You probably know that soldiers will not fit in seamlessly into the crowd. There is simply something about the way they carry themselves in regular situations that make them rather inconspicuous. Are you having a hard time pinpointing exactly what kind of behavior separates them from the rest? Keep reading to find out!
Floor = Bed
No soldier will ever be picky when it comes to sleeping arrangements. After all, basic training prepared them to go to sleep anytime, anywhere. The floor will instantly become their bed, while their comrade’s shoulder will become their pillow. That’s not all. They might be deeply asleep, but don’t be surprised to see them get up in only a matter of seconds.
Floor = Bed
Ironing Boss
Soldiers will always take the time to fold and iron their clothes, particularly their uniform. They will always wear crisp uniforms because it is simply unseemly to wear wrinkled ones. For soldiers, being presentable is part of the package.
Ironing Boss
The Way You Walk
You can also tell if a person came from the military by watching how they walk. They might be a mile away, but even then, it is easy to see that each step is taken with control and purpose. Aside from that, you should make sure to take quicker strides if you want to walk beside them!
The Way You Walk
Military Time
Even if you are not a soldier, you almost definitely know how to read the time. However, military time might not be what you are used to. Nonetheless, it is much more convenient. After all, it lessens the confusion since there is no AM or PM used.
Military Time
Your Hair
Enjoy the fact that you can get any haircut your heart desires. After all, soldiers are all required to don a buzz-cut. They are free to choose something else when they leave the military, though they will likely resort to the same look.
Your Hair
Scanning Situations
Training involves the art of scanning and assessing any given situation. During their time in the military, soldiers were taught to be alert and vigilant as often as possible. It is second nature for them to scan any location for potential threats the minute they get there. They are not only observant, but they will also act and protect civilians when needed.
Scanning Situations
Standing At Ease
We know, we know. Nothing looks easy about standing “at ease”! It does get better with practice, however. Soldiers have been taking this stance for years, and it eventually becomes comfortable for them. Even those who leave service will still stand like this!
Standing At Ease
Sir And Ma’am
Soldiers also treat everyone with equal respect. This is most evident in their speech. Regardless of who they are speaking with, they will call men ‘sir’ and women ‘ma’am’. Personally, we think most people need to follow their example!
Sir And Ma’am
Fast Eater
If you are inviting a military friend over for dinner, they will likely finish their plate sooner than the rest of your guests. They have trained themselves to eat as fast as possible, so they could return to their duties in no time. For them, it must be quite an adjustment to have a lot of free time during meals!
Fast Eater
Military Jargon
Films and video games often depict soldiers speaking to each other using phrases such as “roger that”, “affirmative”, and “negative”. What do you know – this is really the way soldiers talk! They might even carry this manner of speaking into the civilian world. After all, it is not unlike learning a different language. It’s easy to see why it can be hard to let it go.
Military Jargon
Polished
We already discussed that it is part of a soldier’s duty to look as presentable as possible. This extends to their footwear, particularly their boots. You know you are dealing with a true soldier when you see their boots shining like the day they bought it.
Polished
Your Fridge
Most people use the surface of their fridge as a place for reminders and photos. Soldiers, meanwhile, use them for a different reason. They often stick evidence of their military service on the fridge door. You’ll probably see war memorabilia and military souvenirs there!
Your Fridge
Saluting
You might feel a little confused if someone salutes you on the street. In the military, it is done to greet other people. It’s also one of those habits that can be difficult to forget. They’re just saying hello, so just salute back when someone does it to you!
Saluting
No Kitchen
All right, we know it might sound offensive if someone calls your kitchen ‘the mess’. However, try to be understanding when it comes from your soldier friend. That’s simply the nickname for the mess hall in the military!
No Kitchen
Call Of Duty
Do you like playing Call of Duty? Well, your military friends probably do as well! There is one thing that makes you two different, however. They can tell exactly how unrealistic the game can be. You might see no problem with your character lugging around 6 rifles and a grenade launcher. However, they know this is impossible in real life.
Call Of Duty
Black paint or ‘Boot-Topping’?
Ask military personnel what the difference between boot paint and boot-topping is, and they will tell you that they are pretty similar. Nonetheless, boot-topping happens to be the black coating used between the deck and waterline. Made of sulfur or lime, it has a thick and liquid-like consistency. Civilians might not have the ability to distinguish between the two, but a soldier can figure it out. They can tell them apart even from a mile away!
