Forward Operators Group • Peer Support Initiative

Battle Buddy Program

A voluntary, consent-based peer support program that pairs veterans, active duty service members, and first responders with a trained FOG Battle Buddy — from the very first moment of contact through every stage of their journey.

🔧 Building Infrastructure — Pending Funding

Development Status

The Battle Buddy Program is actively being built. We're developing intake workflows, training materials, and program infrastructure now — pending funding to formalize and staff the initiative. Register your interest below to be notified the moment we're ready to launch.

What It Is

One Consistent Person — From Crisis to Recovery

Most support systems hand you off. The Battle Buddy Program doesn't. When someone reaches out to FOG for help, they're offered the option to be paired with a certified Battle Buddy — a vetted veteran or first responder who walks alongside them from their very first point of contact all the way through ongoing professional mental health treatment.

The Battle Buddy isn't a gatekeeper, a case manager, or a replacement for professional care. They're one familiar, trusted face who stays present no matter where you are in the process — during triage, peer support, and alongside whatever licensed professionals you work with. That continuity of connection is a core protective factor against isolation and crisis escalation.

Participation is always the member's choice. No one is enrolled without their informed agreement, and no one is required to stay.

762+
Community Members
24/7
Discord Support
$16K+
Direct Aid Distributed
4.5 Yrs
Serving the Community

Program Flow

How It Works

1
Reach Out
A member contacts FOG through any channel — Discord, the website contact form, email, or referral from the FOG help team.
2
Crisis Triage
The FOG help team receives the outreach and conducts an immediate check-in to assess needs and safety — this happens regardless of Battle Buddy enrollment.
3
The Offer
During or after initial triage, the member is offered the option to be paired with a Battle Buddy. Enrollment is 100% voluntary — the member must actively agree.
4
Match & Introduction
A certified FOG Battle Buddy is matched based on background and availability, and makes first contact within 24–48 hours.
5
Ongoing Peer Support
The buddy walks alongside the member — regular check-ins, peer support, and a consistent trusted presence at whatever pace works for the member. No set end date.
6
Alongside Professional Care
When the member works with a licensed mental health professional, the buddy doesn't step back. They remain as a peer support layer alongside clinical care — for as long as the member wants.

Who It Serves & Who Can Serve

Eligibility & Buddy Requirements

🎖️ Who Can Receive Support

  • Veterans — all eras, branches, discharge statuses
  • Active duty service members (all branches)
  • First responders — law enforcement, fire, EMS, dispatch
  • No one is turned away

🪖 Who Can Be a Battle Buddy

  • Veteran, active duty, or first responder background
  • Completed FOG Battle Buddy Certification Training
  • Background screening & reference check
  • Emotional stability and personal readiness
  • Commitment to FOG's mission and values

Delivery Model

Remote-First, Growing to Local

📱 Launch Phase — Remote

  • Phone, video, text, and Discord
  • Serve members across any geography from day one
  • Remote support is the foundation, not a lesser option

📍 Growth Phase — Local

  • In-person pairing as local chapters form
  • FOG events and community meetups
  • Local chapter coordinators in key metro areas
  • Remote remains available as a permanent option

VOLUNTEER APPLICATION

Become a Battle Buddy

Veterans, active duty, and first responders who want to walk alongside someone who is struggling. You'll go through FOG certification training before being matched.

✅

Application Received

We'll be in touch when certification training opens. Check your email for a confirmation.

We'll email you a confirmation. No spam, ever.

MEMBER REQUEST

Request a Battle Buddy

Reach out and we'll match you with a certified FOG Battle Buddy — a vetted veteran or first responder who will walk alongside you. 100% voluntary, no commitment required.

✅

Request Received

You're not going through this alone. Check your email — we'll be in touch as soon as we can match you.

Completely confidential. We'll email you a confirmation.