Growing up as the child of the Air Force, some things become second nature. If you go to a public school you don't understand why some student shave both parents home all the time or why people stay in the same house their entire lives. You grow up in a different culture than civilian families and often we don't notice the differences until we get older. However, these experiences help shape us into the adults that we are.
1. Naming planes is second nature.
Yes that is a C-130. That loud one is an F-16. Oh and those blue ones? Those are the Blue Angels, they're Navy but they fly pretty damn well.
2. Knowing every word to "Off We Go".
"Off we go into the wild blue yonder" is catchy. Especially if you hear it almost everyday. Sometimes the majestic trumpet melody haunts our dreams.
3. The transition into adulthood.
For Air Force brats, the transition into adulthood happens rather early- on your tenth birthday. This most wondrous of days means you can receive your very own military ID. This token makes you just like the adults, and it's an even better feeling when you flash it at the gate. Welcome to the adult table now, kid.
4. "I'm from Little Rock Air Force Base but..."
Explaining where you are from usually takes the form of naming one air base where you were born and then several other air bases. Like other military families, moving is second nature. The whole house could be packed up and shipped in a day at this point.
5. The BX is bae.
The Base Exchange, otherwise known as the tax-free temple. By the time you are 8, you know the entire layout of the sacred temple and when things go on even more sale. And don't forget that moment when you panic because you think you forgot your ID and won't be able to check out.
6. Taking the ASVAB is required.
Your parent(s) took it and so will you. Even if you don't want to join the military, you're going to take it. Then recruiters AND parents will not so casually mention joining every day until you are 25.
7. Fourth of July... on base.
The 4th of July is big everywhere but, on a military base? Its out of this world. It's as if the entire base is having one large cook out and don't even get us started on the fireworks show. Nothing beats it.
8. DOD schools.
Department of Defense schools were a lifesaver. Unless, of course, you didn't attend one. Then you spent your time envying your friends who did because at least no matter where they moved they were on the same academic track as everyone else.
9. Describing where your friends live is a nightmare.
You meet one friend in Florida and two years later her mom is stationed in Tokyo yet you still remain friends and no one understands how. It's a shared connection that keeps you close, not necessarily the miles.
10. Scheduling phone calls.
When your parents are stationed overseas, you plan out phone calls in accordance with time zones. You don't risk falling asleep early because your parents will be calling when they are waking up. It was the most important time of the day, or sometimes the week. Why don't other kids at school talk to their parents more when they are right in front of them?
11. Fear of Base police.
Normal police are one thing, Air Base police are another. You learn form an early age to be on your best behavior or your parent's commander will hear about it.
12. Even through the rough patches, you are still proud of your parent.
At the end of the day, the perks of being and Air Force Brat are nice but they don't compare to the struggles we go through. There are sacrifices that everyone in every military family has to make, even the children. Time spent away from parents and a disconnect between civilian peers and yourself take a toll on young minds. Yet, at the end of the day, the pride you feel for your parents, knowing the sacrifices they make.
These experiences make us who we are. Sure knowing planes isn't entirely helpful and we can't shop at the BX forever. But it is what we learn through these experiences that shape us. We learn how to make the most of our time and celebrate with style. We begin to understand how to make friends and the importance of relying on ourselves.
We have a different perspective on life.