Black Paint Or ‘Boot Topping’
Quiet In Line
Unlike other people out there, military people tend to behave extremely well when waiting in line for their turn. During basic training, they were taught to stay in controlled silence while in the queue for the mess hall, the shower, and the like. This then transfers to the way they act upon their return to civilian life. We think it’s something that we should all practice!
Quiet In Line
Checking Your Car
If you want to succeed in the military, discipline is incredibly important. Before you head out on a mission, you need to check that your vehicle is well-equipped and in proper working order. No matter what vehicle it is, it is your responsibility to check it carefully. The same rings true for people who have left service already. They tend to give their private cars a thorough inspection as well!
Checking Your Car
Home Chore List
Are you the type of person who will create a chore list or do you prefer winging things? If you were ever in the military, there is a better chance that you are the former. As soldiers know, a chore list is important to ensure that everyone is informed of their assignments, which will then ensure that everything is going smoothly. Even when they go back to civilian life, many continue to do the same thing.
Home Chore List
Skip The Fireworks
There is no way we can deny the beauty of fireworks, but we do not recommend setting them off in the presence of your military friend. Anyone who has experienced what a battle zone is like won’t be amused by the explosions. The bangs might trigger a traumatic memory for them, so it would be best to avoid firecrackers.
Skip The Fireworks
Power Stance
Apart from the way they walk, soldiers also tend to stand in the same manner. Soldiers usually have a power stance, though it might depend on their rank. When you are surrounded by military people, you will likely feel how confident they are.
Power Stance
Your Squad
Soldiers form a special bond with the people in their squad, the ones they spend time with on the battlefield. This group of people becomes a family of sorts out there. They are re responsible for each other’s safety, no matter how much disagreements there might have been earlier. There is no one else they love and trust more than their comrades.
Your Squad
Speaking In A.C.R.O.N.Y.M.S.
Military speak is littered with all sorts of acronyms. WAG, SNAFU, and BOHICA are only a handful of examples. It is not uncommon to hear these and more in a soldier’s vocabulary. If you do not know what they mean, it’s clear that you have always been a civilian.
Speaking In A.C.R.O.N.Y.M.S.
Honking Twice
It is common practice in the military to honk twice to inform pedestrians and other drivers that you are going to back up. When they finish service, soldiers tend to keep doing this in civilian life out of habit.
Honking Twice
The Flag
The American flag is a symbol of the United States. It goes without saying that it should be treated with respect. Military people know this all too well, which is the reason they will stand and salute it without a moment’s hesitation.
The Flag
Back To The Wall
Did you know that the best and most secure position happens to be one with your back pressed up against a wall? This guarantees that no threats will be coming from behind, which will be one less thing to worry about. You can now focus on what is in front of you. Therefore, soldiers typically go for the seats in the back, something that they continue to do upon their return to civilian life.
Back To The Wall
Hospital Corners
If you haven’t figured it out by now, neatness is a big deal for people in the military. This rings true for the beds as well. “Hospital corners” are necessary to make the room look clean and uniform. This is the closest thing beds will ever get to a uniform!
Hospital Corners
War Movie Frustration
Do not be surprised to hear a soldier annoyed by Hollywood’s portrayal of war. They are the authority on the matter, but there is no way a film set can recreate their experience. Nonetheless, they should still be able to enjoy a film as long as they put their military goggles away.
War Movie Frustration
Whistling In The Loo
If ever you hear the person in the next stall whistling as they pee, there is a good chance that they are a soldier. It sounds like a very considerate gesture, though apparently, no one can pinpoint exactly where it came from.
Whistling In The Loo
Knife Hands
The name might not sound familiar to you, but we are sure you know the gesture when you see it. A knife hand is when you stick your fingers together and align them in a line. Often used when giving directions, this is a practice that many soldiers take with them back to civilian life.
Knife Hands
Getting Up Early
You and someone from the military probably have different interpretations of ‘sleeping in’. For them, it is probably more like 7 AM! That might be early by our standards, but it is already late for them.
Getting Up Early
Popping Smoke
As you might have seen in action movies, soldiers “pop smoke” when they need a diversion or shield before moving into position. When this phrase is used outside of the military context, the person speaking is saying that they need to bounce.
Popping Smoke
Tabasco Sauce
Military food is not something worth writing home about. When the food is too watery or dry, you can only shovel it into your mouth and hope it goes down fast. If you like a little heat, however, everything is better with some Tabasco sauce!
