As a child whose parent is in the military, you become extremely familiar with the term military brat. As military brats, we are all familiar with the frequent moves, but that's not the only way to tell military brats apart from the rest. Here's a couple more signs to tell you or someone you know were born and raised as a military brat.
1. You stop what you are doing for Retreat.
Remember driving around on base around 5pm and everything comes to a halt while the anthem plays through the loudspeakers. If you were in your car, you would pull over and stop. However, if on foot, you would stop and stand quietly while until the anthem was over.
2. You never know how to answer "Where are you from?"
We've all been there you meet someone new, and they ask what they think is a simple question. "Where are you from?" "Well, do you mean where I was born? Where I call home? Where I lived the longest? Where my extended family is?" You never can figure out how to answer this question.
3. You've stood for the National Anthem before you see your movie at the base theater.
Nothing has been more embarrassing than standing up waiting for the anthem in an off-base theater, then realizing this theater doesn't do it.
4. Your 10th birthday meant getting your own ID.
Getting your own ID meant you were closer to being a real adult. It meant when the gate guard would ask to see your ID you could finally show it to them. You could finally make purchases by yourself at the Bx or the Commissary.
5. You automatically have a connection with other military brats.
It was always easy bonding over being "the new kid." They understood what it was like to think everything was going smooth, then bam! Your parent got orders, and you're moving next week. The military brats you meet along the way will always share a bond and be lifelong friends.
6. You value the opportunities your parents have provided you with.
While your parent being stationed at several different bases, you were given the opportunity to travel and meet many people of many cultures and races. That is by far a greater education sitting behind a desk could offer you.
