Military brat (U.S. subculture)

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A military family reunited with father, returning from time at sea.
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A military family reunited with father, returning from time at sea.

Contents

A "military brat" (or simply a "brat") is a person whose parent or parents served full-time in the armed forces during the person's childhood. The term is used in many countries, but most studies have examined military families in the United States. These families may experience frequent moves, authoritarian family dynamics, a high degree of patriarchy, the absence of a parent, the threat of parental loss in war, and the militarization of the family unit.[1] These characteristics uniquely shape the development of the military brat. While non-military families share some of these attributes, military culture is unique due to the closely knit communities that perceive these traits as normal.

In conventional usage, the word "brat" is derogatory. In a military context, however, "brat" is neither a subjective nor a judgmental term. Brat author Mary Wertsch told an interviewer not to be afraid to use the term brat because it is a term that brats should take pride in. [2]

Military brats share positive and negative traits developed from similar childhoods. They identify with other brats—regardless of race, religion, nationality, or gender—more than they do with non-brats,[3] in part because they often feel like outsiders to civilian culture.[4] For example, a military brat may attend high school in Germany, spend weekends skiing in St Moritz, go to the French Riveria for spring break, and take a summer vacation exploring the ruins of Pompei—a diversity of experiences usually unmatched in civilian life.[5]

[edit] Research

A military brat reunited with her father returning from Iraq.
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A military brat reunited with her father returning from Iraq.

Research on military brats is a relatively recent endeavor. For decades, sociological knowledge about military brats was based on clinical reviews by military psychologists and psychiatrists. Because they were based upon biased samples of patients seeking counselling, these studies over-emphasized the negative attributes of growing up in a military family.[6]

In the 1970s sociologist Ruth Hill Useem coined the term Third Culture Kids (TCKs) for a child who follows his parents "into another culture".[7] Useem used the term "Third Culture Kids" because TCKs integrate aspects of their birth culture (the first culture) and the new culture (the second culture), creating a unique "third culture". Military brats compose the largest groups of TCKs.[8]

It wasn't until the 1980s, however, that systematic research began on military brats. Responding to social and psychological issues observed among military families and communities, the U.S. Armed Forces sponsored research on the long term impact of growing up as a military brat.[9][10] While research is conducted utilizing scientific methodology, there is risk of biased samples because truly random samples on adult brats is impossible. The Department of Defense does not track or monitor former brats, thus any study on adult brats is based upon self identification.[11] To alievate the concerns of selection bias, many researchers point to previous research wherein similar conclusions have been met, acceptance of the research by the studied population/other researchers, and larger sample sizes.

In 1991, Mary Edwards Wertsch "launched the movement for military brat cultural identity" with her book Military Brat: Legacies from Inside the Fortress.[12] In researching her book, Wertsch identified common themes from interviews of over 80 military brats. While this book does not purport to be a scientific study, subsequent research has been designed to test and validate many of her findings. Patrick Conroy, the author of The Prince of Tides and The Great Santini, said, "Her book speaks in a language that is clear and stinging and instantly recognizable to me [as a brat], yet it's a language I was not even aware I spoke. She isolates the military brats of America as a new indigenous subculture with our own customs, rites of passage, forms of communication, and folkways.... With this book, Mary astonished me and introduced me to a secret family I did not know I had."[13]

[edit] Proud to be a brat

Linguistic reclamation is the appropriation of a pejorative epithet by its target to make make what once was an insult into a positive term. Today various groups are attempting to reclaim terms (E.g. nigger, queer, redneck and geek) that recently were viewed as hurtful to those groups. Those groups may have limited success or acceptance of their efforts, but other groups have completely rehabilitated terms that were once insults. Some may not realize that Mormon, Methodist, Sooner, Tar Heel, Quaker, cowboy, Christian, Tory, and Whig were originally insults until the groups they described embraced the term. By embracing the terms, the group takes control over one's self image and denies others of the ability to define them.[14]

Non-military personnel may find the term “brat” insulting, because they do not understand the term. Sociologist Karen Williams used the term “brat” reluctantly in her research, but only with the disclaimer, “to follow the wishes of the participants. It is a term that they use and feel comfortable with.”[15] Military culture has reclaimed the term to make it their own. Admiral Blair, former Commander-in-Chief of the United States Pacific Command said, "There’s a standard term for the military child: 'Brat.' The Navy also uses the term 'Junior,' but 'Brat' seems to cut across all the services. While it sounds pejorative, it’s actually a term of great affection.”[16] Military brats know that, in this context, "brat" is not related to "spoiled brat," but is used in U.S. military culture to describe anyone whose parent(s) are in the service. Furthermore, brats have embraced numerous unofficial backronyms (acronymns backed into existing words) such as "Born Rough and Tough" or "Brave, Resilient, Adaptable, and Trustworthy."[16] While some may not like the origins of the term, they take pride in being called a "military brat."[2]

Today the term is used not only in the military community, but by researchers and academians to describe the military brat community. It is no longer merely a slang term, but a studied segment U.S. culture.

