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Duty Station Culture

by Sarah Smiley

Moving around with the military affords people the opportunity to experience different cultures throughout our country and world. Because of this, and despite what some people believe, military families are usually the least sheltered or inexperienced. They have, in fact, such an eclectic realm of experiences; they bring a great deal of culture to the areas that they inhabit. It's no coincidence, for instance, that commissaries (the military's grocery store) on base often have a better selection of ethnic foods than local civilian stores. Military families grow accustomed to and expect the things that they have experienced, including food. Likewise, their home decor can be a virtual museum of the places they have traveled and lived: Japan, Europe, Hawaii, etc.

Part of this learning experience for military families, however, also involves area-specific activities, lingo and culture that can't (or won't) always be recreated in other places. In San Diego, for example, Dustin and I learned that the traffic on major roads is so reviled and legendary that instead of calling highways by their proper name ("Highway 5"), people insert an ominous, personified "The": "THE 5."

In Florida, we learned about screen enclosures for pools and how they are the first things to blow into your neighbor's yard during a hurricane. And when we lived along the Gulf of Mexico, just a stone’s throw away from lower Alabama, we learned how to discern the good bull riders from the bad ones.

Last week, at our new duty station in Bangor, Maine, Dustin and I received educations in a totally new area-specific activity and culture -- ice fishing. (Did I mention that for all the things we have experienced during our travels, Dustin and I haven't always been the most talented when we participate in them?) It was quite an eye- opener. Yet, another experience to add to the ever-growing list of things-I-never-would-have-done-if-not-for-the-military.

How about you? What experiences have you had through your travels in the military?

Tourist Duty
Hanging Pictures in Japan
Plan for Last Minute Guests
Quick Entertaining Tips
Choosing Wine

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User comments:

kikibird	2/25/2009 10:22:05 AM
We learned while living in northern Maine, that's 4 hours north of Bangor, that people do hibernate in the winter. While living in North Dakota we learned the purpose of trees, to stop that cold northern wind. While living in Germany we learned that milk is a drink for children not adults, they drink beer or wine. While living in Panama we learned that at 2:15 p.m. it was going to rain like you have never seen before in your life. Even if the sky is blue and cloudless at 2:00 p.m., trust me! Oh and this only happens for six months out of the year. Also in Panama, we learned that a red light does not necessarily mean the cars are going to stop. Driving was a whole new experience, even more than in Europe. I'd have to say Panama was my favorite assignment though.
amberpearl	2/25/2009 11:54:43 AM
We have learned that Seattle is more windy than Chicago and then learned why Chicago is the windy city. We learned living further from our family brought us closer as a couple and closer to our family. We learned about foods like Lumpia and Chicago dogs. Our children have learned that moving should always be an adventure. On a sidenote I grew up in Ca and was in SD for our first station and I never realized how we talk about "the 5". Now living in Wa we still call it "the 5". Interesting observation.
kikibird	2/25/2009 1:34:42 PM
I love Chicago dogs! The pizza is awesome too! (born there, but don't want to live there, just love visiting and only in the summer)
Su Prieta	2/25/2009 3:44:54 PM
I have yet to travel with the military. Our first/next duty station will be Gulfport, MS. I am from the Washington, DC area and am prepared for vast cultural differences in Gulfport. But, I look forward to travelling around. I have a chameleon-quality and look forward to experiencing and bringing different cultures. Su Prieta www.aspiretograce.com
tjbake	2/27/2009 9:45:28 AM
tjbake I agree haveing moved from Indiana to Europe to West Coast to East, my family has gained so much more in culture backgrounds. Not only healthy living styles, but everyday knowledge. Its been a great opportunity for my childern to see many areas of our history they learn day to day. They have really enjoyed it and look forward to a new adventure each time we move.
Mandi	8/26/2009 5:02:05 PM
We've lived in Hawaii for 2 years now, and the culture here is so eclectic it's unbelievable. We refer to the island as the rock, they say "Ya" after every sentence, and it's really not as beautiful as everyone makes it out to be.
brittnik	8/29/2009 4:57:02 PM
we learned, that we miss being 45 minutes from chciago ( we grew up around that area).. And we realized it could have some of the best pizza. and probably the best range of culture.. Also that no one in North Carolina can drive. haha In some states. its totally ok to use the turning lane as an "I'm going to pull out of this lane/street and sit in the turning lane til i can pull out and start driving, even if it causes an accident." lane...

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