army brat
Military post child
An army brat is someone who grew up in a military family, typically moving frequently between bases during childhood.
The term extends to other branches: navy brat, air force brat, military brat.
Despite the word brat, the phrase carries no negative connotation—it's often used with pride by those who identify with the transient, adaptable upbringing: As an army brat, I went to six different schools before high school.
Permanent change of residence
- military basesArmed forces installations
- movingEmotionally affecting
- PCSBase-to-base military moves
- transfersRelocates or hands off
uprooted · transient · new schools · goodbyes · packing · stateside · garrison · housing
Goodwill among companions
- bondsTies that unite
- shared experienceEvent undergone by multiple people
- understandingMental comprehension of something
- solidarityUnity among allies
commissary · youth groups · chapel · support network · tight-knit · unspoken bond · lifelong friends · reunions
Having no stable foundation
- belongingState of fitting in
- homeOne's personal residence
- third culture kidYouth raised abroad
- identity confusionUnclear sense of self
patriotism · pride · service · sacrifice · flag · tradition · heritage · legacy
Able to bend freely
- resilientAble to recover quickly
- adjustableAble to be changed
- versatileCapable in varied contexts
- resourcefulSkilled at solving problems
open-minded · code-switching · fitting in · starting over · reinvention · coping · thick-skinned · independent
Trained self-control or specialty
- routineRegular sequence of actions
- protocolPrescribed conduct rules
- rankPosition in hierarchy
- chain of commandFormal authority hierarchy
respect · punctuality · orderly · rules · expectations · sir · ma'am · formations
relocation
Permanent change of residence
- military basesArmed forces installations
- movingEmotionally affecting
- PCSBase-to-base military moves
transfers · uprooted · transient · new schools · goodbyes · packing · stateside · garrison · housing · quarters
camaraderie
Goodwill among companions
- bondsTies that unite
- shared experienceEvent undergone by multiple people
- understandingMental comprehension of something
solidarity · commissary · youth groups · chapel · support network · tight-knit · unspoken bond · lifelong friends · reunions · military spouse
rootless
Having no stable foundation
- belongingState of fitting in
- homeOne's personal residence
- third culture kidYouth raised abroad
identity confusion · patriotism · pride · service · sacrifice · flag · tradition · heritage · legacy · military child
flexible
Able to bend freely
- resilientAble to recover quickly
- adjustableAble to be changed
- versatileCapable in varied contexts
resourceful · open-minded · code-switching · fitting in · starting over · reinvention · coping · thick-skinned · independent · self-reliant
discipline
Trained self-control or specialty
chain of command · respect · punctuality · orderly · rules · expectations · sir · ma'am · formations · reveille