Military Brats??

[ampoule]

Any of you?

[Mortis Anarchy]

That would be me! NAVY brat.:D

[ampoule]

No kidding? Army here.

[Mortis Anarchy]

My friend just joined the army. He got an ROTC scholarship. He wanted to go Navy, but he is colorblind.:(

[Virgil]

My friend just joined the army. He got an ROTC scholarship. He wanted to go Navy, but he is colorblind.:(

I'm not a military brat, nor in the military, but I know it's a tough life when you guys have to move around every three years or so and have parents away in harms way. Kudos to you and your families.

But, Mortis, why can a color blind person not be in the Navy?

[mtpspur]

Had a colorblind test every few years or so in the Air Force and discovered some sort of blindness involving red which annoys me beause Superman doesn't look any different to me. I believe the Navy is more particular because of signals between ships and whatnot but I could be full of it too.

[Bakiryu]

My dad was in the army, so was my brother and I'll join soon too :)

[Pendragon]

Born on Post at Womack Army Hospital, Fort Bragg, NC way back in 1960. My brother followed in 1964. Dad did two tours of duty in Vietnam. He came back alive, but I still lost him-- he left the family soon after my brother's birth. That soured me on the Military, but I took the ASVAB test, scoring high enough to have all branches of the Military contact me day and night for weeks. I almost went in the Cost Gaurd, and sometimes regret that I didn't. My dad had two purple hearts, I just wish he could have faced his personal demons as bravely.

[ampoule]

Interesting story Pendragon. It's not all romantic is it, which is what I do with it...romanticize it.
For some, it's not the military life that is so bad. It's trying to fit back into civilian life. My brother suffers in that way.

[Debrasue]

Hey....another thread I missed.....
Ampoule...Yeah...me too!...My Dad was in the Air Force overseas... based in Seoul, Korea when I was born...Fort MacArthur, San Pedro, CA! Then on to George AFB, Norton, Edwards,etc....I loved the life we had...I learned how to be very outgoing , adaptable & self-reliant, and had many opportunities to meet people from other countries...I loved that! But I was young and didn't realize that it was a stress for my parents....my Mother especially....

[Mortis Anarchy]

Had a colorblind test every few years or so in the Air Force and discovered some sort of blindness involving red which annoys me beause Superman doesn't look any different to me. I believe the Navy is more particular because of signals between ships and whatnot but I could be full of it too.

Yeah...plus to be a pilot you can't be colorblind. But I think he is happy just being able to do something for the USA. He is pretty patriotic. But he is Red/Green Colorblind. He is a good guy.

It was hard moving all the time...but I got used to it. I met new, great people and saw some of the most amazing places in the States. I wouldn't have traded it for the world. I think it has really changed me, 'cause now I'm super restless and can't wait to travel. I think being a military brat is really lucky, I've been to loads of places and I remember that everyone was like, "Wow, you were born in Hawaii? You've been blahblahblah" I think if anyone gets the chance to travel, they should.

Not only that, but my dad introduced us to some really cool people. I'm really sad now that he has retired, cause now we don't get invited to nearly as many cool parties. But my dad is still really involved because he was pretty high up there...sorta.

[genoveva]

Yes, unfortunately I was an Air Force brat. That is probably largely to blame for all the trauma I have experienced in my life. Military life SUCKS.:sick:

[Mortis Anarchy]

Yes, unfortunately I was an Air Force brat. That is probably largely to blame for all the trauma I have experienced in my life. Military life SUCKS.:sick:

Why do you say that? I love being a military brat! I've traveled, met good people...seen/done things other haven't.

[genoveva]

Why do you say that?

I guess my experience being a "brat" just wasn't as pleasant as others. I don't dig the whole patriarchy of it all. Follow the rules, do what I say because I have the authority thing. Moving around often is stressful- especially when you are a kid. Changing schools all the time. Leaving your friends. Being forced to make new ones knowing they wouldn't last. Leaving your home. There's a lack of groundedness that I must have needed as a child. I so much need it as an adult. My father leaving my mother to go overseas and serve leaving her to care for three children on her own. It's a very ridged life. Doesn't fit my lifestyle as an adult and when I reflect on it, I can see how I've been scarred from the experience.

