How many of you were Military Brats? Did the experience help or hinder?

2014-10-09T20:05:08-04:00

Military Brats are a unique subculture. We spent most of our formative years on military bases, many of them overseas. Our mothers and fathers were deployed frequently; many of our parents were "war brides". We had to learn to adapt to new schools, new languages, mixed races and new countries constantly. Are we better or worse for it? Tell us your story!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2014 8:12 PM

2014-10-09T20:12:09-04:00

Me and I punched a guy for calling my dad a baby killer in Vietnam. lol

Response by SGT Alicia Brenneis made Oct 11 at 2014 7:31 PM

2014-10-11T19:31:51-04:00

I think it both helped and hurt. I was use to the military life style so I transition easily. I grew up in my "parents military" where you did what you were told. I knew how to shine boots when I was 11. Everything in my closet was ironed before it was hung up. Now I'm in a please and thank you military. Its unauthorized to have your ACUs pressed. It can be very frustrating. I wouldn't change my childhood for anything. Not many people can say they experienced what we did growing up.

Response by SPC James Mcneil made Oct 11 at 2014 9:05 PM

2014-10-11T21:05:52-04:00

My father was in the Air Force, and he was out before I was old enough to remember. So I cannot call myself a military brat, but my dad's military service did play a role in my upbringing. i believe it played a role in me joining the Army in 1999.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2014 12:42 AM

2014-10-12T00:42:56-04:00

My dad was first, a Nuclear Tech and then E.O.D. I lived in Germany, first. We lived off-post in a tiny village not far from the French border. My parents were forced to learn German and passed down quite a vocabulary to me. Awesome memories.
We then moved to White Sands Missile Range. I started kindergarten there. It's hard to imagine now, but my parents were in their early twenties. Our E.O.D family was quite unique and I can still remember the names of all my friends there.
My father was extremely abusive and the environment my sisters and I lived in was tough, but I can't regret it. I had wanted to be a soldier since I was a little girl. I couldn't have imagined any other career.
As much hell as took to get me to where I am now, I think it made me stronger. My only regret is that I was not able to stay Active duty, to allow my kids the total multi-cultural experience I had. But, even as NG, none of my military experiences have been a hindrance. Some have been difficult, but not regretful.

Response by LTC Dwayne Morton made Oct 16 at 2014 4:11 PM

2014-10-16T16:11:33-04:00

I was and I think the experience was a definite plus. My Dad was an NCO in the USAF. It certainly prepared me for the unique challenges of leading a military lifestyle and understanding the culture. It also was a more disciplined and structured background than that of many of my peers. Yes, at times, it seemed like my brother and I had to get haircuts every Saturday, shine our shoes and our Dad's, detail the bathroom and wear T-shirts under shirts year round but, I laugh at those and still do many of those things now. I started wearing a uniform in Army JROTC in the 9th grade an knew from Junior High School that I wanted to serve in the military.

Response by SPC Christopher Smith made Oct 16 at 2014 4:33 PM

2014-10-16T16:33:08-04:00

I grew up a military "brat", my father is actually on here (shout out to CPO Cleavon Ford). I would say it helped me because I am not afraid of anyone because of their rank. Growing up I was around Enlisted men and Officers, I was able to speak to everyone the same without fear then, and I don't now.

Response by SPC David S. made Oct 17 at 2014 8:58 PM

2014-10-17T20:58:43-04:00

I would say help. A couple of things being a brat does for you is you are a better read of people and typically have a good extroverted personalty. These traits help in getting acclimated to your new home. However on the flip side you are able to disengage in relationships and not lose any sleep over it. Also you don't become attached to physical things or places. More than likely you will not have an accent. You become very independent. Possibly pick up a language. For me it was a an unbelievable experience. I met three Presidents, many astronauts, and got to see many historical sites just not accessible to the public and other experiences like sitting in an F-4, F-15, F-16 and many more.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2014 10:07 PM

2014-10-18T22:07:46-04:00

I was raised an Army brat….the experience did help me determine what branch I would join.