Military Children

Documentary Focuses on the Life of Military Children


By Christen N. McCluney

April 15, 2010 - “Brats: Our Journey Home” is the first documentary that talks about growing up military. The film which was narrated by musician and former Air Force brat Kris Kristofferson discusses the experiences and connections of children being raised in the military.

The term brat is often used for a person whose parent or parents have served full-time in the military during their childhood and is based on the acronym “British Regimental Attached Traveler.”

Donna Musil wrote and directed the documentary after growing up as an Army brat. Her experience inspired her to make the film and develop Operation Military Brat, an educational outreach program that focuses on improving the lives of military brats and raising the awareness of challenges and sacrifices that military children make.

“I moved 12 times in 16 years on three continents, attended 3 high schools, and lost my father to service-related injuries when I was 16. I suppose in a nutshell, I made the film to figure out who I am and where I’m from,” she said.

The film serves as a platform to talk to former brats, including General Norman Schwarzkopf, about what it is like growing up in a military environment and features home movie footage, photos and first-person stories.

Musil thinks the film has been a wonderful tool for families, counselors, doctors, and teachers, but also added that the film has gotten some mixed responses as well.

“We do talk about serious issues, including the way PTSD plays out in a family and the long-term effects of excessive mobility, so occasionally we come across people who aren’t quite ready to hear these things.”

She added that the overall response to the film has been wonderful and the project has taken a life of it’s own. “[I] realized it’s not about me at all, except to the extent that I’m just another Army brat.”

“I’ve learned so much since the film has been released. Like the little engine that could, brats just keeps chugging along.”

In celebration of the Month of The Military Child the AFN Family Channel Sunday will show the documentary (outside of the U.S.) on April 25 at 4:30pm. Check the Brats site for future screenings in the U.S.