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I was born on Yokosuka Naval Base in Japan 91' and moved to the United States when I was 3 years old. At 7, my dad was stationed in Naples, Italy, where we lived in Caserta, just below the beautiful medieval village of Caserta Vecchia. I attended Naples Elementary, a Department of Defense school on base, while spending four unforgettable years exploring Italy and the surrounding countries with my family.
A few years after returning to the States, my dad received orders to Okinawa, Japan. We spent a year living on Kadena Air Base, making memories exploring the seawall off base and soaking in everything island life had to offer.
While my family’s role within the military community may have looked different than others,(NCIS) the experience of growing up as a BRAT, moving often, living overseas, and constantly rebuilding a sense of home, was something we shared all the same. I will forever be a BRAT
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As the father of three Brave Little Brats, I understand firsthand what it means to be part of the military family. During my more than 23 years with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), my family and I had the opportunity to live and travel around the world.
Two of my Brave Little Brats were born at Naval Hospital Yokosuka, Japan. The third was born in the United States but, at just one month old, moved with us to his first overseas assignment at Naval Air Station Keflavik, Iceland. Much of their childhood was spent overseas, including time in Yokohama and Okinawa, Japan, as well as Naples, Italy.
For many years, military life was all they knew. They lived in military housing, shopped at the commissary and exchange, attended Department of Defense (DoD) schools, and formed friendships with children from every corner of the United States and beyond. On average, they moved every two years, adapting to new homes, new cultures, and new experiences.
At first glance, that lifestyle might seem difficult for a child. The countries we called home differed greatly in culture, climate, language, and customs. While the frequent moves certainly came with challenges, they also provided extraordinary opportunities. These experiences helped build resilience, confidence, adaptability, and character—qualities that would stay with them throughout their lives.
Much of their strength came from growing up within the military community. Whether they were from military families, DoD civilian families, or families supporting the military mission, the children shared a unique bond. They looked out for one another, learned from one another, and became part of an extended family that stretched across continents and oceans.
If you ask many military children about their upbringing, they will often tell you it felt normal. That is a testament to the remarkable support, friendship, and sense of belonging provided by the military community.
Looking back, I can say without hesitation that my three Brave Little Brats are better people because of the experiences they had, the places they lived, and the people they met along the way. Their military upbringing helped shape them into resilient, compassionate, and capable adults, and for that I will always be grateful.
Gregg Munroe
NCIS (Retired)