Travis Air Force Base, California. (February 26, 2024): “Military Brat” is an affectionate term given to the children of active duty servicemembers. They enter this world with a  green “US” stamped on their diapers and in the loving arms of a military nurse. In this photo by Kenneth Abbate, Air Force First Lieutenant Elisabeth Wallace, left, and Senior Airman Shorettalayne Gutierrez provide stimulation to a newborn mannequin in the labor and delivery simulation room during weekly staff training.

Each year, thousands of children are born to military families at bases at home and abroad and the duty of bringing these future troops into the world falls to military nurses. These highly skilled professionals give prenatal and postpartum care to military wives and are trained to handle the high-pressure situations during childbirths. They are part of a team of caregivers who provide delicate care for newborns until they are discharged.

To become an Air Force nurse requires at least a bachelor’s degree or higher in nursing from an accredited school and at least one year of full-time practical experience. Candidates must pass the 6-week Air Force Officer Training School and be under age 47 before being commissioned as officers. Nurses can specialize in various Ob/Gyn fields and there are numerous opportunities for them to gain new knowledge and skills.

Perhaps the greatest benefit these nurses enjoy is bringing new lives into the world while serving their country.