Tabasco Sauce
The National Anthem
Don’t be surprised when your military friend is overtaken by emotions when Star Spangled Banner plays. At this point, it is common enough to find them teary-eyed. After all, there is no better soundtrack for their lives than this song.
The National Anthem
Always Early, Never Late
Some people enjoy arriving “fashionably late” to make a grand entrance of sorts. As you might have figured, these people are certainly not soldier material. In the military, it is important not to waste anyone’s time. Soldiers normally arrive at least 15 minutes early, as a matter of fact.
Always Early, Never Late
No Explanations
Most people relay information about a certain event or development by giving explanations. Soldiers, on the other hand, deliver briefings. It is rather unseemly for them to ramble on about an important topic with too much emotion and information at their disposal. They prefer to stick to the important stuff and avoid going off-topic.
No Explanations
Workout Music
If you happen to be ex-military and on the lookout for a tune to go with your workout, we recommend hitting play on “cadence”. There is no better music to work out to! Regardless of how you are doing, this should give you the motivational boost you need.
Workout Music
Your Gun
Any soldier who was ever assigned a gun will know that it eventually begins to feel like another limb. Wherever the trooper goes, the gun comes. Even when they are done with service and leave the gun behind, they may still feel like the firearm is still on them.
Your Gun
Losing Your Gun
Speaking of losing their gun – former military personnel will still occasionally dream of losing their firearm. However, they will realize that they do not carry one anymore the very moment that they wake up from the nightmare.
Losing Your Gun
Phonetic Alphabet
Soldiers have a tendency to spell out words and names using the military phonetic alphabet. It may sound like complete gibberish to you if you are not familiar with it. “Delta” stands for the letter “d”, “Juliet” stands for the letter “j”, and so on. It can actually come useful so try to learn it!
Phonetic Alphabet
Short Showers
We hope you appreciate your long showers before you enter the military. Soldiers typically take showers very quickly because they have other things to do. Even when they are finished with service, you will probably notice that military men and women take record-breaking shower times.
Short Showers
Sunglasses
Most soldiers like to keep a pair of sunglasses on. Yes, sometimes they will wear it even if the sun is not shining too brightly. Nonetheless, they will be wearing their sunnies, rain or shine!
Sunglasses
Talking During The Anthem
Everyone knows that it is appropriate to keep quiet when the national anthem is playing. Well, everyone should. Some people didn’t get the memo, it seems. This is the type of behavior that will drive a soldier crazy. Noisy people need to be thankful that soldiers are well-behaved. Who knows what would happen if they weren’t?
Talking During The Anthem
Towards Danger
Soldiers will always run towards the source of danger and never hide from it. They will always act when necessary, regardless of how small or big the task at hand might be. When someone needs to act, it will likely be the soldier in the group who will be the first to make a move.
Towards Danger
“Say Again”
There is another way you can figure out if someone is a soldier. If they tend to say “say again” over “pardon me” and “excuse me”, there’s a good chance they served in the military for some time.
“Say Again”
Finding The Exits
We already talked about how they instantly assess and inspect the room they are in. However, you should know that all soldiers will also take the time to find possible points of exit. This habit of theirs will definitely come in handy when certain situations arise.
Finding The Exits
Right Hand Free
When you are out on a date with a military man or woman, there is no need to worry when they won’t hold your hand. It is a common practice in the military to keep your dominant hand free at all times. They probably like you, but old habits are hard to get rid of.
Right Hand Free
Quiet During Announcements
Soldiers are respectful, above anything else. It makes sense that they keep quiet when they are receiving orders. This is true even when they are at the supermarket or the park. When any announcement begins, they will stand at attention to listen quietly.
Quiet During Announcements
Alternative Routes
Have you noticed the way your army friend likes to have backup routes available? Soldiers are always ready for all possibilities and they know that there are things they can’t control. In case of a car crash or road closure, they will have your back.
Alternative Routes
Brass To The Grass
If you have no clue what “brass to the grass” means, you are not the only one. Most people on earth don’t know, with the exception of people who served in the military. You might not know what it means, but it is definitely something soldiers will forever use.
Brass To The Grass
Gig Line
Soldiers might not be perfect, but they do try their hardest to be. This must be the reason the “gig line” exists. This is the name they use to refer to the straight line the belt buckle, uniform shirt seam, and uniform trouser fly-seam should make.