[edit] Military Culture

Military culture has its own norms and expectations, which are so different that military brats often find civilian life incomprehensible.[17] For example, while civilians may grow up in the same house their entire youths, military brats will be shaped by the constant changes in their lives. They will move around the country and probably the world during their youth. The thought of living in one place their entire lives may seem unnatural at the same time the order and regiment that comforts military brats may seem completely alien to civilians.[18]

Because of their mobile lifestyles, military brats may not develop strong relations with people or places, but they may form strong connections with the notion of a military base.[19] Military bases — as miniature, self-contained, government-subsidized towns, having their own non-profit commissaries, base/post exchanges, liquor stores, books stores, beauty shops, bowling alleys, and movie theaters — strive for conformity.[20] Food and clothing choices are regulated by Congress to prevent unfair competition with neighboring communities. Since military families shop at the same stores, that rarely carry the latest styles or brandnames, brats are more likely to end up with the same clothes and other products than their civilian counterparts.[21] Male brats likely get the same “military haircut” at the base barbershop. The individuality of civilian life can be completely foreign.[2]

[edit] Values and patriotism

The comfort found on military bases is not limited to the physical trappings, but is fortified via the consistent rituals on all military bases. When moving around the world, these rituals help brats to feel at home in their new community. Even though the faces and geography change, the "base" remains recognizable because the rituals are consistent. The underlying principle of these rituals is consistent: to promote patriotism.[22]

Life on military bases instills patriotism within the brat.[23] For example, honoring the American Flag is expected. At 1700 hours (5:00 P.M.) the bugle call "Retreat" is played while the flag is lowered.[24] Anybody outside, even if participating in sports or driving a car, is expected to stop their activity and stand at attention.[25] Uniformed personnel salute and non-uniformed people place their hand over their heart. Those who fail to do so may be reported and notated in the military member's permanent record (even if it was a family member and not the military member.)

Major Payne saying goodbye to his wife before deployment.
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Major Payne saying goodbye to his wife before deployment.

The Pledge of Allegiance is recited every morning and patriotic/militaristic songs may be sung at military schools. Patriotic ideals often form the basis for church sermons. Protestant and Catholic worship services include militaristic hymns.[26] Prior to movies at base theaters, patrons and staff stand for the National Anthem and often another patriotic song such as "God Bless the USA".

The military family knows that the service person may be killed in the line of duty, but they accept that risk because they are taught the military’s mission is worth dying for. The mission is one in which the brat shares by extension through his military parent.[27] The brat often reflects and shares with the parents values, attitudes, and pride of the military member.[28] This notion was echoed by Marine General Pace, the Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff, when he said "There's no way, in my mind, that you can be successful in the military and have a family unless that family does, in fact, appreciate your service to the country.[...] [Brats are] patriots and role models for us all."[29]

Military culture requires, by law, commanding officers and those in authority to demonstrate virtue, honor, patriotism, and subordination in all that they do.[30] In the 1990s, the army officially adopted what have come to be known as "The 7 Army Values," which are summarized with the acronym "LDRSHIP." LDRSHIP stands for Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. While this acronym is relatively new, the ideas it represents have been at the heart of military service for generations. Likewise, the motto "Duty, honor, country" is the standard of U.S. military values.[31] Military brats are raised in a culture that stresses LDRSHIP, Duty, Honor, Country, and being a "lady" or "gentleman." Their strict adherence to military values is what separates military brats most from their civilian peers.[2]

[edit] Discipline

In his book The Great Santini, Patrick Conroy describes a military family with an abusive, totalitarian father. The character, Bull Meecham, is the epitome of the worst stereotypes of the military father. His traits, however, ring true with military brats, who reported either having a father like Bull Meecham, or knowing one.[32]

In military families, one might find a duty roster on the refrigerator, parents who conduct room inspections, and children who say "yes sir/ma'am" to adults. Eighty percent of brats describe their father as "authoritarian" (not to be mistaken with "authoritative").[33] Military brats often describe their military parent as rigid in discipline, inflexible, intolerant of dissent, disapproving of non-conforming behavior, and not accepting of personal privacy.[34]

