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You had a battle buddy in combat. Someone who had  your back while you had theirs. In intense situations, when you checked to make sure you were okay, you checked that your buddy was okay, too. It was good to know that someone was looking out for you - and that you, in turn, were helping to keep your fellow troops safe.  

But now that you're home, how come you don't have a battle buddy here, too? As we've all learned, for combat veterans, the battle doesn't end on the battlefield. Readjustment is full of challenges - everything from re-bonding with kids who you can't believe grew. so. much. in. a. year. to finding a job, to the tough stuff like Combat Stress and PTSD - and it feels like none of the civilians around you really know what you're going through.

Maybe it's time that troops keep having a battle buddy - even after they've returned from combat. Someone who's got your back as you navigate your way through civilian life. And even if everything's going great for you and you're cruising your way through your transition (in which case - tell me your secret!), it's still important that you have a buddy. Because maybe your buddy's not doing so great. Maybe he or she wishes there was someone to call when no one else seems to get it. Or, maybe they haven't reached out to anyone, and aren't planning to - but your phone call, your Buddy Check, could make all the difference in easing things up for them. Sometimes, just letting someone know that you've got their back, that you know what they're dealing with and can offer support, advice or even just camaraderie, can help people in their battle for readjustment. 

So, whether you're doing okay, or you're working through some issues of your own, find a readjustment buddy, and make sure you've got their back.