There are many things that float around the media concerning us Military Brats. There’s the assumption that we hate the way we live, and despise our parents for lugging us around the world. There’s the assumption that those of us who do enter the service only do so to please our parents, or that we don’t want to live in the “real world”. And then there’s the assumption that us Brats are fragile. Well, it’s time for the truth.
Let me first start off saying that the media doesn’t know squat. They very rarely portray the military members or their families correctly whether it’s in a movie or just in an interview. In most movie portrayals of Military Brats, like the Disney movie Tiger Cruise, Brats are often just that—bratty. In the movies, Brats absolutely hate their lives because of all of the moving and distance. But let me tell you the truth… us Brats don’t hate our lives. In fact, most of us love the adventure. It’s something new for each of us to discover. I can say that I have friends all over the world. How many people can say that? I’ve met so many wonderful people, and I wouldn’t trade that for the world. Goodbyes are tough, but we’re tougher.
As a Brat, I was brought up believing in the American Dream. But I knew that the dream of freedom wasn’t free. Someone has to pay that price. And sometimes it sucks that my dad is one who is fighting to keep our freedom. That being said, I wouldn’t sign away my life on the dotted line to please him. I didn’t end up enlisting, but I have plenty of friends who are currently serving, and it’s not because they don’t want to live in the “real world” or they were trying to please their parents. They are living in a world more real than most will ever know because of their willingness to sacrifice so you may enjoy your freedom. And they’re giving up so much.
I’ve met plenty of people, and been in several school systems that want to tell me how fragile I am because I’m a Brat. I’m not as fragile as I look. People come and people go. That’s just a part of life. I’ve said goodbye to more people in my nineteen years than most people will in their entire lives. Us Brats, we’re not just strong. We’re always faithful, we aim high, and we’re Army strong. We can handle anything.
The truth about us Brats is hard to tell in just 500 words. We aren’t fragile, and we don’t hate the lives we live. The truth about us is that we don’t take family for granted, we hold friendships forever, and above all, we’re all family. So what about other truths about us Brats? Well, sit down with a cup of coffee and get ready for the grandest tale you’ve ever been told.