Battle buddy

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. Most participating soldiers have reported satisfaction and have agreed that the Army should implement the system fully, although there have been cons reported as well. 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.[1][2]

Advantages and disadvantages

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
  • 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[2][3][4]

Evaluations

Soldiers were asked to evaluate and rate their satisfaction with the "Battle Buddy Team Assignment Program" in order to gauge whether the program should be implemented by the Army.[2] Surveys were created to assess:

  • The role of personality variables
  • Self-assessments of successes due to battle buddies
  • Potential situational influences
  • Buddy interactions/assessments[2]

The following table, for example, displays soldiers' ratings of satisfaction with the Battle Buddy system:[2]

Disliked Very MuchDislikedNeitherLikedLiked Very much
5%4%10%31%50%

This table, on the other hand, shows soldiers' agreement that battle buddies are good Army practice:[2]

Strongly disagreeDisagreeNeither agree nor disagreeAgreeStrongly agree
5%5%22%24%44%

Suicide prevention

Suicide prevention is a major objective of the battle buddy system. In 2006, the suicide rate in the United States Army increased by 37% and, by 2009, there were 344 completed suicides by military personnel (211 of whom were members of the Army). In response, efforts to identify suicide prevention initiatives have increased; military and legislative officials found the assignment of battle buddies to be an effective method of decreasing military suicide rates.[1]

See also

References
  1. Duckworth, Tammy. "Mental Health in the Army." All Psychology Careers | The Psychology Career and Education Center. 2011. Web. 25 Jan. 2011. <http://www.allpsychologycareers.com/topics/mental-health-army.html>
  2. Ramsberger, Peter. "Evaluation of the Buddy Team Assignment Program." Army. Army.mil, Oct. 2002. Web. 24 Jan. 2011. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 23 July 2011. Retrieved 6 February 2011.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)>
  3. Allen, Reginald E. "Command Battle Buddy Program." Army. Army.mil. Web. 24 Jan. 2011. <http://www.hood.army.mil/3d_acr/Regiment/PolicyLetters/Command%20Battle%20Buddy%20Program.pdf>.
  4. Dunz, James V. "What It Means to Be a Battle Buddy." Army. Army.mil, July–Aug. 2010. Web. 24 Jan. 2011. <http://www.wood.army.mil/engrmag/PDFs%20for%20May-Aug%2010/Dunz.pdf>
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