Disciplinary expectations, however, extend beyond the military family. Family members know that their actions and behavior has a direct impact on the military service member's career.[35] The consequences of misbehavior for a military brat are much greater than for civilian children. A military person’s career and social identity can be dashed in seconds by a willful or careless child.[36] For example, when a military brat gets in trouble, the brat's parents might not be the first person called; often, the authorities will call the parent's Commanding Officer or the Base Commander before or instead of calling the brat's parents.[37] If the Commanding Officer or Base Commander is contacted, the brat's behavior may become a permanent part of the military member's record, and adversely affect his or her ability to be promoted or get prime duty assignments.[38]

Research into military brats has consistently shown them to be better behaved than their civilian counterparts.[39] Upon completing a study comparing brat behavior to non-brat behavior in movie theaters, sociologist Phoebe Price reaffirmed that brats were better behaved. She posed three possible hypothesis as to why: First, military parents have a lower threshold for misbehavior in their children. Second, the mobility of teenagers might make them less likely to attract attention to themselves, as they want to fit in and are less secure with their surroundings. Finally, normative constraints are greater: brats know that their behavior is under scrutiny and can affect the military member’s career.[40]

Strict discipline does, however, come with a price. Many brats rebel against the rules, and others develop psychological problems due to the intense stress of always being on their best behavior.[41] A military psychologist publishing in the American Journal of Psychology concluded that 93% of his patients came from military families where the parents were overly authoritarian.[42]

[edit] Classism

Military life is strictly segregated by class, centered around one's rank.[43] The facilities provided for officers and enlisted personnel differ dramatically. For example, on base housing for officers will be significantly nicer than those for enlisted personnel. The officers' housing will generally be more accessible to base activities, larger in size, and better landscaped. Occasionally, on larger bases, the officers' housing will be broken down into different categories. Senior officers housing may be slightly larger and more opulent than their lower ranking counterparts. On the largest bases, there might be a row of opulent houses referred to as "Colonels' Row" or "Generals' Row." In these houses the highest ranking personnel on the base reside. On the other end of the spectrum, are the enlisted quarters. Oftentimes enlisted personnel might be assigned apartments and only then if space is available.

The Officer Clubs are more elegant than the Enlisted Clubs. Officers may even have cleaner more elaborate recreational facilities than their enlisted counterparts, such as a larger swimming pool or recreation halls. Historically, base chapels and movie theaters would have designated seating for officers and their families. For a large part of the twentieth century, some bases had two Boy Scout and two Girl Scout troops — one for officer children and one for enlisted children.[44]

Class differences are not merely external, but a core aspect of military life.[44] Children of enlisted personnel often believe that children of officers receive specialized treatment. They believe that officers' children get away with more because people are afraid to upset the officer.[45] The children of officers socialize with other officers' children. The children of enlisted personnel socialize with those of other enlisted personnel's children. Even if an officer brat and an enlisted brat became friends at school, this friendship rarely carries over to the home life. The physical separation and differences between available activities made it very difficult.[46]

This separation is by design. According to the U.S. Code of Military Justice, it can be illegal for an officer to fraternize with an enlisted person because it would corrode the military hierarchy. This expectation is often conveyed to the children of military personnel. Brats whose parents have an underling-supervisory relationship, can cause problems for both their parents.[47]

Not as intense as the artificial barriers imposed by rank, classism includes the branch of service the military parent belongs to. If you ask military brats about the best branch of service, it will invariably be the one their parent belonged to. They will have many reasons why their branch of the service is the best. These biases are maintained well past the time they cease to be military dependents. But inter-service rivalries don't just end at the end of the branch of service; each branch of the service has its own internal rivalries. The two most notable internal rivalries would be 1) combat vs non-combat roles and 2) graduates from the military academies vs non-military academies.[48]

When brats grow up, however, these boundaries disappear and are replaced by an overarching brat community.[2]

[edit] Racism

In 1948, President Truman signed Executive Order 9981 integrating the military and mandating equality of treatment and opportunity. Shortly thereafter, military children began growing up in closely confined integrated schools and neighborhoods. Military law to makes it illegal to make a racist remark or not intervene when someone else does.[49] Fifteen years later, Robert McNamara issued Department of Defense Directive 5120.36. "Every military commander," the Directive mandates, "has the responsibility to oppose discriminatory practices affecting his men and their dependents and to foster equal opportunity for them, not only in areas under his immediate control, but also in nearby communities where they may gather in off-duty hours.” [50]

With strict guidelines based upon the rank of the military member, the issue of race diminishes among military brats.[51] When military families go overseas, minority students rarely experience overt racism from their expatriate neighbors.[52] This is also true on military bases within the U.S. Because the community is isolated and smaller than the off-base community, military dependents are less likely to resort to racist notions.