[Virgil]

I guess my experience being a "brat" just wasn't as pleasant as others. I don't dig the whole patriarchy of it all. Follow the rules, do what I say because I have the authority thing. Moving around often is stressful- especially when you are a kid. Changing schools all the time. Leaving your friends. Being forced to make new ones knowing they wouldn't last. Leaving your home. There's a lack of groundedness that I must have needed as a child. I so much need it as an adult. My father leaving my mother to go overseas and serve leaving her to care for three children on her own. It's a very ridged life. Doesn't fit my lifestyle as an adult and when I reflect on it, I can see how I've been scarred from the experience.

You call all that "patriarchy." What does any of that have to do with patriarchy? If that's patriarchal then my mother is patriarchal. She sent and inforced the rules at my house.

Yes though, I understand that being in the military is tough on the family as well as the soldier. That's why they all deserve our honor and respect.

[genoveva]

You call all that "patriarchy." What does any of that have to do with patriarchy? If that's patriarchal then my mother is patriarchal. She sent and inforced the rules at my house.


No, your mother would be matriarchal. ;)
The military is overwhelmingly comprised of men, and there is a patriarchal hierarchy that just doesn't sit well with my anarchist core.

Further, I don't think *all* soldiers deserve our honor and respect. Soldiers who rape women and kill children don't gain my respect. Military officers who abuse their wives and/or children don't deserve honor, in my opinion, either.

But, this is bordering on politics, and I know this forum dissuades such discussion.

[Virgil]

No, your mother would be matriarchal. ;)
The military is overwhelmingly comprised of men, and there is a patriarchal hierarchy that just doesn't sit well with my anarchist core.

Further, I don't think *all* soldiers deserve our honor and respect. Soldiers who rape women and kill children don't gain my respect. Military officers who abuse their wives and/or children don't deserve honor, in my opinion, either.

But, this is bordering on politics, and I know this forum dissuades such discussion.

Without getting into politics, the things you mention occur in civilian society as well. It's the person, the military has nothing to do with that. I bet the rates for crime in the military is less than in the civilian world.

[Mortis Anarchy]

I guess my experience being a "brat" just wasn't as pleasant as others. I don't dig the whole patriarchy of it all. Follow the rules, do what I say because I have the authority thing. Moving around often is stressful- especially when you are a kid. Changing schools all the time. Leaving your friends. Being forced to make new ones knowing they wouldn't last. Leaving your home. There's a lack of groundedness that I must have needed as a child. I so much need it as an adult. My father leaving my mother to go overseas and serve leaving her to care for three children on her own. It's a very ridged life. Doesn't fit my lifestyle as an adult and when I reflect on it, I can see how I've been scarred from the experience.

I'm sorry you feel that way. Personally, I don't agree and it kind of touches me to close to the heart so I'm not going to argue otherwise it would just seem blind. But I have to agree with Virgil. Besides, people who are in the military are in there by choice. But enough of that...sure leaving behind friends was tough, but thats life. I managed okay...I've made friends from places all around the US...even in other countries due to being a military brat. My brother found it harder...I think it was hardest for me whenever we moved from San Diego to where I live now. But then again I'm happy for that move because it really helped me be who I am now...and I'm proud of that. I'm proud of my Dad and all of the military men out there. My mother says it was hard, but she knew that my Dad loved her and us...she's a tough cookie! Military life isn't for me...but I truly admire those that have the strength and perserverence and courage for that kind of life.

[genoveva]

I bet the rates for crime in the military is less than in the civilian world.

That would be an interesting statistic. I'd especially be interested in the rate of domestic violence within military families (and police officers, at that rate) vs. civilians.

