Growing up in a military family is definitely different. From moving at the drop of a hat, to living on base with all of your friends, to being raised as if you were a member of the armed services yourself, there sure are a lot of tell signs that you’re a military kid. Sure, your childhood was anything but normal, but the excitement and memories it brought you can’t be beat. You know you grew up a military brat when...
1. Your parents made you do exercise as a punishment.
Yup, there came a time when you were too old for spankings and when that time came your parents probably resorted to making you do push-ups, crunches, sit ups or my personal least favorite: wall sits.
2. “Where are you from?” is not an easy question to answer.
Well, I was born in California but then we got orders to Pennsylvania, and then, and then. . . blah blah blah. An explanation of where you’re from turns into a novel very quickly.
3. You understand military lingo so well.
When mum and dad say meet me for dinner at 17:38 (ay, Fetty) you know exactly what they mean and you always show up at least 15 minutes early. God forbid you’re late--yikes!
4. You get a little teary eyed when you hear the National Anthem performed well or when you see the Blue Angels.
So majestic. The patriotism. I can’t.
5. You LOVE using your military discount.
I would like to thank my mum and dad for the 15% off discount I just got at the mall today. Thank you.
6. Living on base was actually really awesome!
All of your friends lived right down the street from you so every day was a party. From riding bikes to the mini mart to getting together for the base carnival, you always had your friends by your side.
7. You’re not afraid of change.
Three words: improvise, adapt, and overcome.
8. You were totally jealous of everyone who had both parents around all of the time.
Admit it, you cried a little at your friend’s sweet sixteen when her dad helped her light her candles while your dad was deployed. I did, but when your parents came home it was the greatest joy you've ever felt.
9. You’re tougher than nails.
Us military brats are a force to be reckoned with. Our parents yelled at us like we were in boot camp every darn day. We're not scared of anything.
10. The Army vs. Navy football game gets you riled up.
It doesn’t matter who you are, everyone takes a side. GO NAVY! BEAT ARMY!
11. You always use your ma'am's and sir's.
Yes ma'am. No ma'am. Thank you, sir. No, sir. You NEVER forget to say them.
12. You instantly feel connected to every other military brat you meet.
It's so great exchanging stories with someone else who has been there.
13. You feel bada** when you flash your ID to get on base.
It's like getting into a secret, fancy club, but way less cool.
14. You're hot.
Why? Just because you are. Okay?!
15. You didn’t have the most conventional childhood, but you wouldn’t have it any other way.
You were raised on honor, courage, commitment and the occasional MRE (when mum didn’t feel like cooking). Embrace it, military brats. Oorah.
