For those of us that have Served

[old2soon]

What traits or habits have you retained since mustering out or departing the Military? Ross-da prez and I were discussing this on our recent sojourn to Texas. Such as-when I shave my neck or my head it is Still an "inspection" shave that gits done to neck and/or head. When wearing a snap or button style shirt both of us tend to lineup the "gig" line and belt buckle. My dress boots have a spit shine to this day. My riding/working boots are treated with mink oil and I try to keep them clean and presentable. I notice I still pack clothing in the least amount of space possible for travel. And for some durned reason I still square my cover when I elect to wear a cover. When I went to Church yesterday I ironed my denim shirt cuz it had a few wrinkles. And as an aside-next month-Feb 2017-was 53 years ago I went thru Boot. Talk about some Life lessons!  RIDE SAFE.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Shave down the neck. Check

Line up shirt, belt, pants. Check

crap, shower, shave in 15 minutes. Check

The rest I've pretty much let go by the wayside.

[3fan4life]

Funny that you would ask....

A few days ago I was walking down the street and passed a man in Army fatigues when I saw that he was a Full Bird Colonel it took every bit of restraint that I had not to whip out a salute.

I routinely take care of the 3 S's every morning in order and if there is a sidewalk to use I cannot take a shortcut across the grass.     

[threevalks]

44 + years since boot.
Summer shave, winter beard.
Shirt and belt, always.
Still have and on occasion wear my low quarters, spit shined, stored with original stretchers.
Work boots, mink oiled regularly.
Only cover (except motorcycle helmet) is in extreme cold and that is a Pyle cap. Yep still have it.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Something else I just thought of. To this day 39 years later, I still wear the Navy style belts. Except for the very rare occasion that I dress up.

[specialdose]

      A Windsor knot for my tie when worn, which is seldom now and always the gig line if the shirt buttons and wearing a belt.

[The emperor has no clothes]

      A Windsor knot for my tie when worn, which is seldom now and always the gig line if the shirt buttons and wearing a belt.

I think I could get a decent Windsor knot first try. Probably would take me a few attempts on the CrackerJack neckerchief though.

[PAVALKER]

Shave down the neck. Check

Line up shirt, belt, pants. Check

crap, shower, shave in 15 minutes. Check

The rest I've pretty much let go by the wayside.

I bet there are some other things that you do and don't even think of.  I still....

Make bed as soon as I get out of it.

Rinse coffee cup and only wash it maybe once a week.

Fold skivvy shirts/shorts same way as in boot.  Socks are paired but not always rolled, just folded.

Do the SSS, but takes me a little longer than 15 mins now.  I no longer wet down/water off/soap up/rinse off.....as I enjoy the hot water all over to warm up the joints.  Water hours are a thing of the past.

I do line up the centerline of clothes.

Keep my hair short but not super short, face clean shaven.

Use some military/nautical terms when talking with civilians.


Now that the wife/kids are gone/grown and/or on their own I no longer.....

- announce Morning Reveille/Colors/Taps/Sweepers or my arrival/departure on the 1mc/BullHorn. (However I do have a clock that rings bells on the hour).
- hold Fire/General Quarters/Man Overboard/Abandon Ship or other such drills which are pretty much engrained in my being after 22 years of them anyhow.
- have a Ditty Bag, but do have a Bug Out Bag.
- put a damp paper towel under my dinner plate/tray when I set it on the table.  The house doesn't get underway or move and my plate usually stays in place.  However, I have been known to put a damp paper towel between a bowl of hot soup and a large plate as saucer if I am eating  on the couch or chair not at a table.

I'm sure there are more that we have all just forgot.....


 

[MarkT]

These posts all sound like Marine & Navy habits.  I note other branches didn't have such procedures drilled into them.  More's the pity I'm thinking.  Yep in USAF we had such spit & polish in boot but after that, they relaxed the protocols. Hell I got rejected at the NCO club for too long hair, at Takhli. Don't have military bearing for decades now - I barely had it when it was required.  I was pretty angry at the time.  Things like returning from the war and getting spit on by chiffon robed pukes at O'Hare had a bad effect on morale. And similar treatment from Joe Citizen on the street in my home town.  SSS in 15?  Just the first one often takes longer than that even with the help of Metamucil.

