Month of the Military Child

Month of the Military Child

Month of the Military Child takes place in April. From deployments to new schools, military children face unique challenges that youth their age never experience. For this reason, their ability to adapt to present and future changes deserves our respect and admiration. As a result, and in an effort to recognize the hard work and courage of military children, the Department of Defense has deemed April as the Month of the Military Child.

Month of the Military Child is a time to honor military youth. They have an important role in contributing to the strength of the Army Family. Month of the Military Child also reaffirms the Army’s commitment to ensuring excellence in schools, childcare and youth services. It also provides a strong supportive environment where children can thrive.

Because purple is a color designated to represent all military services, the theme “Purple Up” is used for this observance. Over the course of the month wear a purple ribbon or camouflage pin. We also offer the camouflage pin on this site.

What is Month of the Military Child?

Each year, April is deemed military child appreciation month, while its official name is Month of the Military Child. Created in the mid-1980s, the Pentagon and other military support organizations and agencies use the month to recognize military kids. They applaud them for their sacrifice and bravery on the home front.

The term “military brat” is a badge of pride worn by generations of kids who traveled the world with their parents. They move into adulthood with the knowledge that they have the strength to handle anything. Military children deal with separations, deployments, and frequent moves. In addition, they deal with their parents’ injuries as part of the life they were born into or entered with their families.

Military Youth

Military families move every two to three years on average. In addition, military children change schools an average of six to nine times from the start of kindergarten to their high school graduation. Across the military this April, installations host events and observances celebrating military children, youth and teens. This month also highlights the programs, resources, and services available to support moving schools, education and overall well-being.

Within the Defense Department, there are a number of programs and resources to support military parents and their children. These include many affordable, quality and licensed child care options on and off installation.

Department Of Defense works with a variety of stakeholders to build a support network that provides the best possible education experience for military-connected children and youth worldwide. This includes, for example, school liaisons who can help students realize their education goals. And the DOD works to make changing schools easier for children.

Purple Up!

In addition, DOD also works with a number of organizations. These, for example, are 4-H, Boys and Girls Club of America and Sesame Workshop to offer military parents and children resources and strategies for personal growth, mental health and self-care.

Throughout the month of April, DOD invites the nation to Purple Up. Wear purple and share pictures on social media to show support for military children, youth and teens.