Thread: Buddy system??

Please see an answer I pulled for you after googling "US Army Buddy System"

Well, the actual buddy system used to be an enlistment option, but it hasn't been used in a few years, because of increased deployments etc.

It guaranteed basic training, MOS (military occupational specialty - job) training and the first assignment together. It is different today, and here is what happens now:

Basically, if they are both qualified to do the same job (MOS), and enlist for the same MOS they can go to basic and their MOS School (called AIT, Advanced Individual Training) together. Their first assignment after that is up in the air. They may be together after training, they may not be.

If they don't pick the same MOS at enlistment, then they can sometimes arrange Basic Training together, although it is more difficult to line that up. Obviously, they would then go to different AIT's afterwards.

Just let them know that if they pick the same MOS, they will go through all their training together, but may not end up with the same first duty station. Sometimes they get lucky and get assigned together after training.
Source(s):
Retired Army
Former Recruiter

Posted 2 years ago

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One closing comment, dont confuse this enlistment opportunity with the "buddy buddy system" one which I became closely aquanted with in my own training. Buddy buddy system is a method of training that teams you up with a training platoon mate, and you have to do your own stuff BUT be responsible for your buddys screw ups... man I got mucho smoked through training on this... funniest being on the inspection parade on the General Officer Commanding inspection, the company in the warm up went left turn and my buddy went right... the dude was a redneck from the hills but damn, that doesnt compare with his next screw up which was the slide action of the weapon not being released before the General came around.... ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh dude... that afternoon was NOT pleasant!!.. It went from getting smoked to getting nuked!!.... At the end of it, all I could do was............ My central nervous system was at full load... needless to say, we went to different units after training....

I've heard of going to BCT & AIT or OSUT together only if the same MOS is chosen but I really haven't heard of a buddy system for a long time. Obviously if one of them picks Infantry & the other Artillery then they'll be going to different posts for their respective OSUTs.

Originally Posted by MSG Glenn

I've heard of going to BCT & AIT or OSUT together only if the same MOS is chosen but I really haven't heard of a buddy system for a long time. Obviously if one of them picks Infantry & the other Artillery then they'll be going to different posts for their respective OSUTs.

Yep, I think thats what the chap said also, has to be the same MOS's... but heres the thing, if you need an FNG in two different units (2nd and 3rd Batt looking for 11 booboos) doesnt unit needs take preference?... Seems like a long stretch to gaurantee same unit, and what if you were raised by your cousin and your surrogate family send their own son with you in a buddy system?..

Needs of the Army trumps everything, Exo.

My cousin, our buddy & I all joined the Navy after H.S. under the buddy system. Our contract read Submarine School right after bootcamp. Well my cousin left a month before me, My buddy broke his foot & had to wait an additional month anyhow. That one was understandable. When questioned about that they told my cousin that a seat in Submarine School had opened at that time so he had to go to bootcamp earlier to take advantage of it. Of course that was then & that was the Navy but I've never fully trusted any type of buddy system. My brother-in-law went into the Army with his school pal & the only time they saw each other was at basic & that was the last time. Different MOSs, different AITs & different duty assignments. You're probably just as well off going it alone.

I've heard that too, Sir. I think you're right that it started n the German Army but I wouldn't doubt if the Roman Legions didn't have something like that, too.

It's a sound idea but when the needs of the Army, any Army, trumps any promises it can be counterproductive. I know my cousin was pretty upset about the whole deal. It didn't bother me too much but by then I had heard from my cousin & he pretty much told me what to expect.