[Ramie]

It's been 46 years since basic for me and while a few habits remain the one most prominent is when I wake up I'm up and at it, no lounging around.

[scooperhsd]

You can ask my wife - I'm borderline OCD about ALL clocks being ontime, and in 24 hour instead of 12 if possible.

Still do the gigline, and maintain military haircut. Walks strongly resemble marching. Windsor knot (when I do wear a tie) - check. SSS - Check - at ungodly early hours. "Sleeping late" on the weekend is 0700... I've redone the plumbing in my house  - next owner is going to scratch his head why are there so many shutoffs...

Probably a few others that don't come immediately to mind.

[Jess from VA]

Here's another.  How about sirring and maaming way more folks than you ever hear anyone else doing?

Also the occasional use of mil acronyms and phonetic alphabet.

Excuse me sir, but your front left tire looks FUBAR to me. (freely substitute Tango Uniform)

To bad drivers in general (from my driver's seat)..... Whisky Tango Foxtrot, lady?!!!

I can't be sure, but I think he is a member of the Alpha Hotel club for men.

I need some coffee; I got up at O Dark Thirty

My military occupation was Chairborne Ranger.    

[old2soon]

44 + years since boot.
Summer shave, winter beard.
Shirt and belt, always.
Still have and on occasion wear my low quarters, spit shined, stored with original stretchers.
Work boots, mink oiled regularly.
Only cover (except motorcycle helmet) is in extreme cold and that is a Pyle cap. Yep still have it.

           Funny you should mention that. A lot of my P G R Missions are attended by Military Officers. Besides numerous patches on my Riding Vest about Nam I also have a depiction of my Ribbons done up in beads. I've asked as high as 3 Star officers for the Honor of a salute and have NEVER been turned down. And Most of the Senior Officers after looking at my Ribbons have thanked me for my service. While we were in Texas the Granddaughter came home in her fatigues-First Louie Air Force-and after she got rid of her armload of "stuff" I politely asked her to put on her cover while I put mine on and I Saluted her. Her mother-sister and brother were attempting to figure out What had transpired.  After the Salute Granddaughter and I hugged and thanked each other quietly. RIDE SAFE.

[Reb]

When I departed in 2009 - I swore I would never shave again,

I'd say in the time since then I've shaved 3 or 4 times for important job interviews etc.

The few things that have helped me in the job world, especially being a part of a global company is the ability to work with folks from all backgrounds and ethnicities. Although communication can be frustrating when someone speaks broken English, I can still get issues resolved without loosing my patience.

Being in control of all fuel flow operations on a Nimitz class carrier is the most stressful job I've encountered. At the time, it didn't seem like that big of a deal. Now days I look back and realize I was in control of the entire carrier fuel system, with one button I could have flooded out a living compartment with JP-5. A huge responsibility in the hands of a 19 year old farm boy from Illinois.

So now days in the corporate world, I'm usually pretty calm when a deadline is about to be missed on a team project. I don't get rattled by small stuff. I'm usually always the calm one in meeting rooms when everyone else has elevated stress levels.

The military killed my excitement mode, I don't really get anxious or amped up for anything anymore. Probably because the minute you look forward to something, it is always a disappointment. I always go by the expect the best, but prepare for the worst mentality in life. 

[sandy]

I still do the gig line and remove head cover when indoors. I seem to get upset when some guy is wearing a ball cap in a restaurant; even worse when it's backwards.

[Novavalker]

A shower takes me about 2 - 3 minutes.  I'm not sure if that's because of my time in the Navy or my Dad thinking the well would run dry when I was a kid.

I can still run 10 km and do 50 push ups at 57. 

[sheets]

As having been a Yeoman in a previous life, forty some odd years later, I to this day write the calendar date as day-month-year. And having had a secret security clearance I instinctively know when not to discuss certain subject matter with certain people (need to know basis), be it on the job or with friends or family. Especially family. I still have a dungaree work shirt with my name stenciled on it. I don't recall what ever became of my sea bag full of other uniform stuff. I think about it from time to time as back then many items were stenciled in boot camp with one's SS number as personal I.D. Back in those days your service number was different from your SSN#. And, I have remained being proficient with using a typewriter and eventually a "keyboard".  

[Willow]

... Her mother-sister and brother were attempting to figure out What had transpired. ...

I'm troubled by the reference to her mother-sister.  I didn't know the term was recognized outside of a few isolated spots in the Ozarks.  