Then, there are also the crimes against humanity, war crimes, and plain out murder.:bawling:

[Virgil]

That would be an interesting statistic. I'd especially be interested in the rate of domestic violence within military families (and police officers, at that rate) vs. civilians.

Then, there are also the crimes against humanity, war crimes, and plain out murder.:bawling:

Like Mortis said, I'm sorry you feel that way. Again I don't think it's any worse than in civilian life. Four young people were murdered execution style in Newark New Jersey in a school yard yesterday by what appears to be some sort of gang members. I call that crimes against humanity. And it had nothing to do with anyone in the military. It seems to me you have built up certain prejudices against people in the military and your perception has magnified individual wrongs into a systemic problem. I know a sizable number of people in the military or were in the military, and they all happen to be decent people.

[Brit Junkie]

Born on Post at Womack Army Hospital, Fort Bragg, NC...

Me too!! Full fledged Army brat here. My mom and dad are both in the Army, although my dad's retired. I fully agree with Pendragon on the "personal demons" aspect of life. My dad's suffering that himself, and it's hard to watch someone who received Purple Hearts and made a difference for our country face internal torment. I have nothing but the utmost respect for all things military.

And to all the military families out there: Keep fighting the good fight!

HOOAH!

[hedbanger]

Nope.

But I have a fetish for military uniforms.

[Mortis Anarchy]

Nope.

But I have a fetish for military uniforms.

ookay...Marines look great in their uniforms:brow:

I'm excited...this year for my JROTC jr/sr trip, we get to go to Annapolis. I haven't been there since the first grade(the year we left).


That would be an interesting statistic. I'd especially be interested in the rate of domestic violence within military families (and police officers, at that rate) vs. civilians.

Then, there are also the crimes against humanity, war crimes, and plain out murder.:bawling:

My dad was in the military for over 23 years. He started right after highschool. I just talked to him about this...he said that he doesn't agree. Sure he has seen some cases but he doesn't think its more than civilians. Also, if there are cases, they are more public BECAUSE its military people. You don't hear about a lot of other cases of domestic violence unless its super bad...which I've hardly ever heard those to be of military background.

Plus, you can't put murder down because its a war. And I'm pretty sure there haven't been a lot of crimes against humanity or war crimes with the United States Military...or military in general. Unless the leader is corrupt, which thank goodness its not. War isn't glamourous...

I'm not saying that it doesn't take its toll on soldiers, but I don't think its fair to shove it all on them.

[Koa]

For about one year or little more at school we had a girl whose father was in the Air Forces (Italian air forces), even a big guy there. That was SO weird, I had never heard of anything like that before (and I was already 18 or so!), I had never thought of the people in the army as being real people with a family or stuff...
She said they had lived in the USA when she was a child and apparently she became fluent in English but then she forgot so her English was like ours at school, certainly among the best but far from perfect...
And she lived in a military base, and she organised a party there and we all went there and slept in houses that were destined for soldiers there, and the next day we went for lunch at the military canteen (imagine a bunch of 18-year-old girls at a military canteen LOL :lol:).
Then they went back to Rome, where they were originally from.

I think it has this great side of travelling and living a different life from most kids, but it must be disruptive for the kids... and I see what genoveva means, this girl's parents were SO strict! And idealistic as it is, I wouldn't be proud of having a dad who goes around the world fighting people... not to mention that if they get sent to serious wars, well you never know if they'll come back...

[Bakiryu]

I wouldn't be proud of having a dad who goes around the world fighting people... not to mention that if they get sent to serious wars, well you never know if they'll come back...

That makes me wish my dad joined the american army (i think he was in the cuban one when he was young).

[Mortis Anarchy]

I think it has this great side of travelling and living a different life from most kids, but it must be disruptive for the kids... and I see what genoveva means, this girl's parents were SO strict! And idealistic as it is, I wouldn't be proud of having a dad who goes around the world fighting people... not to mention that if they get sent to serious wars, well you never know if they'll come back...

