Growing up in a military community can be a tough lifestyle, especially for kids or teenagers. Moving every few years can be stressful, having to make new friends, go to a new school, and possibly having to learn a new language. Being born into a military family over 19 years ago, I have gone through all of these experiences – and then some. However, despite all these struggles, there are many extraordinary opportunities that military brats have gone through which have impacted the people we are today.
1. You enjoy traveling, and sightseeing doesn’t bore you (or you've at least learned to tolerate it).
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Growing up around the world or country, you’ve had more than your fair share of family trips, so traveling doesn’t bother you anymore -- in fact, you may have come to really enjoy it now!
2. The thought of moving or going to college in a new place doesn’t terrify you.
Moving every 2-4 years has accustomed you to adjusting to new environments, so moving some place new for school is just another move to you.
3. But the question, “where are you from?” does terrify you.
Well, do you mean where I was born, where I lived the longest, where I liked the most, or where I lived last? This is a pretty complicated question for a military brat and often doesn't have an answer.
4. Your I.D. is your life.
While most kids celebrate getting their first license around 16-18, turning 10 was a huge deal for you because that finally meant you could get your first military I.D.! Ever since, you have treasured it and all of its wonderful benefits, making sure to NEVER EVER EVER lose it, or you would NEVER EVER EVER hear the end of it from your parents.
5. You know the National Anthem inside and out, perhaps along with a few other countries’.
Whether it be before a movie, sports game or ceremony, you are used to hearing “The Star-Spangled Banner” and, if you are overseas, the national anthem of your host nation. How else would you know when the event is about to start if there is no official Color Guard to commence it?
6. At some point in your life, you've wanted to join the military.
It's normal for kids to look up to their parents, but when you're a military brat, it's a more unique job description than most. Whether or not you actually join when it comes time, all military brats have thought about what it'd be like to follow in their mom's or dad's footsteps and be a service member as well.
7. As a child, you grabbed the wrong uniformed-person's hand.
It's happened to every little military brat at least once -- running up the wrong uniformed-leg or jumping on a person that turned out not to be your parent. It can be confusing for a small child; they're all are wearing the same outfit after all.