I served during my formative years from seventeen to twenty-nine.  It certainly left its mark on me.  I'm highly procedural and troubled when something is done other than the way I always do it.  I have a strong sense of the right way and wrong way to do almost everything.  I am very aware of ranking in my interactions with others.  I do line up the buckle and shirt edge.  It wouldn't take you long around me to recognize that I'm a Marine but I'm not nearly as thorough as some of you.  I haven't spit shined anything in a long time.

[old2soon]

Reb-that calm demeanor you mentioned was one of the things I forgot-ALMOST. Working the flight deck teaches you That or you DIE. As you and I are aware of the flight deck is a most unforgiving bitch.

 Jess-W T F-over!  When you git the blanker look after the "over" you Just KNOW brain dead beyond redemption! 

Yup-have used the phonetic alphabet a time or three and civilians are still trying to sort it out when yer all caught up.

Some one hands me a firearm and tells me It's empty I STILL check it before looking it over. Have NOT ever taken anyones word on the condition of a firearm.

 Tried to splain O dark thirty to my kids-when they got their asses hauled outa the rack at 0300 they then KNEW What O dark thirty Means!    RIDE SFE.

[old2soon]

Carl-Granddaughter and her Mom and siblings from-sigh-Ohio!  She makes Ross and I VERY proud of her chosen profession. Even if she are a zoomy!  RIDE SAFE.

[Chrisj CMA]

I suppose the one most important thing I learned early in my career in Special Operations (Air Force) was that I am capable of way more than I think I am most times.  I learned that there are absolute limits and perceived limits.  Most people don't know that their perceived limits are not real.  I am very grateful that I was pushed and have learned that when it feels like the end, I can push through and there is usually way more to go.

The other thing I learned was teamwork.  To know that  so much more can be accomplished with the combined talents and gifts of a team working well together, even if the team is just me and Judy sometimes.

The daily habits like shaving dressing very concisely and such have worn off over the years.  I seem to remember 4 words that I regard as my favorites when I wonder if I should cut my hair or trim my facial hair (I haven't shaved for over 12 years now)

Those 4 words are I DONT HAVE TO.

[da prez]

  I have been out of basic close to 51 years. Still gig line , hat straight , boots or shoes clean and polished. Some times I still tend to eat to fast. After all this time. In Airborne basic , you took a food  tray , filled it and ate as you walked to the exit door. If not finished , it got dumped. After about four weeks we got to sit down to eat , but by then it was almost to late to change the habit. Still up early.
  I was one of those who never really slept , so in the Army , I always managed to be ready. To this day , four hours of sleep is a lot for me.

                                                             da prez
                                                    U.S. Army 1966 -1969

 

[gordonv]

Hands never in the pocket (well, most of the time, it does get cold sometimes).

Always carry with the left hand, leaving the right free to salute. Can't stop doing this one, even when my arm/shoulder/back is sore on that side.

I don't usually wear any kind of head wear, but yes, removed when inside. Hate seeing others wearing inside.

SSS 15 min? I've a coffee in my hand walking to the car in 15 min. Now wife is different, usually 2 hours.

[Roadog]

   Belay that last order !!  I still use that today plus about 45 years .  Chain of command and proper protocol are two more along with FUBAR and SNAFU .   Fouled up beyond all repair,...situation normal all fouled up .  Well, we did substitute some words. 

Roadog

[scooperhsd]

Depends on your occupational field - in IT -the phonetic alphabet gets ALOT of use, especially when your customer is an aviation company.

+1 on the Sir / Ma'am thing - can't break that.

same on secret / confidential / not for everybody's knowledge. On the flip side - some people have learned that if your want to talk about that - get in a closed door office. (I have great hearing, but can't see for crap without my (now progressive bifocal ) glasses.

[BF]

They day I separated (March 29th, 1975) I swore that I'd never shave again.  Except for shaving the neck area, I've had a beard ever since.  It's had varying lengths, but it's usually shorter than longer....and trimmed. 

Other than straightening my gig line when in dressy type cloths, the only thing I can think of that I carried over is making my bed when I get up. 

You can ask my wife, but just the other day, as the wife was helping me, she said something about me having to make the bed with I get up....I said..."you've never been through Basic have you".

As for the hat, I could care less if you wear it inside, outside, upside down or inside out. 