My parents are strict. They set boundaries and we obey them, but its nothing insane. They never said I couldn't have a boyfriend or friends or have a curfew at 8. The only thing they ask for really is to study hard, be happy and don't sass them. I'm proud of my father. I'm proud that he can stand up for what he believes in and take care of us. War is something that no one wants. My father doesn't want war. He doesn't want to fight. He doesn't want to die. But he knows what the consequences are. He knows what could happen and he was willing to put his life on the line if his country needed him. Is that so wrong? I know what the chances that he may never come home (he just recently retired so this was in the past).

But I was just happy that he was my dad. I think it would be sad if you were not proud of your parents. Its not like military men and women enjoy killing. I personally did not find it disruptive. We never left in the middle of school...sure we left friends behind, but it isn't something that would kill you. I made new friends and still have friends from other states. I actually feel really restless after living where I live for about four/five years.

[Koa]

I don't know, sure you will feel like that if that's your family and for you it will be a normal life, and I envy people who travel a lot etc (which is what I'm doing of my life), but I just have the unrealistic idea of not liking the concept of army... you know pacifist crap and all.

I realised that no one here can have found the joke about a bunch of 18-year-old-girls at a military base funny, because I think all the people posting in this thread are Americans and I forgot to say that at the time the army in Italy was still male ONLY, so that equal to say a bunch of teenage girls surrounded by (often young) men :lol:
(I think women were allowed in the army in like 2001 so about one year later...and military service is no longer compulsory since 2005 or 06 I think...)

[Mortis Anarchy]

That is pretty funny! Haha, I bet they were happy!

I've just never felt as if my family has had to live their lives like a puppet. Maybe its different for everyone, but they gave us choices. We got to put in where we would rather live...like we got a choice between California, North Dakota(?) or Italy...I have no clue why we didn't choose Italy!! I'm still smacking my head about that one! Obviously California won! But yeah...its never been a pacified type deal.

[Virgil]

I don't know, sure you will feel like that if that's your family and for you it will be a normal life, and I envy people who travel a lot etc (which is what I'm doing of my life), but I just have the unrealistic idea of not liking the concept of army... you know pacifist crap and all.

I realised that no one here can have found the joke about a bunch of 18-year-old-girls at a military base funny, because I think all the people posting in this thread are Americans and I forgot to say that at the time the army in Italy was still male ONLY, so that equal to say a bunch of teenage girls surrounded by (often young) men :lol:
(I think women were allowed in the army in like 2001 so about one year later...and military service is no longer compulsory since 2005 or 06 I think...)

Koa, my Italian grandfather was stricter than any military I know. :lol: And my mother, his daughter, took after him. My house was good old fashion Italian strictness, and I think my parents reared three good children, two with PhDs and me with only a Masters. I look at today's generation and except for a for a few (and I think Mortis Anarchy is certainly one of those few, she's a great young lady) I see a bunch of mushy pansies who cry when they don't have their gelatos and cappuccinos and movies and electronic toys. :D

Sorry, sometimes I have to act my age. :p

[Mortis Anarchy]

Koa, my Italian grandfather was stricter than any military I know. :lol: And my mother, his daughter, took after him. My house was good old fashion Italian strictness, and I think my parents reared three good children, two with PhDs and me with only a Masters. I look at today's generation and except for a for a few (and I think Mortis Anarchy is certainly one of those few, she's a great young lady) I see a bunch of mushy pansies who cry when they don't have their gelatos and cappuccinos and movies and electronic toys. :D

Sorry, sometimes I have to act my age. :p

I agree. I dunno, I'm just kind of tired of hearing people rant about the military. If it was a bad experience, then that really sucks...but yah know, thats life. Everyone has some kind of problem. Whining about it doesn't make it better, even though I feel for those that have major problems. being a military brat hasn't made me who I am. I developed on my on as well, but the military helped me see and understand things differently. People in the military should have our respect. War is bad and not glorious and definetly not pretty, but they are out there risking their own lives for their country. Some people may see it differently, but its not them that makes wars. If you don't support the people that start wars, or whatever, that doesn't mean you can't support the military. I've been called a hippie, but I just don't think I would like a repeat of people spitting on soldiers and calling them baby killers.