Furthermore, because of the nature of the military, people of different races have to work together in situations where trust is absolutely necessary. This means that even if one does hold racist ideas, they keep them to themselves. Military brats grow up in communities that actively condemn racist comments. This results in, according to Wertsch, military brats who "aren't just non-racist, but anti-racist." [2]

[edit] Growing up military

Sociologist Morton Ender conducted the largest scientific study to date exclusively on career military brats (those who were brats from birth through high school.) His study revealed that 97% had lived in at least one foreign country, 63% in two, 31% in 3. They averaged 8 moves before graudating from High School and spent an average of 7 years in foreign countries. Over 80% now speak at least one non-English language and 14% speak three or more.[53] Ann Cottrell's work with Third Culture Kids, however, shows slightly lower results, but her results did not specify career brats.[54] Sociologist Henry Watanabe showed that the psychological profile of military brats matches that of their civilian peer. But that growing up in a mobile community offers brats opportunites and experiences generally unavailable in the civilian world.[55]

[edit] Friendships

Because military brats are constantly making new friends to replace the ones that they have lost,[56] military brats are more outgoing and independent.[57] Eighty percent of brats claim that they can relate to anyone, regardless of differences such as race, ethnicity, religion, or nationality.[58]

A typical military school can experience a fifty percent turn over every year (25% graduate while a third of the remaining 75% of students move), social groups that existed one year cease to exist and new groups emerge. The brat learns to adapt quickly to fit into this ever changing environment. The brats are more likely to reach out to a new student, because the brat knows what it is like to be the new student.[52]

But making friends with their civilian counterparts, however, can be difficult. Not only have civilians lived together for years developing tight cliques, but brats may find it hard to relate to their non-mobile peers. Children who have made numerous moves during their childhood often find they have more in common with other mobile children, regardless of nationality, than they do with people who haven't moved. This is particularly true for brats who have spent time overseas. Having seen places and experienced things that most U.S. citizens only dream about, brats are eager to share their experiences with others. Because of their international exposure, many brats become frustrated with the lack of knowledge demonstrated by geographically stable families. Knowing (or at least believing) that they have a better understanding of world geography and politics many feel superior to their less well traveled peers.[52]

Recent studies show that, although brats move on average every 3 years, they do not grow accustomed to moving.[59] Being open to others has a price. Military brats may look like they are making friends, but the friendships are often surface level, lacking the depth often found in civilian communities.[60] Since military families move every 2-3 years brats tend to make friends quicker, but are ready to discard them.[29] Rather than develop problem-solving skills, there is a temptation to simply leave a problem without resolving it.[52] If a person doesn't like somebody or gets into a fight, they know that in a few years somebody will move and the problem will disappear. Thus, many brats struggle their entire lives developing close lasting friendships.[2] On the other hand, when brats marry it is generally for life. Over two thirds of brats over 40 are married to their first spouse.[53]

[edit] School life

Summer is the most common time for a family to be transferred (moved to a different military community) and the winter holidays are the second most.[61] Even if a move occurs during the summer months, a transfer can have significant ramifications for students. Students may find out that the courses they took at their old school do not fulfill the graduation requirements at their new school.[60][62] Older military brats often had to deal with records getting lost.[63]

While moving during the summer months can be challenging, moving during the winter holidays or mid-year has traditionally been viewed as the worst time to move.[64] The student is forced to join classes that have already begun. Social groups become even more difficult to break into and activities that the student enjoyed may be barred to him or her. For example, an athlete may not be able to join his or her sport because they missed tryouts and the season had already began. A student who excelled at their old school can suddenly feel inadequate.[52]

Military brats have lower delinquency rates, higher achievement scores on standardized tests, and higher median IQ than their civilian counterparts.[65] They are more likely to have a college degree (60% v 24%) and possess an advanced degree (29.1% v 5%). While these rates are higher than the general U.S. population as a whole, it is a lower rate than those of non-brat Third Culture Kids (84-90% college degree and 40% graduate degree).[53]

[edit] Post-Cold War era brats

Most of the research into military brats has been conducted on the long term effects on adults who grew up during the Cold War. As the Cold War came to an end, the role of the United States Armed Forces changed. At the same time, the U.S. military realized that there was distinct correlation between the quality of life and retention and operational effectiveness.[66] To this end, the military started to change the living standards that most Cold War brats grew up with. The demographics of the military has likewise changed. The modern military has a larger proportion of married military members. Since base housing is designed for fewer families, more families are forced to live off-base. Military personnel are being supplemented by more civilians filling essential roles. And the introduction of the large megabases that intermesh different service branches and their individual cultures.[67] Finally, during the Post Cold War period, the United States has been involved in three extended military engagements (two in Iraq and one in Afganistan.) The long term effects of these changes is unknown, but research has been conducted on short term effects on Post-Cold War Era brats.

