National Military Brats Day

National Military Brats Day is celebrated everywhere on April 30th and we celebrate the kids of the armed forces by showing our appreciation for the military, watching popular movies about the army and even dress up like the army! Did you know, the average Soldier changes at least six schools in their lifetime?

Facts And Figures about Military Brats

• Children in the military are described as those who "were or were" children of service members.
• According to some publications, about one in every 25 US citizens is a member of a military family.
• There are differences of opinion, but a rough estimate of the number of active-duty troops is at most 15 million.
• Military kids can attend four to dozen schools in their K-12 careers for an average of about two years at each location.
• People who grew up on military bases abroad may not be able to visit their childhood homes or other familiar places unless they join the military on their own or are “sponsored” by a military member for a base visit.

Origins of the Term “Military Brat”

Retired Air Force Lieutenant General Michael M. Dunn wrote a blog post in 2011 noting about a book from 1921 that suggested the origin of the term was at least in part due to the military acronym. He means British Corps Attached Traveler or BRAT in abbreviation.

This designation is given to families that have been approved to accompany service members to an overseas duty site. The story goes that “BRAT” eventually became synonymous with children in the military.

BRATs as they are known in British military culture have been mentioned in the British Journal of Educational Research, but another reference in British popular culture from the 1700s, a play called The Recruiting Officer can also give you clues. It has lyrics relating to military and/or civilian "men and wives."

History of National Military Brats Day

National Military Brats Day was established by Military Brats, Inc. This day was kicked off back in 2016 as an unofficial holiday. However, members of the founding committee are trying to convince the US Congress to make the day an official holiday in recognition of how precious children of the military are. In addition, it aims to thank the children of the military for their own sacrifices and indirect service to the country.

April is also considered as the Month of the Military Brats. So it's fitting that April 30th is National Military Brats Day. It is a day to sit back and reflect on the sacrifices that millions of military children - present and past - have made for the country. Not only are these children sent to serve the country by their parents, but these children often have a difficult life due to a lot of travel, depending on where their parents are stationed.

Without a doubt, Military Brats are a unique breed. Their lives may be tougher than most but these constant interruptions in their childhood often bring them closer to family throughout life. They are also often able to build stronger relationships in their social and professional lives.

Why National Military Brats Day?

One in 25 Americans is a child of military personnel. Because the U.S. Department of Defense has not been proactive in keeping such explicit military personnel records, such actual military numbers could not be determined. Despite that, the kids who make up this distinct grouping span across fifty US states and others in other countries abroad. While military soldiers pursue separate professions, they maintain the same culture. Even in their diversity spread across different states and countries, soldiers in the military have managed to stay in touch and take advantage of social media platforms.

Military kids don't have the habit of staying in one place for long periods of time, a culture they've likely picked up from their military parents before them. Most of these children in the military, who come from military families and establishments, are not allowed to return home, as they will commit to enlisting for military service when they grow up. Leveraging internet platforms such as the Military Brats Registry, Operation Foot Locker, and the Historical Association of American Foreign Schools, among others, children of service members reconnect with their childhood friends them and spend time and effort catching up on stories and other meaningful commitments.

How to celebrate National Military Brats Day

• Post on social media

The first and most basic way to observe this auspicious day is to post on social media using the #NationalMilitaryBratsDay handle. You can then share this hashtag on various social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter among others, hoping to ensure that the celebration reaches many more objects.

• Congratulations on your enlistment

Commemorating the kids in the military is another way to celebrate National Soldiers Day. Do this by throwing a party and inviting all of the military's children to attend. You can also have their spouses in service and join together to observe the remarkable day to honor it truly represents.

• Campaign to support children in the army

Another way to celebrate or celebrate National Military Brats Day is to send an appeal to Congress through writing or otherwise, asking them to consistently support service members even when their parents are dying and serve their country.