I was a Canadian Air Force BRAT. The term BRAT(S) stands for – Born, Raised And Transferred Somewhere. It’s a term of endearment given to all children of a parent(s) who work in the military.
Being a BRAT meant I was going to live quite a different life from most kids. My parents and I lived in eleven different locations from the time I was born until I left for University.
Has the term defined me in any way?
You bet, because I very quickly figured out that “Strangers are just friends waiting to happen”. I also realized that I had to be open and receptive to many different situations. We were often transferred through the school year. Everything would change. From teachers, to friends, to school subjects, to homes. My life totally changed in a space of 24 hours.