Battle Buddies

By KP Palmer

We rarely come into Army (or military) life knowing what to do and how to act.  Our first duty station profoundly shapes us, whether it is by the location, mission, or the people that serve with us. 

As we think back to that first unit function, the first FRG meeting, or the first deployment, we might remember the deep gulf of “unknowns” we were faced with as we started this journey.

We may also remember that first spouse with whom we felt that “instant connection”, or felt that jolt of energy when we meet someone else who simply “gets us”. 

This phenomenon of instant attraction occurs because, in the Military, we measure our time differently than our civilian counterparts do. Meeting a new person in the world of the military is not a slow, crockpot simmer of our thoughts and interests. 

It is more like the intense heat of an Instant Pot…. fast, hot, and ready to be tested quickly.

In our special world, friendship is measured similarly to dog years: one month is equal to about seven, and by the time December comes around, that new friendship we made in June is now 42 months old.

That’s how we roll.

So when the time comes to form those really important relationships known as “Battle Buddies” it’s no wonder that we rarely hesitate to fill those spots.

What helps us survive this challenging life is the simple reality that there is ALWAYS some type of battle buddy lined up and ready to serve. 

When it is time to deploy them to duty, which one do you need? Which one are YOU?

1. The Drill SGT: This Battle Buddy is the one who makes us face the truth and sometimes, the truth isn’t pretty! They are always ready to give us the kick we need to start that diet, get to the gym, volunteer, or apply for the job. They keep us from doing too much, motivate us when we try and hide, and they make sure we don’t go to the commissary in our sweats. 

2. The Alexa BB: – This BB can answer almost any question and keeps us squared away with reminders of when permission slips, taxes, or any other important things are due. This BB is all over current events and places we need to be. They are up to date on everything from local events to the latest TRICARE policies. They know obscure things from how long we can leave a child unsupervised to the best place to order gifts. 

3. The Spiritual GURU BB: – Battle Buddies also keep tabs on each other’s behavior. There are times when loneliness and stress get the better of us and when we are feeling overwhelmed, we can always fill up our cups with the help of our 

4. The “Will you be My Lorelei Gilmore” BB: – This Buddy is ready at any moment to grab a cup of coffee and offer witty repertoire. The talk can be serious or lighthearted, but there is always constant chatter and the latest coffee infusion. And by infusion, we mean strong coffee with NO side of judgment.

5. The Mary Poppins BB: – That person who takes our kids when we are ready to sell them on EBAY. That angel of a friend, who still loves to hold babies or loves to plan outings for surly teenagers. They show up when we are craving solitude or just need time to run an errand. 

6. The “Real Housewife BB” – When we need to focus on something a little less serious than everyday life. Whether it’s a run to the local outlet mall or just hitting a flea market (or thrift store) to hunt for a bargain, this buddy doesn’t disappoint (or discourage). This is the buddy (if stationed in Germany) who convinces us that a 6-hour drive across the border to Poland (to get yet another piece of pottery) is the best idea ever, and they will be at our door (passport in hand) by 4 AM the next day.

7. The “Fat Amy” BB– Our Rebel Wilson-worthy friend who knows that sometimes we need more than a little shopping to decompress, and they are more than happy to plan it! They organize the party, make sure we let our hair down, and provide at least 25 ways to laugh. Whether the event is a movie, dinner, night of dancing, or a weekend away, this BB is there to make sure we let off some steam.

And FINALLY there is…..

The Break Glass BB- The ultimate in Battle Buddies. 

This BB is numbers 1-8 rolled into one. The “Break Glass BB” is the fire extinguisher behind the glass. We all will eventually need to “break the glass. 

Whether it is an ER visit,  a kid pick up, or just an unforeseen emergency, this “ride or die” buddy is there. No questions asked, just an immediate response of “I got you” in any and every situation. 

No problem is too big (or too small), and no distance too great. 

Over the years, we have built our own force of people who support us. We may have just one or many Battle Buddies in our own Army, but we can’t survive this life without them!