[edit] Abuse and alcholism

Two of the common themes in Wertsch's book are abuse and alcoholism. These themes are echoed in other literature of the Cold War Era, such as Patrick Conroy's The Great Santini. In the 1980s and 1990s the U.S. military actively addressed the issues of abuse and alcoholism. The impact on the military's efforts remains inconclusive. Some studies report higher rates of abuse in military families, while others report lower rates.[68]

Some studies conclude that abuse is a bigger problem in military families than civilian families because of the long hours, frequent disruptions in lifestyles, and high degree of stress. They point out that military families may be more reluctant to report issues of abuse because of the potential impact on the service member's career.[68]

Other studies, however, argue that military families have a smaller problem than civilian families because "a number of protective factors unique to military lifestyle."[68] Military families have healthcare, housing, and family support programs often unavailable to lower income civilian families. Abusive family members are more likely to be ordered (by their Commanding Officer or Base Commander) to obtain treatment, thus reducing reoccurences of abuse.[68]

[edit] War in the 21st century

Today's military brat faces challenges that even Vietnam War Era brats did not have to face. For example, it is estimated that approximately 50,000 military families have both parents serving in the armed forces; this opens up the possibility that both parents may be deployed at the same time.[69] Another significant difference is the speed of communication. With the advent of the internet it is possible for family members to communicate with servicemen in combat zones. This may allow brats to remain in closer contact with their military parent, but it can also increase tension as more details reach the military families. News agencies, such as CNN and Fox News, spread news faster than the military community can process the details. This means that military families often know that servicemen have died before official word reaches the family. Military Psychiatrist Colonel Stephen Cozza says that a "sense of fear" accompanies news of the death of a service member until confirmation that the service member was not a loved one.[70]

Marine serviceman and family preparing to leave for deployment.
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Marine serviceman and family preparing to leave for deployment.

Despite these facts, studies have shown only a slight increase in stressors among military brats whose parents serve in a combat zone. Boys and younger children do show the most risk when a parent is deployed, but rarely does this require clinical intervention. However, studies show that when a military member is deployed to a combat zone, the family cohesion is more disrupted than when service members are deployed to non-combat zones.[71]

Military members can be deployed for days, months, or even years without their family. When a parent is stationed without his family, the children may experience the same emotions as children of divorce.[72] In addition to the effects divorced parents may encounter, military brats have additional concerns. When a military member is sent away, the family does not always know where they are going or when (or if) the service member will return.[73] When a military person is deployed, the entire family can be affected. Studies show that there are three phases to deployment and each phase has different impacts on the family. Military spouses reported the following when their spouse was deployed:

  • Predeployment — Marital stress/conflict, distancing from spouse, anger, resentment, sadness/depression, negative child behavior.
  • Deployment — Marital problems, isolation, loneliness, anger, resentment, sadness/depression, reduced communications, stress, less social support, assuming the role of single parent, child care difficulties, sleep disturbances, physical symptoms, home and car repairs, difficulty assessing military services, negative child behavior.
  • Postdeployment/Reunion — Redefining responsibilities, marital stress, communication problems, anxiety, anger, resentment, parent-child attachment issues[74]

While separation can be stressful, it can also be beneficial for the military brat. Studies have shown that children take on additional responsibilities when a parent is absent, thus deployment of a parent can foster maturity. It can also encourage independence.[75]

[edit] Reservist brats

With the increased demands on the U.S. military, many reservists have been called to active duty. The children of these reservists, who are called to extended active duty, are technically military brats, but they may not identify with or share the characteristics of typical brats. National Guard families may not be familiar with military culture, are often physically separated from other military families, and rarely are as emotionally prepared for active duty deployment. Both the formal and informal support structures available for the regular military families may not be readily available to reservist families.[76]

[edit] Death in combat

Studies of U.S. youth indicate that whenever a parent dies, that 10-15% of children experience depression and a few develop childhood traumatic grief (the inability to recall any positive memories of the deceased parent.)[77] The affects of having a parent killed during military operations has not been studied.[70] Cozza speculates, based upon his experience, that the long term affects of having a parent killed during war would be more traumatic and difficult to deal with than typical causes of parental death.[70]

[edit] Reunited and reaching out

Tiger Woods giving a driving demonstration aboard the USS George Washington.
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Tiger Woods giving a driving demonstration aboard the USS George Washington.

