FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- The battle buddy system teaches Soldiers how to work together as a team and how to look out for fellow Soldiers at all times "They're always together and that allows them to never feel like they're alone, "The idea is to let Soldiers feel like someone's always got their back. " Battle buddies help each other through training and everyday life, Even when they're not working, the two are supposed to help each other when necessary. "It's a good idea to have somebody with you when traveling off post," "Having someone there to watch out for you, on and off post, is always a good thing.

Having a battle buddy is a really good way to get to know people," Having a battle buddy will also solve a bad situation easier then handling it by yourself. For example a female soldier who was being taken advantage of by some guys. If it wasn’t for your battle buddy being there, things might have been harder to handle yourself. Hi "It's always good to have someone to talk to and someone who really listens," "At first, you may have your guard up because you don't know the person you've been paired with.You need to be more open minded about the situation because the battle buddy is the guy who's going to be there for you in every situation ." However, relying on a battle buddy can make a big difference in a Soldier's morale, she added.

There was a time when she was in an advanced individual training course that her battle buddy helped her through a tough situation. A Battle Buddy is a partner assigned to a soldier in the United States Army. Each Battle Buddy, is expected to assist his or her partner both in and out of combat.A Battle Buddy is not only intended for company, but also for the reduction of suicide; since each watches his partner's actions, a Battle Buddy can save their fellow soldier's life by noticing negative thoughts and feelings and intervening to provide help Evaluations of the Battle Buddy system have identified the following advantages: * Reduces rates of suicide and sexual assaults * Buddies keep each other informed about key instructions and information * Promotes cooperative problem-solving * Increases morale * Encourages soldiers and motivates increased confidence * Decreases stress Eases transition to the military lifestyle * Improves safety in training and combat * Improves communication for soldiers not fluent in English * Promotes better leadership skills[2][3] The following potential disadvantages have also been identified: * Personality conflicts can cause tension and decrease positive effects * Adds extra responsibilities * Interferes with desired activities * Requires the commitment of caring for another person Suicide prevention is a major objective of the Battle Buddy system  I am here to tell all of you that being a Battle Buddy to someone is the best gift you can give him