Yumm, Gelato! I know where I'm going tonight!

[Virgil]

I agree. I dunno, I'm just kind of tired of hearing people rant about the military. If it was a bad experience, then that really sucks...but yah know, thats life. Everyone has some kind of problem. Whining about it doesn't make it better, even though I feel for those that have major problems. being a military brat hasn't made me who I am. I developed on my on as well, but the military helped me see and understand things differently. People in the military should have our respect. War is bad and not glorious and definetly not pretty, but they are out there risking their own lives for their country. Some people may see it differently, but its not them that makes wars. If you don't support the people that start wars, or whatever, that doesn't mean you can't support the military. I've been called a hippie, but I just don't think I would like a repeat of people spitting on soldiers and calling them baby killers.

Thanks Mortis. I couldn't have said it better. That was perfect. :thumbs_up

[Mortis Anarchy]

Thanks Mortis. I couldn't have said it better. That was perfect. :thumbs_up

Thanks...its just kinda sad. I mean, I'm pretty left-wing on things...but come on. Its painful to here stuff like that.

[applepie]

I'm not a military brat, but my husband was and so are both my children. I think the experince that you have will be dependent on the type of relationship your parents have. My hubby and I have a good and strong relationship. Our children (well at least my son my daughter is really too young to care) has suffered no damage from his dad coming and going or our being away from friends and family. He doesn't suffer because of us being strict or the hours that Tom sometimes has to work. My husband, on the other hand, came from a different situation. His mom and dad didn't have a strong relationship, so the coming and going that is part of the gig played havoc with his childhood. It was very difficult when his dad was gone for 3 years or so and only returned to ask for a divorce.

The point I'm trying to make is that the military is a constant in both situations. It is impossible to place blame there if you didn't like your childhood. It is possible to have a perfectly normal childhood both in and out ouf the military. It is also just as easy to have a childhood full of abuse that you wish to forget regardless of your situation, but either way it is dependent on your parents. It isn't dependent on the job one or both of them do.

[Virgil]

Thanks...its just kinda sad. I mean, I'm pretty left-wing on things...but come on. Its painful to here stuff like that.

:eek: :eek: :eek2: :eek2: Left wing??? Oh no. You've finally said something that let me down. :sick:

Only kidding Ana.:p :p :lol: That doesn't bother me. ;) You're still young. As Winston Churchill said, “Any 20 year-old who isn't a liberal doesn't have a heart, and any 40 year-old who isn't a conservative doesn't have a brain.” :D

[Mortis Anarchy]

Well, I'm actually more of an in between person. I agree with things on both ends of the spectrum...my parents say the same thing. They are both of the Elephant party...but they are okay with my decision. Its my brother who has a problem with it. He is 15 and is a hard core conservative. Yeah, I'm not hard core or anything. Promise Virgil:lol: :D I just consider myself more liberal than conservative.

[Bakiryu]

I get confused between the conservatives and the left-wing people. ARe they the same? Am i a democrat? does that have anything to do with it? Yup, somebody please explain it to me!

[Mortis Anarchy]

Left is more liberal and Right is more conservative. One wikipedia they have a nice chart that helps explain. I used this for my sophmore history class. Liberal is democrat and conservative is Republican.

[Bakiryu]

oh, ok. Still confused. I'll go look it up on wiki.

[Mortis Anarchy]

oh, ok. Still confused. I'll go look it up on wiki.

What are you confused about?

[Bakiryu]

:blush: Nothing. I just forgot the meaning of the word liberal then looked it up and decided I don't really care about that anymore :lol:

[Mortis Anarchy]

Alrighty then.