Military training often engrains some odd habits that stay with members for life. An internet survey recently asked, “What screams “I’m ex-military?” Here are the top 22 responses.
Sleeping Through Anything
Discovering the art of sleeping through chaos is a hallmark of military life. Former tactical members joke about waking up only when it’s too quiet because that’s when something’s wrong. Imagine being so used to noise that silence becomes the alarm bell.
USAA
USAA is like a badge of honor in the military community, extending even to family members. It’s not just about the financial services; it’s about being part of a community that understands the unique challenges of military life. And yes, it often leads to those “thinking of enlisting” chats.
An Affinity for Cargo Shorts
Cargo shorts aren’t just a fashion statement; they’re a testament to practicality, something deeply ingrained in military personnel. Veterans often joke about how having kids cemented their love for cargos, with all the handy compartments for baby essentials.
Hating When People Thank Them for Their Service
The discomfort many veterans feel when thanked for their service is real. They appreciate the sentiment but often find it awkward, responding with humor like thanking people for their taxes to lighten the mood.
Divorced Before 25
The military lifestyle is notoriously tough on relationships, leading to jokes about how if the military wanted you to have a spouse, they would’ve issued one. The high stress, long deployments, and young marriages often lead to early divorces, a shared joke among veterans.
Telling Someone at 8:57 AM, “You’re Late” for a 9 AM Meeting
Military punctuality is another level. Being “on time” means being early, a habit that sticks with many veterans. This can lead to amusing situations in civilian life where the concept of being early as on time isn’t always shared.
Scarfing Down Any Food Very Quickly
Eating quickly is a skill honed out of necessity in the military, where mealtimes can be unpredictably cut short. Veterans bring this habit into civilian life, sometimes to the bemusement of their families who prefer to savor their meals.
Asking for a Veteran Discount
Veteran discounts are a small token of appreciation for their service, leading to lighthearted jokes about the lengths to which veterans or their families will go to save a bit of money on purchases, even if it’s just a few dollars at the hardware store.
Knees and Back Are Ruined
The physical toll of military service is no joke, with many veterans experiencing joint issues early in life. It’s a shared experience that bonds many in the community, even if it’s through commiserating about their aches and pains.
Using Acronyms That Literally Nobody Else Understands
Military jargon is a language of its own, and veterans often find themselves slipping into it in civilian life, causing confusion and amusing misunderstandings. It’s a hard habit to break when you’re used to communicating in a highly specific and efficient way.
Incredibly Sensible
The military teaches practicality and efficiency, traits that veterans bring into civilian life. This no-nonsense approach can be refreshing in work environments, although it might come across as too direct for some.
Complete Indifference to Insane Upper Management Antics
After dealing with the sometimes absurd demands of military life, veterans often find the dramas of civilian workplace to be minor in comparison. Their perspective can provide a calming influence in otherwise high-stress environments.
Everything Is Carried in Their Left Hand
This habit stems from the need to keep the right hand free for saluting. It’s a subtle indication of military training that’s second nature to those who’ve served, illustrating how deeply ingrained these practices are.
Patience
Veterans are known for their patience, honed through endless waiting during their service. This ability to wait without complaint is a stark contrast to the instant gratification expected in much of civilian life.
A DD-214
The DD-214 form is like the golden ticket for veterans, a document that represents the end of their service and the beginning of their civilian life. It’s a symbol of pride and a passport back to normalcy.
Alcoholism
Unfortunately, substance abuse is a serious issue among veterans, often used as a coping mechanism for the stresses of service and the transition to civilian life. The military community supports its own, with many veterans finding solidarity and understanding as they work towards recovery.
V6 Mustang With a 30% APR Interest Rate
The stereotype of young servicemembers buying flashy cars with high interest rates is a running joke within the community. It speaks to the youthful mistakes many make when first gaining financial independence.
A Dodge Challenger That You’re Still Paying For
Much like the Mustang, the Dodge Challenger represents another common financial pitfall for young military personnel, a tangible symbol of the learning curve in managing their finances.
Overuse of the Word “Outstanding”
Military lingo has its quirks, and the overuse of certain words like “outstanding” is one of them. It’s part of the unique cultural footprint left by military service.
Posture
Military training also impacts physical presence, notably posture. Veterans are often recognized by their upright stance, a habit drilled into them from early in their training.
Standing at Attention for the National Anthem
For those who’ve served, standing at attention for the national anthem is automatic, a deeply ingrained sign of respect and patriotism that continues long after their service has ended.
16 THINGS MEN KNOW (BUT WILL NEVER REVEAL TO THE LADIES)
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16 THINGS MEN KNOW (BUT WILL NEVER REVEAL TO THE LADIES)
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BOOMERS HAVE SPOKEN: 18 TRADITIONS THEY WANT TO UPHOLD BUT GEN Z SAYS “NEED TO GO”
As boomers fondly clutch onto practices that evoke nostalgia, Gen Z is at the next counter, eagerly trading in the old for a dash of modern sparkle. From handwritten notes to digital memos, from piggy banks to digital wallets—the dance between ‘then’ and ‘now’ has never been more lively. Join us as we explore 18 traditions that boomers want to uphold but Gen Z says need to go.
BOOMERS HAVE SPOKEN: 18 TRADITIONS THEY WANT TO UPHOLD BUT GEN Z SAYS “NEED TO GO”
18 BABY BOOMER SLANG PHRASES THAT MAKE MILLENNIALS SCRATCH THEIR HEADS
While it’s easy for younger generations to feel like they’re steeped in slang, Boomers know that some of the best phrases have been passed down for years. Think you’re hip to all of them? Read on for 18 popular phrases of Baby Boomer slang.
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