Because they identify so strongly with other brats, they are curious about famous brats and the depiction of military brats in fiction. As adults, brats are trying to reunite with their brat heritage.[78] Organizations such as MilitaryBrat.Com and Overseasbrat.com have attracted over 100,000 members attempting to reconnect with their youth.

A recent study by sociologist Karen Williams and LisaMarie Marigala identified several reasons why military brats, as adults, are seeking out brat organizations. Many brats feel a sense of euphoria when they discover that other brats share the same feelings and emotions, and thus many join to find "Others Like Me." Brats share a common bond with one another through common experiences; this bond transcends race, religion, and nationality. Brats have more in common with each other than they do with non-brats. Another common theme behind people's joining brat organizations is to stay connected or reconnect with their old friends. Others join brat groups because they feel disconnected from civilian culture or want to be able to share their story with other brats who can appreciate their story.[79]

Instead of being spoken to by academics and others, military brats are starting to speak to their own communities through the internet and via media outlets. Filmmaker Donna Musil's "Brats - Our Journey Home", Michelle Ferguson-Cohen's "Books for Brats" and Babette Maxwell's "Military Spouse Magazine" are some of the adult military brats reaching out to their community. High profile military brats such as Kris Kristofferson, Jessica Alba, Tiger Woods, Norman Schwarzkopf and Nelly proudly wear the stamp of "brat."[citation needed]

