Do you have a parent in the military? Maybe both? If so, I understand what you are going through. Having not one, but both of my parents in the military has exposed me to a hint of the military life. You start to learn the lingo and have a different appreciation for what it is truly like for those who serve our country. So stand up, remove your hats and salute to the military brat inside of you.
1. You refer to non-military people as 'civilians.'
"Ugh, civilians," you say rolling your eyes as you attempt to explain your military knowledge. Let's face it, not everyone understands life on a military base.
2. You have a hard time explaining the Commissary and Exchange to civilians.
Just like explaining your military life in general, describing the Commissary and Exchange can be a difficult task. I mean, how do you explain a strictly military grocery store and store with exclusive discounts, but no taxes? It is a long process involving a lot of questions.
3. You feel offended when people do not stand, do not remove their hats or talk during the National Anthem.
There you are standing stall, having removed your hat and silently showing respect for the flag and its purpose and you spot someone sitting. Are they serious? It is just a little harder to let these things slide when your own parents are your heroes.
4. You have moved more times than you can even remember.
You were born in one state, moved to another when you were three, then another at 7, and yet another at 11. I mean come on, how many different states can you call home? How many schools have you been to, making friends then up and moving away like it was nothing. Moving a lot goes hand in hand with the military. You are lucky if you get to stay in one place for more than a few years. You may not be graduating at the same high school you began at.
5. Deployments are a very familiar thing to you and your family.
It does not get easier after each deployment, but you do learn to adapt. I have been through a lot of deployments, even a few where both parents deployed at the same time. The only thing you can do is stay strong and lean on family and friends for support. Just think of how amazing it feels when you are finally reunited with your parent.
6. Admit it, you have thought about joining the military AT LEAST once.
There is a love/hate relationship with the military. There are things you love, but also things you hate about your parent's career. There is one point in your life though where you have seriously considered joining. I mean, who can blame you? There are a lot of benefits and you were in fact raised almost as if you are already in the military.
7. Military time comes naturally for you.
6:00 pm? More like 1800.
8. You know the phonetic alphabet.
Bravo, Romeo, India, Tango, Tango, Alfa, November, Yankee. Face it, you learned how to spell your name quickly using the phonetic alphabet.
9. "Where are you from?" is the most difficult question to answer.
Are you asking where I was born? The place I lived the longest? Where I currently live? It is a question that always ends in frustration and confusion.
10. You are proud of your military heritage and the opportunities it has given you.
Red, white and blue flows through your veins. There is no doubt about how proud you are to have been raised someone in the armed forces. I know I would not be the person I am today if it were not for my military background. As a result, I am better adapted to different environments and change.
The military inside you will never disappear. Be proud and embrace it. You were raised by some of the country's greatest. Go out and enjoy the benefits and rewards that come along with being a child of the armed forces. The Air Force, Navy, Marines, Army and/or Coast Guard are lucky your parent(s) have you to support them and keep them strong.
Sincerely,
A Proud Military Brat
