Then And Now

Being an “army brat” in general means being a child of a member of the army. It’s a completely different lifestyle from what we consider a “normal childhood”, but the lifestyle has made a few changes throughout our history of war. Because of advancements in technology, human rights, and other changes in our world, being an “army brat” has continued to evolve.

The first war to be broadcasted was the Vietnam War, and this changed how the world viewed War. US citizens had access to more detail, and people learned what was really happening in the war, as opposed to what they thought they knew from popular propaganda. My grandfather flew a fighter plane in the war, but that’s all the information my mother had about him. However, she recently discovered that her mother, who was listening to broadcasts and being informed of his whereabouts, knew more details of what my grandfather was involved in, and where he was. Despite having this knowledge, my grandmother decided to keep it from my mom. When I asked my mom if she wished she knew more about what was happening, she responded with “Yes, I am very interested in details. I like to understand what is going on.” With knowledge of what is really happening, it might be scary to a child, but often times it’s helpful for them to understand what their parent is really doing, and why.

Another technological advancement that has changed the way the “army brat” is brought up is the Internet. Before the Internet, contact with the deployed soldiers was practically unheard of. There was maybe a letter here and there, but nothing like what we have now. These days, spouses and children can email, call, and video chat with their soldier, and this increases knowledge of what is happening abroad. On top of more contact with soldiers abroad, US citizens are seeing more footage and details of what is happening overseas. News channels like Fox and CNN reveal details about soldiers who were killed in action, as well has updates on how the war has progressed. While some would say that this installs more fear in the minds of those at home, others would argue that it is comforting to hear the voices and see the faces of their loved ones.One big drawback of the evolved technology is that sometimes deaths of soldiers are revealed on television before the families are even informed. Privacy is no longer an option.

Throughout history, human rights have progressed, and still continue to. Pre-Cold War, women were not allowed to participate in active combat- they were simply allowed to serve as nurses and in other supporting roles. This meant that men were typically the only ones abroad, and the women were at home with the children. Times have changed, however, and now an estimated 50,000 military families have both parents serving overseas. This leaves children at home without parents, being raised by other family or nannies. Although these children can still video chat and contact their parents, they are most likely to see them as more of an aunt/uncle type figure in their life.

Another change in the military lifestyle includes less on-base housing. An advantage of the on-base housing is that military families are grouped with families just like theirs, making the lifestyle easier. The support of peers similar to yourself makes people feel more accepted, and in this case, not so lonely. However, the modern military family is less likely to live on base, causing them to be surrounded by “normal” families.

Changes in the lifestyles of “old school brats” vs. “modern brats” are both positive and negative. There is no easy way to live continents away from your loved ones, and the feelings of loss will always be difficult.

Below are photos of Army Parents seeing there kids after being deployed for a long period of time. Some of these photos document the first time fathers see their baby.