Posted on Oct 2, 2018
Why the change from using the term “battle buddies” to “warrior companions”?
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I recently was corrected by different superiors on different occasions when I used the term ‘battle buddies.’ I was told I should use “warrior companions” now. Battle buddy is now a faux pas. When did this change? I said roger but later tried to learn why the change but nobody knew why, and apparently many had not heard of the change. Were several superiors pulling my leg on different occasions? Or is “battle buddy” now offensive? I call folks my “battle.” But if I call them my “companion” it begs the question what sort of companion? Has “battle buddy” gone the way of “good buddy?” Did it gain some sexual innuendo that I’m not aware of? Or is it offensive to those who have not been to a real battle? What about those “warrior companions” who have not yet been to real war? To be sure I’ve never had a person to complain when I called them my battle buddy. They knew what I meant. I feel a SHARP complaint coming if I call someone my companion. Mybe not so much warrior companion. I have searched for the memo or regulation but cannot find it anywhere. Am I the only one who has heard of this change?
Army Regulations
Policy
Political Correctness
Posted 6 y ago
Responses: 26
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It started out a joke ALARACT written by the guy that created the Bob on the Fob comic strip: https://www.stripes.com/blogs-archive/the-rumor-doctor/the-rumor-doctor-1.104348/remember-the-warrior-companion-rumor-here-s-the-backstory-1.149701#.W7NoMRRRfI0
But it did pick up traction all over the Army. As recently as last year you could find memos at Bliss mentioning "Warrior Companion".
In my BN, we prefer the term "Combat Lifestyle Partner".
But it did pick up traction all over the Army. As recently as last year you could find memos at Bliss mentioning "Warrior Companion".
In my BN, we prefer the term "Combat Lifestyle Partner".
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Honestly, both of them sound lame. "battle buddy" or "warrior companion", I would use neither. I think soldier, Marine, Sailor or Airman to address each other sounds far more professional than
"battle buddy".
"battle buddy".
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CW3 Michael Bodnar
Absolutely. I had a bunk/rack mate at Parris Island and every time one of us went to the quarterdeck, the other followed. We were tight and I'm still in contact with him today.
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Cpl Jeff N.
CW3 Kevin Storm - We used "hey (add your expletive here)". The more the other person liked you, the worse the expletive was, usually.
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SFC Jim Ruether
I agree 100%. If you are in my fighting position you are Carter, Erickson, O'Connel, or Peterson whatever.......... so if I get shot and need a battle dressing you aren't returning my request with a dumb look wondering if I mean you Battle Companion. I would seriously beat anyone up that called me that to my face!
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