Differences in risk for social, emotional, and behavioral problems in the military dependent and non-military population across gender and age group, were examined using an instrument with established psychometric properties. Schools with an average of 25% military students (two elementary schools and two high schools) were selected based on their student population and absence of tier one or two intervention programming. A total of 3111 students were sampled; data for 2852 participants were available for analysis. Proportion differences across categories of risk indicate no statistically significant difference in risk between military and non-military students within the district overall but differences were found by age and gender. Statistically significant differences were also identified between military-student population national norms. Implications include the use of universal screening to identify sub-groups for targeted programming. Highlights: Research examining the incidence and prevalence of mental health concerns among military-connected children has yet to reach consensus. Very few existing studies use instruments with published psychometric properties; the BASC-2 BESS was used in this study. Results highlight the importance of referencing a nationally normed sample when assessing risk in military children. This sample did not have differences in the risk level of military-dependents when compared to non-military peers.