My dad was a Marine for 20+ years and now that he is long retired and I have my own life and career plans, I still look back on those military days fondly and owe many of my life experiences and skills to my father's job.

Pros:

• It allowed me to travel extensively/more so than other children my age.
  • I was exposed to different cultures and ways of life early on, which I think caused me to become more open-minded and curious about the world.
  • It also instilled in me the extremely strong compulsion to travel and explore that I still have today.
• I was privy to all the perks and benefits of a military father:
  • Excellent, cheap healthcare.
  • Trips to the commissary and PX.
  • Free, safe, quality housing and schooling (often on base).
  • Discounts at certain events, restaurants, theme parks, etc.
• The military's emphasis, particularly the Marine Corps, on health and fitness, of course, resulted in a very fit and active father which greatly influenced my love for exercise today.
• Although my parents are no longer together, I believe that my dad's career and traveling as a family played a huge role in keeping them married for as long as they were. And for that, I am thankful.
• Because we moved frequently, my sister was often my only companion and I think we are closer today because of it.
• I know the United States is FAR from perfect, but having a dad in the military instilled in me a strong sense of patriotism.
• It sounds cheesy, but growing up military also taught me a great deal about commitment and loyalty as well.

Cons:

• I moved about every 2 years, thus:
  • I wasn't able to form very close friendships and relationships with people.
  • And now, as an adult who is no longer moving often and has lived in the same area for a long period of time, I still find it difficult to form close relationships.
  • My social skills suffered and extreme shyness abounded (See 'Ridiculous Things I've Done to Avoid Social Interaction' list for examples :/).
  • I often get antsy and discontent being in one place for too long.
• My father was often whisked away for long periods of time on assignments, sometimes dangerous, and we were left without a dad for a while.
  • For example, he was sent to Mogadishu for 6 months and we were kept on pins and needles awaiting his return.
• When someone asks me the question, "Where are you from?", I have never been able to give a solid answer.
  • I then usually have to launch into my speel about growing up in the military and not living in one place long enough to be "from" there.
• All of my extended family live in the same area, have grown up together and are very close as a result. My family has always been the one that lived far way & visits were infrequent.