Gig Line
No Word Is Gold
Everyone who has ever been in the military knows that talk is cheap, that nothing is set in stone. This is the reason that soldiers would not hold on to any word. They know that it is possible for everything to change in just a second.
No Word Is Gold
Last Names
Interestingly, the people you spend the most time with in the military might not even know your first name! This is because you will primarily be referred to by your last name. Are you John Cooper? Well, get ready to be known as just Cooper from now on.
Last Names
Soldier Or Not
It is definitely true that old habits die hard. Anyone who has been in the military will have to work hard to shake off all the mannerisms they got during active service.
Soldier Or Not
Shot Joints
The military is known for the tough training they make all soldiers undergo. By the end of it, they will be fit as a fiddle. However, not many people know what happens upon discharge. Ex-military will later be acquainted with joint pain, a companion they will have for the rest of their life.
Shot Joints
You’ve Got An Ex
It is no surprise to hear that spending so many days, weeks, months apart will be difficult for a soldier and loved ones. As you can imagine, relationships take a hit and quite a number of these will lead to divorce or a breakup. Army veterans are no stranger to heartbreak.
You’ve Got An Ex
Fast Dresser
The enemy will likely strike while most people are asleep and when this happens, they won’t be considerate enough to let you prepare first. It is thus important to be ready at a moment’s notice. We are sure that having only a single outfit choice helps speed up the overall process!
Fast Dresser
Some Vitamin M
When servicemen and women get sick, they turn to the so-called Vitamin M. If you have not heard of it, don’t worry. It’s primarily a military thing. People in the military do not get sick days in the same sense that most workers do. They only take a Motrin and soldier on… Get it?
Some Vitamin M
Water Too
We all know that water can be pretty miraculous. Like Vitamin M, it can help make you feel much other. Do you have a stomachache, a hernia, a strep throat, a headache, maybe a missing leg? Whatever it is you’re dealing it, water can definitely make it better.
Water Too
Chopper Differences
Unlike non-military kids, the children of military personnel are experts when it comes to choppers. They will likely have the ability to tell apart an Apache, a Blackhawk, and a Chinook. That’s a pretty cool skill to have!
Chopper Differences
Time Away
Deployment can last for as short as several weeks to as long as a couple of years. Can you imagine spending that much time away from the people you love? Soldiers have gotten so used to it, however. In fact, they might even say that it feels like only hours have gone by instead of months.
Time Away
Worst Case Scenario
Part of military training is imagining the worst possible outcome at any given moment. By doing this, soldiers will never be taken by surprise no matter how bad things might get. They will always prepare in advance in the physical and mental sense of the word!
Worst Case Scenario
Skype Is Reality
When you’re feeling homesick, you will be glad that Skype exists. Video chatting has truly allowed us a new way to communicate with our loved ones, no matter how far we may be from each other. Like a phone, it lets us hear the other person’s voices. However, it has the added benefit of seeing them in real-time.
Skype Is Reality
Special Laundry
We bet you separate your dirty clothes into darks and lights. Soldiers, however, categorize their clothes into cammies or not. We only wish we knew the exact settings they used to preserve the camouflage that well…
Special Laundry
Too Quiet
During service, one of the first things you will learn is how to fall asleep anytime and anywhere. As a matter of fact, many ex-military people think it is harder to sleep without any noise when they get back to civilian life!
Too Quiet
AC Or No AC?
Air conditioning? What’s that? There is no such thing in the military. Soldier, you better get used to temperatures this high or else you will have to deal with the consequences. Eventually, military personnel will get used to the heat… maybe they would no longer imagine living anywhere that is colder than it!
AC Or No AC
Medal Of Dishonor
There are several reasons why someone would impersonate a hero. However, none of the items on the list will ever be acceptable to a soldier. This is certainly not a battle that one can easily one even though it may look like it.
Medal Of Dishonor
Hands In Pockets
Many people like to keep their hands in their pockets, but you will almost certainly never find soldiers doing such a thing. Like we already said, they like to have their hands always available and ready in case something unexpected happens. For them, the power stance with the hands on the hips will always be their default standing position.
Hands In Pockets
Hats For The National Anthem
Don’t you hate it when people take a seat or refuse to take their hats off when the national anthem comes on? That’s not all. Try to imagine how it must have felt when NFL players knelt down for the entire world to see.
Hats For The National Anthem