[edit] See also

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ Mary Edwards Wertsch in Britten (1999)
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Williams (2001)
  3. ^ Williams, Rudi (2001) and also Williams (2002) p 79.
  4. ^ Jordan as (2002) p 222. 32% feel as if they are only spectators on U.S. life and another 48% do not feel as if they are central to any group.
  5. ^ Watanabe (1985) p 106
  6. ^ Ender (2002) p xvii
  7. ^ Reken. Sociologist David Pollock describes a TCK as "a person who has spent a significant part of his or her developmental years outside the parents' culture. The TCK builds relationships to all of the cultures, while not having full ownership of any. Although elements from each culture are assimilated into the TCK's life experience, the sense of belonging is in relationship to others of a similar background."
  8. ^ Cotrell (2002), p. 230. Prior to the end of WWII and the rise of two global superpowers, missionaries were the largest group of TCKs. After WWII, the children of military and government personnel became the largest components of TCKs: Military (30%), Government (23%), Missionary (17%), Business (16%), and "Other" (14%).
  9. ^ Ender (2002) p xxv. Extrapolating results to other country's brats from U.S. studies is impossible. Other countries may have very different cultures in their armed forces. While the U.S. military is an all-volunteer force, some countries have mandatory service commitments. The U.S. has a strong presence in other countries—many countries may not deploy their servicemen (and families) to other countries. The U.S. forces are often deployed all over the world for "police actions," while other countries may be less reluctant to do so, or may be involved in active wars in their own regions. In foreign countries, the U.S. often has military bases with stores, Armed Forces Radio/Television, and the Stars and Stripes newspaper, but other countries may not provide this link to their home country. Most places to which the U.S. military sends families will have an U.S. curriculum at a Department of Defense school; other countries may expect their dependent child to attend the local schools. These are just a few of numerous differences between the U.S. armed forces and other countries' armed forces; how these differences affect non-U.S. military brats is (as of yet) under-researched.
  10. ^ Grace (2004) 458. In researching the subject for the British Education Research Journal, sociologits Grace Clifton concluded, "It is sad to note that there has been no significant literature written in the UK on this issue."
  11. ^ Some reseachers, such as Wertsch and Ender, discussed how they found their samples via the internet, Brat organizations, newspapers advertisements, or through referrals.
  12. ^ Amazon.com Product Description. Retrieved on December 14, 2006.
  13. ^ From the introduction to the book, but quoted from TCK World's Suggested Reading.
  14. ^ Godrej, Farah. “Spaces for Counter-Narratives: The Phenomenology of Reclamation (PDF).” GeorgeTown University, Department of Government. Accessed Dec 8, 2006.
  15. ^ Williams (2002) p 67.
  16. ^ a b Blair (2000). Admiral Dennis C. Blair, Commander-in-Chief of U.S. Pacific Command defined brat as: "The B stands for Brave, Bold, and Broadminded. Brats deal with new and exciting situations all the time, and learn quickly to accept people, regardless of race, color, creed, country of origin, or religion. The R stands for Resilient, Reliable, and Responsible. Brats bounce back from the turmoil inflicted upon them by their parents’ profession. The A stands for Amiable, Adaptable, and Audacious. Brats learn to make friends quickly in new moves, and to be daring when they have to be....The T stands for Tenacious, Tough, and Tolerant. Brats hang in there when the going gets tough, and they also stand up for the beliefs of others. They have the opportunity to be minorities themselves, sometimes by their race, but almost always as the new kids."
  17. ^ Wertsch (1991) p. 315
  18. ^ Williams (2002) p 78
  19. ^ Benson (2004)
  20. ^ Wertsch (1991) p 34. "A 'good' military family is one that demonstrates in all things its submission to the ways of the Fortress. It is conventional. It is predictable. It conforms in appearance and behavior to what the Fortress expects. It obeys authority. It displays to the world what ought to be displayed. And it conceals the rest."
  21. ^ Cline (1995) p 26-30
  22. ^ John Benson, PhD at Minnesota State University Moorhead in Benson (2004)
  23. ^ Britten (1998)
  24. ^ Truscott (1989) p 12. "We all stopped, no matter what we were doing. And no matter where we were, no matter what foxhole we were hiding in, ... we stopped. "Retreat" would blare out from the loudspeakers all over the base. We could never see the flag; it was miles away. But we knew where it was, and like facing Mecca, everyone turned around and puts their hand over their heart, and stood there until the music stopped.... There was never even a comment about it, no matter what was going on. It just happened everyday."
  25. ^ Bonn (2005) p 31. "Whenever and wherever the 'National Anthem', 'To the Colors,' or 'Hail to the Chief' is played outdoors, at the first note all dismounted personnel in uniform and not in formation, within saluting distance of the flag, face the flag, or the music if the flag is not in view, salute, and maintain the salute until the last note of the music is sounded... Vehicles in motion are brought to a halt. Persons riding in a passenger car or on a motorcycle dismount and salute."
  26. ^ Wertsch (1991)p 2-4. Such as "The Son of God Goes Forth to War," "Fight the Good Fight with All Thy Might," "Marching with Heroes," "Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me," "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," and "Onward, Christian Soldiers."
  27. ^ Williams (2002) p 69. “Military culture is organized according to rank, military specialty, unit membership, branch of service, and residence… all of which affects the identity formation of a child growing up in a military family.”
  28. ^ Wanatabe (1985) 106
  29. ^ a b Wood (2006)
  30. ^ Title 10 of the US Code Section 3583 "Requirement for Exemplary Conduct" in Bonn (2005) p 72.
  31. ^ Speech by Douglas MacAuthur. Wikisouurce, Retrieved December 3, 2006 and Bonn (2005) p 66-67.
  32. ^ Wertsch (1991) p 8. Wertsch also discusses how, when she asks people if Bull Meecham loved his children, the answer depends on the person. If the person was not a military brat, the answer is always "no." If the person was a military brat, the answer is almost always "yes."
