Not necessarily. Many of these folks had to meet during training at either Treasure Island (San Francisco) or amphibious training at Coronado (San Diego).
According to the 'timeline' on John Kerry.com, Kerry reported for 10-week training at Treasure Island on January 3, 1967. (his fitness reports assign him there from 17 Dec 66 to 10 Mar 67).
Also according to the 'timeline', they show Kerry at Coronado from July 20, 1968 to November 16, 1968.
Per USA Today, April 13, 2004, Skip Barker "first met Kerry during Swift Boat training in Coronado". Kerry's good friend Don Droz, who was killed shortly after Kerry departed Vietnam, was also at Treasure Island and Coronado in 1967-1968 according to the LA Times August 11, 2004. There is a distinct possibility that many of these men had met before being in Vietnam.
Not necessarily. Many of these folks had to meet during training at either Treasure Island (San Francisco) or amphibious training at Coronado (San Diego).
Based on personal experience, the officers don't train with the enlisted. Fraternization is not permitted. You don't hang out with one another. As an exception, I went through survival school (SERE training) with PBR crews prior to my assignment to Vietnam. We had 72 personnel (6 officers and 66 enlisted), but it was not a bonding situation. I can understand how Kerry could meet Barker and Droz who were officers.