Life of a Military Brat and What is it like to be a brat in the military

Life of a Military Brat and What is it like to be a brat in the military

Despite that fact, the term military/Army brat denotes a negative connotation in the civilian sector but in the Armed forces, it is not considered to be a derogatory term and is usually one of endearment.

It mainly refers to any child who has grown up with a parent in the army, has been shifting to places as per the posting of the parent, studied in Kendriya Vidyalayas, Central Schools and Army Schools, made new friends & stayed connected with most of them, lived in cantonments, would know at least a couple of people who have served in the highest battleground on earth, Siachen.

But there is more to that. In this article, we will try to understand the life of a Military Brat and their speciality –

Different Lifestyle On Cantonment/Peace Stations

Cantt. Area is situated away from the civilian world amidst greenery and civility and is considered to be a community within a community. A lot of space to play and all the greenery makes people take an active interest in gardening thus passing the talent to kids as well.

In cantonment people always look forward to festivals and holidays. There, kids get to know many religions and cultures and everyone celebrates on different occasions altogether, Be it  Janamashtmi, Gurupurab or Christmas. There is no . The cantonment is your kingdom once you step out of it any fun seems faded enough to give you the feel of fun that is inside a cantonment.

Everything is your own pool, and parks and the most memorable ones are open-air theatres. Officer’s Mess and SNCO’s Mess to provide you

Every household in the armed forces has a black painted trunk, which is now being used as a sitting space and it is one of the

Disciplined Life

Secondly, Children grow in a disciplinarian household, with an emphasis on routine, self-dependence, punctuality, and a sense of ownership. Contrary to belief, army kids are not treated like cadets at home (all the time). Yes, there is a certain discipline that is followed in terms of pursuing a sport, playing a game, study time and socialising time.

Armed Forces have their own schools for the military kids– Army Public Schools, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Sainik Schools, Military Schools, and Air Force Schools. These are the default options. It is only after entering different schools that are “civil” or a college (not the army variety) do you realise the “different” thought process existing outside. It was always assumed that people outside would share a similar worldview, but it isn’t always so.

Also, school buses are an inseparable part of any army kid’s life.

While you do live in a secular, protected shell of a life within thriving green cantonments, it is in many ways the perfect environment to grow up in. Unlike other children, home is not a brick-and-mortar building or a lane or even a city. For Fauji kids, home is the Army and everything it stands for.

Home is the sound of the early morning Bugle, the sight of soldiers marching past in unison, the smell of Brasso used to polish your father’s/mother’s medals, the feeling of pride you take in the life you have had.

While growing up, military kids take inspiration from other military personnel and look up them.

Pride

Military kids exhibit pride in their parents’ service and often take on additional duties during deployments. In this way, they serve our country too, with strength and bravery. Growing up as a military brat is a unique and often rewarding experience.  More often than not, looking back on life as a military brat will provide endless entertainment and laughter to anyone they share the stories with.

Growing up as a military brat is a unique experience in itself.  You will always get to listen to wonderful memories of Military brat and their different lifestyle.