Growing up on a military base is a truly unique experience, and something not everyone can relate to. However, those that have can probably all agree there are certain commonalities one comes to learn during that time:
1. You shop at the Post Exchange for everything.
The outfit you've been looking forward to wearing at school since christmas? It just so happens to be the outfit 65 percent of your DODDS peers are also excited to showcase after the break. The shoes you've been withholding from the public eye, waiting for the perfect time to show off those bad boys? They made their debut on 27 other pairs of feet a month before you even bought them. The benefit of NOT being taxed at the PX comes with a hefty price, but valuable lesson: don't take online shopping for granted.
2. You have various methods of deceit when you forget your I.D. and you're outside the gate.
Pretending to be asleep, attempting to make yourself look younger, or hiding in the trunk; the struggle of forgetting to bring your I.D. before leaving base has plagued us all.
3. You freeze at the sound of the National Anthem at 5 P.M.
Everyday is a race to dodge the seemingly long National Anthem that'll stop cars, turn heads, and leave the entire outside of the base in silence to the scratchy classic playing over the intercom. You've develped a great ear for the Nation's song and even if you're off base, the slightest hum of the tune causes you to look around to see if everyone else is saluting an useen flag.
4. You stand up immediately after the lights go down in the movie theatre.
A heartfelt anthem, killer vocals, and the bass of the National Anthem (yes, another sign is dedicated to the anthem) resonating in your ears by the surround sound system of the $3 movie theatre on base; nothing is harder to forget than the routine of standing up for the American Anthem before a movie showing.
5. You can never have a secret.
Deciding on whether or not to sneak out? Don't. You're parents already know. Someone overheard you talking about the party, and told their parents, who are friends with the commander of your dad's company and told him over lunch, who in turn told your mom in a casual conversation in the meeting hall. All this while, you still haven't decided whether or not you want to go.
6. You spent your summers at the Commissary.
How it felt getting tips bigger than a dollar bill. When you weren't at the Teen Center, you were working at the Commissary; bagging the hard items on the bottom, frozens together, and fragile/soft items on the top. Your days consisted of khakis, ungrateful customers and the best arm workout of your life.
