Old habits die hard, as ex-military will know once they re-enter civilian life. You can get take the soldier out of the military, but you can’t take the military out of the soldier. Mannerisms they earned during service will likely show in day-to-day life. If you were ever in service, you will probably find the following points relatable!
Floor = Bed
You will be hard-pressed to find a soldier who is picky with their sleeping arrangements.
Basic training will wipe such concerns off them.
In those days, they will learn to see the floor as their bed, their friend’s shoulder as their pillow. There’s more – they might look like they are sleeping very deeply, but they will still be able to get up in several seconds!
Floor = Bed
Ironing Boss
Soldiers will go the length to fold and iron the uniform they wear. In the military, it is not appropriate to wear a creased uniform. It’s simply not how things are. It is important to look presentable at every given moment.
Ironing Boss
The Way You Walk
There is another thing that will reveal if someone had been in the military. Observe the way they walk. If someone was a soldier, they will definitely walk with certain control and purpose that civilians don’t carry. Of course, you will also have to speed up if you don’t want to lag behind while walking with them!
The Way You Walk
Military Time
You probably know how to tell the time, since this is a basic skill taught to kids. However, soldiers have a different way of reading the clock. When you use the 24-hour format, there is no longer any need to clarify between AM and PM!
Military Time
Your Hair
For many people, their haircut is a way to express themselves. Soldiers do not get the same liberty, as it is mandatory for them to get a buzz-cut. Although they can get a different one after leaving, many stick to it. You know what they say – old habits die hard.
Your Hair
Scanning Situations
From the very beginning, soldiers were taught the importance of assessing and scanning situations. This training is why they are always on the lookout for anything that seems unusual. That is not all – they will certainly act as needed in the worst-case scenario. This is the reason why you should not panic when you notice your soldier friend surveying your surrounding!
Scanning Situations
Standing At Ease
It is true that the “at ease” stance does not look easy at all, but several years of taking on this position will change the way you feel about it. Soldiers eventually learn to do it without thinking about it. In fact, it becomes so comfortable for them that they will keep doing it even after re-entering civilian life.
Standing At Ease
Sir And Ma’am
Respect is an incredibly important aspect of military life. Soldiers have learned to treat everyone with the utmost respect during their time in the military. Regardless of class and status, they will refer to men as ‘sir’ and women as ‘ma’am’.
Sir And Ma’am
Fast Eater
Do you know that soldiers tend to eat their meals quickly? We can’t blame them. After all, they can’t afford to be apart from their post for too long. This training is often done to prepare them for the war zone. If you are having a group of friends over for a meal, you know which person will be done eating first!
Fast Eater
Military Jargon
You must have watched films or played video games that show soldiers using military jargon like “affirmative”, “roger that”, and “affirmative”. As a matter of fact, this is pretty accurate. Sometimes, ex-military people continue to speak like this after going back to civilian life. It’s just like a new language they learned, and it is hard to let it go after using it for a long time.
Military Jargon
Polished
Remember when we talked about how important it was for soldiers to look their absolute best? Well, do not forget that their boots are part of the uniform as well. Take a moment to appreciate just how shiny and clean they managed to make their boots look!
Polished
Your Fridge
Civilians typically use their fridge as a place to store photos and reminders. However, military personnel typically use it for another reason. More often than not, you will find clues of their military service on these surfaces. War memorabilia and military souvenirs are common sights.
Your Fridge
Saluting
When you are on the receiving end of a salute, you need not worry. After all, the gesture is only one way of saying hello. It can be a little hard to stop doing it after going back to civilian life, but it is basically harmless. Why don’t you salute back in return?
Saluting
No Kitchen
You have every right in the world to feel offended when someone refers to your kitchen as ‘the mess’. However, the only exception to the rule might be your friends from the military. It’s nothing personal, it’s just military speak for the kitchen.
No Kitchen
Call Of Duty
If you though soldiers don’t enjoy playing Call of Duty, you would be wrong. However, they know the real thing, so they might point out certain unrealistic aspects of the game. For starters, they might scoff at the idea of a soldier carrying 6 rifles AND a grenade launcher!
Call Of Duty
Black paint or ‘Boot-Topping’?
Are you wondering how boot paint is different from boot-topping? Well, the answer is not much. If you really want to know, boot-topping is the black coating often spread between the deck and the waterline. Aside from this, it has a thick, liquid-like consistency owing to its lime or sulfur components. Civilians do not have the ability to discern between the two, but a soldier is familiar enough with these materials to distinguish between them.
