My friend and I are considering joining the military together. Is it even possible to enlist with a friend and stay in the same unit or base? How would we go about arranging that?
Yes, the U.S. military does indeed offer a program that allows friends to enlist and go through training together. It's known as the "Buddy Program." When you and your friend enlist together under this program, you'll attend Basic Training and/or Advanced Individual Training at the same time, which could increase your chances of being stationed together later on. This isn't always guaranteed, but it's more likely if you join via this program.
As for how to go about joining, you and your friend would need to notify your military recruiters about your intent to enlist as buddies. It's important to discuss this early on in the enlistment process to ensure your paperwork is properly marked and processed.
It's crucial to understand that although the Buddy Program can align your training timelines, your long-term assignments will depend on a variety of factors such as military occupational specialties, the needs of the service, and the availability of spots in specific units or bases. You and your friend might be stationed together, but it's not a certainty. Make sure to discuss these specifics with your recruiter to have a clear understanding of what to expect.
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