The term “band of brothers” isn’t referring to a drumline. Although, technically, it could. The term of endearment is meant to showcase how our nation’s bravest troops manage to become more than family while preparing for combat or engaging the enemy in a warzone. You don’t earn a brotherhood bond just by showing up, though.
These are seven of the best ways infantrymen create those unbreakable brotherhoods
1. Throughout tough training
Early in our careers, we get assigned to an infantry platoon, put in a squad, then positioned into a fire team. Once we land in our roles, we build relationships with the other boys because we’re going to eat, sleep, and sh*t with them as we train.
We may not become best friends with everyone, but we’re willing to carry an extra few pounds for them during a hike to lighten their load. These little things help build the bonds that will never be taken away — and we wouldn’t want them to be.
2. Drinking games at the barracks
It’s no secret that drinking alcohol hinders good decision-making and is a powerful icebreaker. Since we’re all housed together and, for the most part, we don’t have cars, we’re often forced to drink in the barracks.
Drinking, of course, turns into playing games, which leads to some good conversation. You rarely build respect for anyone until you get to know them.
3. During ambushes
When you’re deployed and your squad gets tasked with setting up an ambush to nail the bad guys, those missions usually take place at night — and it gets cold.
Grunts will snuggle tactically huddle up very close to contain body heat. Infantrymen learn a lot about each other during those cold-night ambushes.
4. During harsh times
We don’t want to bum anyone out reading this, so, hopefully, you get the point…
5. At fun deployment parties
Deployment parties usually consist of a few chemical lights and a small radio, but this feels a lot better than it sounds when you’re manning the front lines.
They’re one of the best ways to de-shell your military bearing for an hour or two.
6. Chilling on post
Groundpounders spend many hours “on-post,” maintaining the FOB’s security. All those hours means plenty of time to shoot the sh*t with your “battle buddies.” It’s also a great place to make memories of how bored you got on deployment.
7. In combat
Sometimes we win the firefight and sometimes we don’t. But, regardless, we always remember the brave men who fought beside us and this creates the ultimate brotherhood bond.