Black Paint Or ‘Boot Topping’
Quiet In Line
There are many things that soldiers learn during basic training that translates well to civilian life. For example, they have the ability to stand in line without making a ruckus. In fact, they remain quiet as they wait for their turn. They have learned to do this in basic training when they had to queue up for orders or to head inside the mess.
Quiet In Line
Checking Your Car
Discipline is another big thing in the military. An undisciplined soldier is no soldier at all. Military personnel need to inspect their vehicle before they go on a mission. It does not matter what the vehicle is, they will need to inspect it each time. This is something they take back to civilian life as well. They might no longer be in charge of a fighter jet, armored personnel, or helicopter, but they will apply this to their personal car.
Checking Your Car
Home Chore List
There are many ways to get stuff done, and the list includes coming up with a chore list. This is pretty standard in the military. It’s useful since everyone learns the tasks they need to do and ensures everything gets done. It is interesting to learn that many soldiers have found this useful outside of service and in their personal lives.
Home Chore List
Skip The Fireworks
If you ask us, it would not be very considerate of you to pop fireworks when you have a military friend in attendance. Why? Keep in mind that a soldier who has experienced a battle zone would not be amused. Remember that they already have a lot of experiences with explosions. Firecrackers might only remind them of those days.
Skip The Fireworks
Power Stance
Soldiers do not only walk a particular way, but they also stand in a particular way. They typically adopt a power stance, though this might depend on the rank they have. Nonetheless, you will definitely be able to feel the confidence of military people when you are near them.
Power Stance
Your Squad
When you go out on the battlefield, there will no one more important than the people in your squad. These men and women are now responsible for your safety and vice-versa. Regardless of how much you might argue and disagree, no one else will have your back as much as these people do. The friendships formed in the military are truly something else.
Your Squad
Speaking In A.C.R.O.N.Y.M.S.
Soldiers use a lot of acronyms in their day-to-day vocabulary. SNAFU, WAG, and BOHICA are just a couple that they will typically say. Can you guess what they mean? Well, if you had to guest at all, it is clear that you’ve never been in the military.
Speaking In A.C.R.O.N.Y.M.S.
Honking Twice
If you were in the military, you will know that honking twice means the driver is about to back up. When soldiers are done with service, they typically continue to do this. What can we say? Old habits die hard.
Honking Twice
The Flag
As a symbol of the entire nation, the American flag must be treated with respect. No one knows this better than soldiers. These people will not hesitate to stand up and even raise their fingers in a salute whenever it is raised!
The Flag
Back To The Wall
Soldiers have a tendency to take the seat in the back because they like the security of having the wall right behind them. This is actually a really good thing to keep in mind, so you might want to start doing this as well. When you are in this position, you no longer have to look out for potential threats coming from behind. Instead, you can direct all of your attention to your front.
Back To The Wall
Hospital Corners
You must have figure out that neatness and cleanliness are very important in the military. The beds are no exception to the rule. “Hospital corners” are the answers to your problems. They do not only make the beds look clean, but they also serve as a uniform for the beds!
Hospital Corners
War Movie Frustration
Soldiers have every right to feel annoyed by Hollywood movies and their unrealistic portrayal of war. Nonetheless, there is only so much they can adapt to the screen. Despite this, many soldiers still enjoy watching action flicks every now and then.
War Movie Frustration
Whistling In The Loo
Have you ever heard the person in the following stall whistling while they were doing their own thing? If so, they were likely in the military. Apparently, this military tradition has unknown origins. Nonetheless, it is a pretty considerate thing to do!
Whistling In The Loo
Knife Hands
If you do not know what the knife hand is, this is what happens when you lock your fingers together to form a flat slash with your palm. This is typically used when showing someone directions. It is a respectful but demonstrative way to do so, which is why it is not surprising to hear soldiers take it with them to civilian life.
Knife Hands
Getting Up Early
When you say ‘sleeping in’, you are probably talking about getting up at noon. For soldiers, they mean 7 am. That is way too early for us, but basic training and deployment will truly get to a person.
Getting Up Early
Popping Smoke
It is just like what you see in the movies! Soldiers actually “pop smoke” to make a diversion or shield in order to move into position. When this is used outside the military, however, the speaker wants to let you know that they have to go.
Popping Smoke
Tabasco Sauce
Tabasco sauce can make everything better if you don’t mind a little spice. Yes, it can even improve military food a lot more edible! This is the reason that soldiers swear by this magical sauce.
