Growing up as a military brat became the norm for me and my siblings. Moving from one military base to another during my father’s 20-year career in the army provided its challenges.

As an introvert, I had difficulty making friends. I found my “friends” in books. One of the first things I would do upon arriving in a new place was locate the local library. There were no e-books back then. I would take my time browsing through the stacks (book shelves). I was always drawn to the mystery or sci-fi section.

I can honestly say that the experience of growing up on different army posts was a unique learning adventure.

Travelling was always exciting. Travel plans would include planes, ships or trains provided by the armed forces. I had not even started school when I first boarded a plane with my mom and two younger sisters.

When travelling by ship, my sister and I had the run of the craft because my mother tended to get seasick and couldn’t leave the cabin. My father wouldn’t be around because he was always sent ahead of us.

I sometimes envied those classmates who didn’t have to deal with the military lifestyle. They had friends they knew since childhood. But then again, I got to meet new people every time my father was assigned to a new post.

Would I exchange that life for one that was more stable? I don’t know. I’ve learned so much and been exposed to many experiences that have helped me grow as a person. Living in one place for so long and only interacting with the same people might not have given me the challenges I needed to develop my full potential both personally and professionally. It also helped strengthen the bond I had with my sister who was only a year and a half younger.  Since aunts and uncles were not available 24/7, my mother relied on her two older girls to watch the younger siblings.

Soon after my father retired, I married and settled down to a relatively “quiet” life (if raising five children can be considered quiet). Do I miss the travelling from one place to another? No, I don’t think so but it was fun while it lasted because I was young and could handle it.

Military life is not the same anymore. It was and sometimes can be lonely. What makes it different now is the access we have to social media. I guess it can make one feel closer to family and friends which is always important.

What are your thoughts on the matter? How would you feel being part of a military family? Do you think it would be fun? Are you up to living a “nomadic” life? ~~LMMolina