Courageous Resilience: The Impact of Being a Military Child
As a military child, courage becomes more than just a characteristic; it becomes a necessary part of one’s identity. Growing up in a military family exposes individuals to a unique set of challenges and experiences that require resilience, adaptability, and unwavering courage. Through all the challenges they face, military children learn to navigate life’s obstacles with courage as their compass.
First and foremost, the deployment of a parent is perhaps one of the most defining experiences for a military child. The apprehension of separation, coupled with the fear of the unknown, can be daunting. It is in these moments that courage truly shines. My father once deployed for nearly a year, and I was very worried, but I found the courage to move on, to display resilience. I had to, for if I just broke down, and cried, what would it do to my mother, who relied on me? To my little brother, who looked up to me? No, I couldn’t do that. I had to stay strong, to forge onward, to have courage. From a young age, military children must bring forward the strength to bid farewell to their loved ones, all while shouldering the responsibilities that come with their absence. They learn to manage their emotions, offer support to their family, and carry on with their daily lives despite the absence of a parent. This requires immense courage and maturity beyond their years.
Furthermore, the transitionary nature of military life means that military children often become uprooted from familiar surroundings and thrust into new environments. With each relocation comes the challenge of adapting to a new school, making new friends, and acclimating to a different ‘home’. I know as well as my peers do the challenge of stepping into a new classroom at the start of a new school year, behind me a still-unpacked house filled with boxes, and wondering what the movers took this time, what if some things were lost along the way, what if, what if. It is the constant relocation that gives military children the resilience and most of all, the courage to keep moving, to endure.
In conclusion, courage is not just a trait possessed by military children; it is a defining characteristic that shapes their character and influences their actions. From navigating deployments and moves to confronting uncertainty and shouldering responsibilities, military children show courage in its truest form. Through their resilience, adaptability in unfamiliar situations, and unwavering determination, they not only thrive in the face of adversity but also inspire those around them to do the same. As a military child, courage is not just a virtue—it is a way of life.