Tabasco Sauce
The National Anthem
Expect any soldier to get emotional when Star Spangled Banner begins to play. You will likely find a twinkle in their eyes by then. Who can blame them? The national anthem is the soundtrack of their lives and the music of the flag.
The National Anthem
Always Early, Never Late
Are you one of those people who like to show up “fashionably late”? If so, this is the kind of behavior that the military will frown upon. Soldiers are normally 15 minutes early. Among other things, they know that they must be held accountable for their time.
Always Early, Never Late
No Explanations
Civilians give explanations whereas soldiers give briefings. What’s the difference? For starters, military personnel take great care to only deliver the important pieces of information. They also avoid showing emotion by keeping a straight face as they relay the news. This is definitely a more efficient and straightforward way of going about things.
No Explanations
Workout Music
Have you been looking for the perfect tune that will help you feel motivated while working out? If you used to be in the military, “cadence” might just hit the spot. Soldiers will always respond to this tune positively. There is no better soundtrack to go with exercise!
Workout Music
Your Gun
Any military personnel given a gun will know that sooner or later, will begin to feel like an extension of their body. They take the firearm with them wherever they go. After turning the gun in and leaving the military, it is likely that they will still feel like they have it on them.
Your Gun
Losing Your Gun
Aside from feeling the phantom firearm, these ex-soldiers will continue to dream of losing their firearm every now and then. They will only come to realize that they have already turned it in when they wake up from their slumber.
Losing Your Gun
Phonetic Alphabet
Do you know the military phonetic alphabet? Soldiers tend to spell out names and words using this system, so don’t be too surprised when they begin to blurt out things like “Juliet” and “delta”. It is actually pretty handy every now and then, so you might want to study it.
Phonetic Alphabet
Short Showers
Before you enter the military, make sure you enjoy your luxurious showers. After all, soldiers have more important things to do than to enjoy extended showers. They begin to take it only out of necessity. This is something else that they tend to carry back into civilian life.
Short Showers
Sunglasses
Have you ever encountered a soldier will let nothing get in the way between their face and their sunglasses? It’s a military thing. The weather doesn’t even matter all that match. They’ll wear them regardless!
Sunglasses
Talking During The Anthem
When you continue talking even when the national anthem is playing, be prepared to annoy a soldier. You should thank your lucky stars that the least they can do is glare at you, if that. They know the importance of behaving well, so it’s a good thing they would not threaten you with their weapons.
Talking During The Anthem
Towards Danger
Soldiers have been trained to run towards danger, no matter what kind, and not away from it. Anyone who does the latter is not a true soldier. Even the smallest tasks count. When it becomes necessary to rely on someone, soldiers will be the first to act.
Towards Danger
“Say Again”
You can also find out if someone spent any time in the military by the way they ask you for clarification. “Say again” is more commonly used among soldiers than “pardon me” and even “excuse me”.
“Say Again”
Finding The Exits
Aside from looking out for things out of the ordinary, soldiers also make it a point to look for all possible points of exit the moment they arrive. This is just another military tic that will stay for the rest of their lives. In case of emergency, this will prove very useful.
Finding The Exits
Right Hand Free
There is (likely) nothing wrong with you. Don’t think too much why your soldier partner refuses to hold hands. It is probably because of something they learned in the military. Soldiers simply do not like to keep their dominant hand, be it left or right, occupied.
Right Hand Free
Hands In Pockets
There is something else that soldiers rarely do. You will not find them with their hands in their pockets! Again, they like to keep their dominant hand free. It is even better when both of their hands are unrestrained and available. When they are adopting their power stance, they will typically have their hands resting on their hips instead.
Hands In Pockets
Quiet During Announcements
Soldiers might be the most respectful people you will ever know. They tend to remain silent when on the receiving end of orders. Even when an announcement is being made at a baseball game or the supermarket, they will remain quiet and listen attentively.
Quiet During Announcements
Alternative Routes
We bet you want to know why exactly it is that your friend comes up with multiple routes no matter your destination. Well, you should know that soldiers are aware that many things can happen. It is always good to come with a backup plan just in case.
Alternative Routes
Brass To The Grass
You are not the only person who does not know what “brass to the grass” means. Unless you have been in the military, you have likely never heard of the phrase before. Civilians might be confused, but this is a slogan that has earned a solid spot in any soldier’s lexicon.
