After years of wading through military acronyms, I still get confused.  Here are a few tips on how to tell if you might be a military family …

… if your ETA is 17:30.
… if you skipped the annual tax-free weekend for back-to-school sales because the PX is tax-free year-round.
… if you have to show an ID to go grocery shopping.
… if you’ve spent more time away from your spouse than under the same roof.
… if your kids know more country capitals than state capitals.
… if the Rear Det CPT is POC of the RFO for your TDY.
… if you ordered your Christmas gifts online through AAFES.
… if your well behaved kid is a “brat.”
… if you have traveled to more countries than states.
… if DFAS screwed up your paycheck … again.
… if you know how to absentee vote but are unsure where to find your local poling site.
… if your son asks for a “high & tight” as his summer haircut and a “fade” for the winter.
… if you know someone who volunteers for MIRC or AFRP (and if you do, give them a hug & say thanks!).
… if your kid’s top choices for what s/he wants to be when s/he grows up are paratrooper, helicopter pilot and tank driver.
… if R&R means much, much more than an afternoon at the spa.
… if your team scores and you yell, “Hooah!”
… if your spouse phones home via Skype.
… if your kid needs to go no farther than your closet to dress up for “camo day” at school.
… if you’ve ever tied a yellow ribbon around a tree in your yard.

To all of our military family & friends (and to those who love & support us) – thanks!