Being a military child is a lot harder than most can even begin to imagine. It takes a lot of responsibility, willingness to understand, and constant need of support. Growing up knowing one of your loved ones could potentially be shipped off to war at any given moment is one of the scariest and hardest feelings ever, yet that isn't really what defines you as a military child. Here is some things that do...
1. Your best friend probably lives across the world from you.
Most have the privilege to grow up with their best friend. They get to play sports together, go through the awkward stages of life together, and enjoy events such as prom and graduation. It's not so simple for a military child or teen. You might find a best friend in one state, but turn around and get orders to move. It's all about where the military wants your family to be and when they want you to be there. You have to keep an open mind because your best friend can be where you are one day and the next they could be 10 states away or even across the Atlantic Ocean.
2. You probably lived in more states than you can count on one hand.
It's so strange to think someone can live his or her entire life in ONE house. When typically on average a military child spends their time in at least several different ones before they attend high school. It's a luxury and a curse living in so many states and moving around. The luxury of always meeting new people is nice, but its curse starting over so many times when you just get settled in. Adjusting at a new place is always the worst part about moving, but traveling around and understanding different history and culture between states is by far the most amazing experience hands down.
3. The National Anthem and taps are your two most well known songs.
The National Anthem is played at EVERYTHING. By everything, I mean school, events, and most importantly at special ceremonies. You not only know, the National Anthem as the most well known song, but you know every word, and the meaning behind every word. It is not just a song to you anymore; it becomes a part of you. Taps can usually be heard in the distance on late afternoon weekdays and weekends. They usually play this as they remove the flags from the flagpole. Another occasion where taps is played is during a funeral for soldiers. It represents their honor and sacrifice. It is another song that you won’t be able to get out of your head.
4. You don't understand civilian lifestyle.
The most typical response of a military child includes: what do you mean we don't live on base or in a "village?" Understanding that neighborhoods are not the same, school curriculum is by far not the same; medical care is not the same and even grocery stores are not the same. Typically it is hard to adjust to the fact that neighborhoods are not as friendly as they are on military bases, on base you know everyone and anyone, without worry. The school curriculum for civilian students is framed around other things besides the government and US history, which is what every military student will tell you they spent there middle school and high school years learning. Most military instillations have a commissary as a grocery store and civilians do not have this. There is not always a hospital five minutes away either.
5. You hate being asked, "Where are you from?"
This question is so dreadful and yet it is one of the top "ice breaker" questions. Most military teens and children don’t know exactly how to answer this question. When you move around a lot, you don’t really call any place to call “home,” mostly because everywhere is home for you.
6. You are probably referred to as a “brat.”
Overall, a military child is actually referred to as a "military brat." Although there are struggles being a military dependent, it’s actually one of the greatest experiences. You can definitely say we are spoiled with tons of adventure!
