Adverse Childhood Experiences and Positive Childhood Experiences Among United States Military Children.

This article examines the association between having a caregiver who has ever served on active duty in the U.S. military and children's exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and positive childhood experiences (PCEs), using data from the 2020–2021 National Survey of Children's Health. The study found that children in military families had higher odds of experiencing certain ACEs—specifically domestic violence, household mental health issues or depression, and substance use—compared to children with civilian caregivers, while no significant differences were observed in PCEs between the two groups. The research highlights that military children often benefit from protective factors such as two-parent married households, higher caregiver education, and private health insurance, yet face increased familial dysfunction related to mental health and substance misuse. These findings may inform child welfare advocates and policymakers in developing targeted programs to promote resilience and positive experiences among military-connected children.