[John Schmidt]

Oh wow, some of us are creatures of habit. I still check the gig line, don't spit shine anymore though. If I want to, I can be in/out of the bathroom in 15 min. in the morning but since I retired the need is less. One thing I still do is when I hang up my clothes; shirts to the left, then pants, then jackets/coats. When I hang up the shirts, the buttons to the left with the hook facing away. Pants....hook facing away, legs over and to the right with the fly away from you. My wife thinks I'm nuts, when I get my shirts back from the laundry I take them all off the hangers and turn them around. To her mind, it shouldn't make any difference, to me.....it does. When I wear a cover, it's square and off the head when I enter. At home if I'm working outside and have to run inside for something I don't bother removing it. And I still iron the shirts a bit after getting them from the laundry. The shoulders have a crease from the hangers, collars usually aren't right, usually touch up the sleeves....I like a sharp crease on the arms. Same with pants, not so much with the jeans but still fold them so there's a hint of a crease. We are a strange bunch I guess. As for boot camp, it was 60 years ago this month. Hardly seems possible....wonder if my DI's jaw ever healed up properly. Long story, short chapters; he got pissed at me 'cuz I showed him up on the rifle range. Sneaked up behind me and took a swing, making little contact. I didn't miss. Three flights of recruits saw it and backed me up. I got a butt chewing by the CO, he got a 15 plus.

[BF]

I forgot about the folding the underwear thing.  That and socks I still do.  Does that make me anal?   

[Rams]

This thread brings back many memories and I'll admit to being a former Marine (enlisted) and Army (officer).    As a Marine, my brass was always polished to a high shine and my boots were like mirrors.   Won Marine of the month 9 times in 18 months at my duty station.   I still remember my general orders and my rifle serial #.   It was an M14, before they started issuing Mattel's version.   Scored Expert with every weapon I was ever assigned, some took more practice than others.   Hated the military .45, it's like artillery, an area weapon.  

Once in the Army/Aviation, the spit shined boots went out the window.   We don't polish our boots in Aviation, polish is flammable.    I'm very regimented and procedural in how I live my life.   Some due to the way I was reared, the rest is a reflection of my time in the service.    I admit to being a hard assed PITA when I think I'm in correct.   It is, what it is.   I respect authority and follow the rules.   I also question when I think there is a better way.   Some folks don't appreciate that.   Again, it is, what it is.

Thanks for allowing me the opportunity to remember.    

[Oldfishguy]

I think I've lost any carryover, so I carry these as a reminder:

[saddlebag]

How about your Service Number?......
I'm not talking about SSN......even tho I know it is used now-a-days.
Do you remember your Service Number?

[Karen]

yes, I remember my service number, but the one thing that has hung on has been when I start walking, my left arm will stay at my side and not swing like my right one. Chalk it up to holding a trumpet there for 8 years on & off the parade field. Once I remind myself, it behaves normally, but I actually have to think about that...

[Roadog]

I think I've lost any carryover, so I carry these as a reminder:

I still have my dog tags, both sets.  I wear a set on Memorial Day the 4th of July and Veterans Day. 
I feel it keeps me 'in touch' some how.

Roadog

[Master Blaster]

Flew Cobras in the Army, while on retirement leave went to work for PHI and flew for another 20 years commercially.  Most of this was in the Gulf Of Mexico, but a few years was EMS, had a great time and miss it a ton.  The norm for non EMS was week on and week off, with all the overtime you could stand.  Wasn't bad working 6 months a year with 6 months off even though it was just every other week.

[old2soon]

Yup-remember my service number-was a Service number NOT my S S #. First ex wife has/had-not really sure anymore-my Navy issued medals and my Navy issued ribbons and ALL my uniforms. Thinkin all or most are long gone. Would Really like to have my original Medals and Ribbons back. Coulda-woulda-shoulda!   Somewhere I do have my original DD 214. Had one of my original Dixie Cups-white hat-but in one of my many moves it left my possession.   Took awhile after I got out to put my smokes in my shirt pocket and NOT my sock. RIDE SAFE.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Yup-remember my service number-was a Service number NOT my S S #. First ex wife has/had-not really sure anymore-my Navy issued medals and my Navy issued ribbons and ALL my uniforms. Thinkin all or most are long gone. Would Really like to have my original Medals and Ribbons back. Coulda-woulda-shoulda!   Somewhere I do have my original DD 214. Had one of my original Dixie Cups-white hat-but in one of my many moves it left my possession.   Took awhile after I got out to put my smokes in my shirt pocket and NOT my sock. RIDE SAFE.

