The examples and perspective in this article deal primarily with the United States and do not represent a worldwide view of the subject. (February 2012) |
Military dependents are the spouse(s), children, and possibly other familial relationship categories of a sponsoring military member for purposes of pay as well as special benefits, privileges and rights.[1] This generic category is enumerated in great detail for U.S. military members.[1]
The term "military brat" is also commonly used in military culture to mean a military dependent who is either a child or a teenager.[2][3][4] The term is not an insult but carries connotations of respect and affection. Currently the U.S. Department of Defense estimates that there are approximately 15 million individuals in the United States who are current or former military brats.[2][3][4] It is also used in research studies.[2][3][4] It also refers to the subculture of American military brats.[2][3][4]