0400

I don't think it's an Army policy but it's always a good thing to do regardless. As an individual it's always good to have a witness with you incase something happens or to help you if you ever need it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2020 3:56 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 15:56:21 -0400

I have my guys set up in 2 man teams for when we are out in the field, but back at the armory I don't worry about it. Even as a TL I still have one guy that is my battle when we head out for training, always good to have someone know where you are. But they are not required to be with thay person all the time like BCT/AIT or OSUT.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2020 4:06 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 16:06:11 -0400

So what I’m getting from this is that there’s no army regulation that says that You have to be with a battle buddy at all times

Response by Sgt Jordan Foster made Jul 1 at 2020 5:04 PM

Sgt Jordan Foster — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 17:04:24 -0400

Lmfao no bro.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Jul 1 at 2020 5:25 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 17:25:51 -0400

As most peoplensaid, not usually. Some ibstallations or units require them for specific circumstances, however. One installation had a river that ran through it. Anyone within a certain distance (I think it was 100m) had to have a battle buddy - but it was only for that river. Some places are weird.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2020 5:38 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 17:38:21 -0400

It was required 40 years ago in the infantry as a SOP. You always had a buddy with you in the field and when going off post OCONUS.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2020 5:51 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 17:51:19 -0400

No. I haven't had to have a "battle buddy" since AIT. I didn't even have to have one in Iraq and I was the only female working night shift the second deployment. First one, sometimes I'd leave work with S3 guys. Sometimes I'd go by myself.

I thought I read we're the only branch that does it but I could be wrong. I know the AF doesn't do it because there was something about if they started having it in basic and there was some uproar about it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2020 9:34 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 21:34:56 -0400

Yes it is mandatory. No matter where you go, bring your Warrior Companion. Don’t let these others lie to you and say otherwise.

Response by SGT Donald Croswhite made Jul 1 at 2020 10:19 PM

SGT Donald Croswhite — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 22:19:58 -0400

The buddy system is a way of life in the infantry. Your greatest resource is the soldier next to you.

Response by SPC Stewart Smith made Jul 2 at 2020 1:27 PM

SPC Stewart Smith — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 13:27:49 -0400

Not a requirement, but strongly encouraged. A battle is always a good thing to have around especially if things go down.