Brass To The Grass
Gig Line
Let us remember that soldiers are only humans too, so do not expect them to be perfect. Nonetheless, they do try their best to look as polished as possible. The “gig line” is a great demonstration of this. This is the name they give the straight line the uniform trouser fly-seam, belt buckle, and uniform shirt seam must make.
Gig Line
No Word Is Gold
Have you ever served in the military? If you answered in the affirmative, you will know that no word should be considered the “end all be all”. It is better to avoid expectations until the moment is right in front of you. Remember: things can change in the blink of an eye.
No Word Is Gold
Last Names
Did you know that most people in the military call each other by their last names? You might spend all your time together, but it is possible for you to have no idea what their given name is. If you happen to be John Cooper, you’ll only be Cooper from this moment onward.
Last Names
Soldier Or Not
As you probably know, all of the things you found on this list are habits and mannerisms soldiers learned while in the military. They will have to work hard if they want these things to disappear when they return to civilian life.
Soldier Or Not
Shot Joints
Upon entering the army, soldiers will be trained to become as fit as they possibly could. However, not a lot of people are aware of what happens after they get discharged. Two words: joint pain. Ex-military will have to deal with this injury forever. Yikes.
Shot Joints
You’ve Got An Ex
While military work is no doubt difficult, it takes a toll on the soldiers’ loved ones as well. The arrangement is simply not ideal for a relationship. Therefore, it is not uncommon to hear servicemen and women going through a divorce. Many veterans often have several failed relationships to their name.
You’ve Got An Ex
Fast Dresser
Do you plan on asking the enemy to give you a moment or two before they launch a full-fledged attack? Of course not. This is the reason why it is important to move quickly and be prepared at any given time. We are sure that soldiers are fast dressers partly because they only have one outfit.
Fast Dresser
Some Vitamin M
If you have never heard of this all-around medicine, maybe it’s because you didn’t spend time in the military. When soldiers aren’t feeling fell, a little Vitamin M should do the trick. Most servicemen and women are expected to tough it out after swallowing a Motrin.
Some Vitamin M
Water Too
Water might not be your beverage of choice but trust us when we say that it can do wonders. Are you suffering from a headache, a strep throat, a stomachache? If Vitamin M didn’t do the trick, water might be what you need to fix it.
Water Too
Chopper Differences
Children with military parents will be able to differentiate between helicopter models. On the other hand, non-military kids will only an Apache, a Blackhawk, and a Chinook a chopper. That’s pretty impressive, especially when you consider that not many adults can do the same thing.
Chopper Differences
Time Away
Deployment involves going away for an extensive amount of time. It can last weeks, months, and even years! Military personnel have gotten accustomed to the process, however. This is the reason why they will feel like time passes by very quickly. It might feel like only hours have passed and not months!
Time Away
Worst Case Scenario
During their time in the military, soldiers learn the importance of imagining the worst-case scenario. This method lets them prepare for just about any eventuality you can think of. Even when they are doing something mundane like waiting in line at the ATM, you can bet they’re doing it.
Worst Case Scenario
Skype Is Reality
Sooner or later, you will feel homesick when out on deployment. We are definitely lucky we live during a time when video chatting and Skype exist. Not only do you get to hear the voice of your loved ones, but you will also get to see them through the camera! You can even be there, in a way, for a once-in-a-lifetime moment like the birth of your firstborn child.
Skype Is Reality
Special Laundry
Lights and darks? If that’s the way you do it, then you are definitely a civilian. Soldiers tend to separate their clothes into camouflage or not! Now that you know this, maybe they can give us a hint about the settings they use to preserve the color on the uniforms.
Special Laundry
Too Quiet
Soldiers are not known for their pickiness. Among other things, they know how to sleep through anything! Upon returning to civilian life, many soldiers find it harder to fall asleep when everything is so quiet. At least the television set can help with that.
Too Quiet
AC Or No AC?
Sorry, did you say air conditioning in the military? Funny guy, there is no such thing. There is no better time to get to this blazing heat than the present. Once you get discharged, you will be able to survive in this heat without any air conditioning whatsoever.
AC Or No AC
Medal Of Dishonor
We all hate being lied to, right? Soldiers, however, will be particularly unimpressed by a person trying to show off something they did not earn. Do not lie to soldiers about your “accolades”. They will be able to tell when something is off, so do not risk it.
Medal Of Dishonor
Hats For The National Anthem
How rude is it when people keep their hats on as the national anthem is being played or sung? Perhaps the only thing worse than this is by becoming the type of person who refuses to stand up from their seats.
Hats For The National Anthem