Chapter Twelve - Buddy List Where You Can Go for Support It is important that you understand that the period of transition back to civilian life will not happen overnight but will take some time. You just looked at common areas of adjustment and began to develop your Reintegration Action Plan–RAP. Most of this readjustment will take place with your natural support system. In this section, list people and places where you may also find support. While you were away, you shared a life-changing experience and made many close friends. Use this support system as an important part of your RAP. Battle Buddy Support System During your service, you formed many close relationships. You survived using your Battle Buddy System. We encourage you to use it again, now that you have returned home. List those people you want to be able to contact and reach out to when you need someone to talk to. Have at least five people on your Buddy List; these can be civilian or military. You haven’t completed your RAP until you get those names and put them in this book. 
Rules on Using the Battle Buddy System at Home This is only for peer support. You are not and should not act as a counselor. You are there to listen and be supportive. Do NOT feel that you have to come up with all the answers. Usually, everyone finds his or her own answers—sometimes another person is simply needed to lend a listening ear. Choose a non-compromising place to meet or talk, but remember—drinking irresponsibly with your buddies is not proper use of the battle buddy support system. Support goes both ways. If you call your Battle Buddy, allow time for him/her to tell you how she/he is doing. One person shouldn’t take up all the time unless in a crisis. While it is important to be able to keep private your Buddy’s conversation, there are some things that you should never promise to keep secret. For example, if your buddy wants to hurt him/herself or someone else, be sure to get help right away. Use the referral list in this workbook or call 1-800-273-TALK, support available 24/7. Action Plan on Buddy List Take time right now to get the phone numbers of the friends you want on your Buddy List. |
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