Inseparable: Twins cause double take

By Mrs. Melissa Buckley (Leonard Wood)April 23, 2015

Inseparable: Twins cause double take
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (April 23, 2015) -- Except for the two minutes when one was delivered before the other, two Soldiers in training on Fort Leonard Wood have been together their whole lives. That togetherness continues as the fraternal twins find themselves in the same brigade, battalion, platoon and even bunk.

Pvt. Alton Davis, the older twin, and Pvt. Jalon Davis even have the same military occupational specialty.

"I feel fortunate. Being in the same platoon makes this experience better for both of us. There are a lot of people here who wish they had their Family here, too. We know we are lucky to still be together," Alton said.

On their 19th birthday in March, the twins started Basic Combat Training in Company D, 1st Battalion, 48th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Chemical Brigade.

"We ended up in the same bunk, simply because they were alphabetically assigned," Davis said.

"It took drill sergeants about three days to realize we were even related," he added.

Staff Sgt. John Santos, Company D, 1st Battalion, 48th Infantry Regiment drill sergeant, said the twins caught his eye when he realized the Davis' were together -- a lot.

"I noticed their facial features were similar, and they were always spending time together," Santos said.

Since being ousted as twins, Company D cadre started calling them "Senior" and "Junior" for clarity.

"I like our new names, because when we first got here they yelled Davis and we both answered," Jalon said.

Alton said their special twin bond has been made even closer by attending BCT together.

"We finish each other's sentences all the time. We have certain looks that we can give each other. 'Jay' knows what I mean, and I don't even have to say a word," Alton said.

The younger twin was of the same mind.

"We can be sitting quiet, then out of the blue we both start singing the same song at the same time. It is weird," Davis said.

The Tampa Bay, Florida, natives said they have always been competitive, but now they motivate each other more than anybody else could.

"We had a company run. After about five miles, we started motivating each other to stay in formation. I don't know if I would be doing so well if I didn't have him here pushing me," Alton said.

Jalon concurred.

"He does a lot more push-ups than me. I do more sit-ups. So, we are helping each other to do our best and hopefully get a physical training badge," he said.

The Davis twins said they have been interested in the military since they can remember, especially the U.S. Army, because they have several Family members who have served, and their father is still serving as a Soldier.

"I have always wanted to go into the military or law enforcement, so I chose the best of both worlds," Alton said.

When they graduate in May they will remain on Fort Leonard Wood to attend Advanced Individual Training to become 31E Internment/Resettlement specialists.

Their drill sergeant said even though they are usually together, he has noticed them preparing to separate themselves.

"Even though they are battle buddies, I see them looking for other people to pair up with," Santos said.

Jalon said they have been preparing to separate since they went to their Army recruiter's office.

"We were ready to separate before we came to Fort Leonard Wood. At least I think we are ready. It will just be another challenge," he said.

Following graduation from AIT, Alton said he hopes to be stationed close to home in Florida, while Jalon said he would prefer to live on the West Coast.

Related Links:

Fort Leonard Wood GUIDON newspaper