  33. ^ Truscott (1989) p 106-107. "Disciplinary tactics that are now considered abusive were a matter of parental prerogative for many years in both military and civilian families. Family discipline was a personal matter, to be handled behind the closed doors of the neat rows of houses on military posts, but the implication that fathers who fit into the orderly world of the military should be able to control small children was clear."
  34. ^ Wertsch (1991) p 10-23
  35. ^ Wertsch (1991) p 30. Truscott (1989) p 107. "Military brats were aware that their behavior or misbehavior was a direct reflection on their parents, and specifically on their fathers."
  36. ^ Wertsch (1991) p 31
  37. ^ Wertsch (1991) p 31. Wertsch records numerous examples of this occurring in her book. Two of the more egregious examples: A "teenage boy committed the unpardonable sin of teeing off on the golf course at 5:00 p.m., while Retreat was being blown, instead of standing respectfully at attention as the base's flag was lowered for the day. An officer reported him, and his father got a call from high up in the base hierarchy. The incident went down on the father's permanent record. The same thing happens to another father whose twelve-year-old son knocked over a trash can in front of the base teen club. The son was picked up by the military police, who called not the father, but the father's commanding officer."
  38. ^ Wertsch (1991) p.28. Prior to 1987, Commanding Officers were required to comment on an officer's spouse on the officer's annual evaluation. Even though the spaces for spousal review were removed in 1987, "there is widespread feeling that a spouse's conduct is still taken into consideration and may influence a service member's career." Spouses were evaluated on how well behaved their children were and how clean they maintained their houses.
  39. ^ Watanabe (1985) p 106
  40. ^ Price (2002) p 44-45. Price also noted previous studies that showed that military brats had “a lower level of some childhood disorders such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD.)”
  41. ^ Wertsch (1991) p.31-32.
  42. ^ Wertsch (1991) p.24.
  43. ^ Cline (1995) p 82. "Protocol is not intended to promote snobbery; it is a courtesy designed to recognize official status and give respect to those who, by their achievements, time in service, and experience, deserve it. And the exercise of that most certainly extends to spouses."
  44. ^ a b Wertsch (1991) 290
  45. ^ Wertsch (1991) p 297. One interviewee said "You could always tell the son of the [Commanding Officer]. He was the football star, he had good grades."
  46. ^ Truscott (1989) p 168. "Privileges accorded by rank were highly visible... And all military brats, no matter where their father had fit in the hierarchy of rank, emphasized, over and over, that rank was pervasive and clearly defined."
  47. ^ Wertsch (1991) p 285-288.
  48. ^ Wertsch (1991) p 314-315
  49. ^ Musil
  50. ^ Department of Defense Directive 5120.36
  51. ^ This does not mean that racism doesn't exist among the military personnel themselves.
  52. ^ a b c d e Eakin (U.S. Dept of State)
  53. ^ a b c Ender (2002) p 88-90
  54. ^ Cottrell (2002)p 231 Likewise, an online survey at Militarybrat.com shows slightly lower results than Ender's study, but again Ender's analysis is of brats who spent their entire childhood in the military environment.
  55. ^ Watanabe (1985) p 106
  56. ^ Quigley (2006) and Pinzur (2000) and Kidd
  57. ^ Dr. Frederic Medway, psychology professor at the University of South Carolina, in Rutz (2006)
  58. ^ Useem, Ruth et al (undated) “Third Culture Kids: Focus of Major Study.” International Schools Services. Retrieved December 3, 2006.
  59. ^ Ender (1996) p 131. "Towards the end of the Cold War, approximately 9 percent of enlisted soldiers and 31 percent of officers with more than fourteen years of service reported having moved with their spouse and/or children more than nine times."
  60. ^ a b Wilson (2006)
  61. ^ O’Beirne (2002)
  62. ^ Eakin (1996) p 66-67
  63. ^ Anonymous Author. Associated Press (June 30, 2005). “Conference Looks At Education for ‘Military Brats.” (PDF) Retrieved December 3, 2006. Among the Military Child Education Coalition's successes was an agreement in 2000 by the Army and Air Force to allow soldiers and airmen to stay in one place when they have children entering their senior year, except for wartime combat assignments.
  64. ^ Ender (1996) P 145. Recent studies, however, have shown that mobility during the school year may be less traumatic than summer time moves. Tyler (2002) p 27. "Despite the commonly held belief that summer moves are best for children, teens who moved during summer vacation seemed to experience particular difficulties… Their problem was that, with school out of session, it was very difficult to identify potential friends and begin to form relationships."
  65. ^ Williams (2002) p 68
  66. ^ McClure (2000) p473
  67. ^ McClure (2000) 473
  68. ^ a b c d Rentz (2006) p 94-95
  69. ^ Lamberg (2004) p 1541
  70. ^ a b c Cozza (2005) p 377
  71. ^ Cozza (2005) p373. Cline (1995) p 223 "Generally, people in the Air Force have the least time away; those in the Navy the most. Navy personnel who go to sea have longer separations, but Army and Marine Corps have the most one-year unaccompanied tours. Air Force TDY's are short, but they are irregular, repeated, and frequently unscheduled."
  72. ^ Deployment Center (Undated). “Your Children and Separation.” Military.Com. Retrieved December 3, 2006.
  73. ^ Walls (2003)
  74. ^ Kelley (2002) p 5
  75. ^ Your Child and Separation on Military.COM. Retrieved on December 12, 2006
  76. ^ Lamberg (2004) p 1541
  77. ^ Lambert (2004) p 1541
  78. ^ Ender (2002) p XXVI.
  79. ^ Williams (2002) p 73-77

[edit] References

[edit] External links

Resources for military brats
  • Military Brats Online, a free resource designed to reconnect military brats with each other.
  • Military Brats Registry, a free resource designed to reconnect military brats with each other.
  • Operation Footlocker. Three footlockers crisscross the country, going from one gathering of brats to another.
  • Third Culture Kids, a discussion on not only military brats but other "third culture kids" including Missionary Kids, Diplomatic Kids, etc.
  • Overseas Brats, a free resource designed to reconnect U.S. citizens who have attended school overseas.
  • Books for Brats series. Described as "Dr. Seuss for Military Brats," the books are the first chidren's picture books written and illustrated for military brats by military brat Michelle Ferguson-Cohen.
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