Whilst it’s certainly something to be proud of, it’s always clear when someone has military experience. There are tons of signs that reveal their background, and they just can’t help it. Here are 20 of the most obvious signs that scream “I’m military” loud and proud.
Perfect Posture
Those with military experience often stand out due to their impeccable posture. Years of training instill a habit of standing tall, shoulders back, and head held high, even after they’ve left the service. It may seem healthy, but Harvard Health points out that it can actually strain the body excessively.
Efficient Time Management
Military personnel are trained to be punctual and efficient with their time, and this discipline often carries over into civilian life. They’re rarely late, keep a tight schedule, and value the importance of time, showing impeccable time management skills that can be traced back to their military roots.
Use of Military Jargon
Service members often carry military jargon into their everyday conversations. Terms like “Roger that,” “Copy,” and “Stand by” become a natural part of their vocabulary. They just can’t help it, as after decades of using them, these expressions are used as second nature.
High Standards of Cleanliness
Anyone who has served in the military will hold an exceptional commitment to cleanliness and order. They’ll maintain spotless living spaces and vehicles, and this attention to detail can be a dead giveaway of their past service. There’s nothing wrong with that, though, as being clean is always good.
Fitness and Discipline
Maintaining a high level of physical fitness is a significant part of military life, and such habits are difficult to drop. For this reason, veterans often continue with their military fitness schedules, frequently working out and staying in shape. It’s yet another habit that many people wish they could have.
Polished Footwear
In addition to general cleanliness, military training emphasizes the importance of appearance, including footwear. Veterans tend to continue this practice as it has been drummed into them, ensuring their shoes are always clean and well-polished. Once again, many people are jealous of such habits.
Strong Sense of Duty
Another clear sign that someone has military experience is having a strong sense of duty and responsibility. They’ll demonstrate a high level of commitment and reliability in their professional and personal lives, even if it’s regarding something as simple as running out to buy everyone coffee.
Direct Communication Style
Military training encourages clear and direct communication, and therefore, those with military experience often get straight to the point in conversations, avoiding unnecessary fluff. While their no-nonsense communication style is certainly clear, it can sometimes come across as rude, aggressive, or bossy.
Respect for Authority
Unlike a lot of people, ex-military will always place a high value on respect for authority and hierarchy. This is because respecting their superiors in the military was uncompromisable, so out of habit, they carry this respect into civilian life, showing the utmost respect for any leader or superior.
Unmatched Work Ethic
One of the clearest signs of an army veteran is having a solid work ethic, which was drilled into them from day one in the military. They’ll exhibit a level of dedication and perseverance in their careers that stands out, even if it’s something as low-pressure as becoming a mailman.
Team-Oriented Mindset
The military has always emphasized the importance of teamwork and collaboration, and therefore, veterans usually thrive in team environments and value the contributions of each member. Their inclination towards teamwork and collective success can be a telltale sign of military service, and overall makes them a pleasure to work with.
Appreciation for Routine
Military life is synonymous with routine, with the day-to-day schedules of military personnel being rigid and action-packed. While it might be hard at first, they eventually get used to it, and this leads to them carrying their appreciation for routine into their civilian lives, preferring to follow a set schedule.
Calm Under Pressure
Training in the military involves handling high-stress situations with composure, even when your sergeant screams at you. This makes it natural for veterans to remain calm and collected under pressure, even when the atmosphere is tense. Ultimately, nothing they experience will be as high-pressure as their military days were.
Leadership Skills
The military cultivates strong leadership skills in its personnel. Veterans often display natural leadership abilities, taking charge and guiding teams effectively. Their confident and decisive leadership style is often a result of their military training.
Loyalty and Integrity
During their time in the military, veterans will have learned the value of loyalty and integrity within their squadron, as without them, the order would fall apart. They typically carry these values with them into civilian life, demonstrating unwavering loyalty and a strong moral compass.
Attention to Detail
The immense attention to detail that ex-military hold doesn’t just concern cleanliness. Thanks to their training, they’ll always be on the lookout for important details, no matter how small they are. So, don’t be surprised when a veteran can easily recall minute details about a person or place.
First to Volunteer
Veterans are always willing to step up and volunteer. Whether at work or in their community, they’re always going to be the first to raise their hand and take on responsibility. It’s an admirably proactive personality trait that makes us appreciate our country’s veterans all the more.
Adaptability
When you’re in the army, you never know what to expect, so it’s essential to be able to adapt to any situation. Such discipline is impossible to unlearn, so veterans often carry their adaptability into civilian life, easily adjusting to new situations and challenges, which is only a good thing.
Respect for Protocol
Similarly to their respect for leadership, ex-military personnel will also see great value in respecting rules and protocols. They may not have always been like this, but it’s now deeply ingrained in their minds. So, they’ll never cut corners regarding the law, becoming shocked when people disobey protocols.
Global Awareness
Being in the U.S. military doesn’t just involve training camps; soldiers are often exposed to vastly different cultures and environments during military operations. This gives veterans a broad worldview and an understanding of global issues, so always keep your mind open when they’re telling you a story.
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