I kept my crackerjacks for years and years. After trying to put them on I decided it was time to toss them. 

[Willow]

How about your Service Number?......
I'm not talking about SSN......even tho I know it is used now-a-days.
Do you remember your Service Number?

2503395.  It's been 46 years now and it jumps to mind as soon as you asked the question.  Forty-six years was boot camp.  I really don't recall exactly how long it was before they switched me to SSN.

P.S.  Looked it up.  Apparently I used that number for three and a half years.  Oops my subtractions seems to be failing.  It's closer to forty-eight years.  Check with Therapist.  I think I'm a sick man.   

[Oldfishguy]

Yup-remember my service number-was a Service number NOT my S S #. First ex wife has/had-not really sure anymore-my Navy issued medals and my Navy issued ribbons and ALL my uniforms. Thinkin all or most are long gone. Would Really like to have my original Medals and Ribbons back. Coulda-woulda-shoulda!   Somewhere I do have my original DD 214. Had one of my original Dixie Cups-white hat-but in one of my many moves it left my possession.   Took awhile after I got out to put my smokes in my shirt pocket and NOT my sock. RIDE SAFE.

A few years back I went to my county Vets liaison officer.  They should be attached to your local government somehow.  They are typically vets themselves but no longer on active duty.  I had lost some of my medals as well.  He wrote a letter to the Federal government (Army) asking them to replace my lost medals.  I had my DD214 with so that helped.  It took about 9 months or so but most of them came via USPost.  Other unit insignia's I bought off of ebay and made a small shadow box for display.  Nothing elaborate, and not all military; some are items I simply valued of my time in the service.  Throw your DD214, EER's, and few other things in an envelope attached to the back of the frame  and you have something that will outlive us.  My brother in law (Vietnam Vet) did this a few years before me and I always admired it.  I finally took the time to do it. The frame is a standard picture frame with black felt and cardboard as a backer.  (The second Achievement should have been some sort of cluster on the first ribbon, but that item has illuded me.)

[Jess from VA]

Yup-remember my service number-was a Service number NOT my S S #. First ex wife has/had-not really sure anymore-my Navy issued medals and my Navy issued ribbons and ALL my uniforms. Thinkin all or most are long gone. Would Really like to have my original Medals and Ribbons back. Coulda-woulda-shoulda!   Somewhere I do have my original DD 214. Had one of my original Dixie Cups-white hat-but in one of my many moves it left my possession.   Took awhile after I got out to put my smokes in my shirt pocket and NOT my sock. RIDE SAFE.

Dennis, if you look at the bottom of your DD214, it lists both awards and decorations.  You can go on line and order the correct size mount bar for the number you have, and all the ribbons and any devices (oak leaf clusters, stars, etc), and put it all together.  I have my last (most up to date) still mounted on my Class A service dress blouse.  I can still wear it, but I cannot get all the buttons buttoned (and still breathe), the damn thing has shrunk in the closet (same deal with the pants).  I still have my dress corfam shoes and they do still fit.  

Of course awards are only reflected by a ribbon (longevity, training, NCO academy, outstanding unit, marksmanship, RVN service), but decorations have an actual medal (full size and miniatures), but are also reflected by ribbons (achievement, commendation, meritorious, national service, PHM, Bronze Star (with star for combat), SS, etc).  I think you can also get the actual medals also.

If you have a military buddy retiree, he can take you on base to a military clothing store, and you can pick this stuff up easy and cheap (though some of the older RVN svs medals may not be in stock). (they stock the mounts and ribbons, but I think NOT the actual medals)

I have seen guys wear their fruit salad bar on a riding vest.  That is not actually proper as only supposed to go on a uniform, but no one should ever complain about it.

This outfit will build you a thin tight one for 10 bucks (the originals tend to bend and get crooked easily).  They also will make you a sticker (for your bike).

https://www.usamilitarymedals.com/pages/thin-ribbons?gclid=CJWQ9LGeuNECFRRLDQod_BUJzg




 

[The emperor has no clothes]

How about your Service Number?......
I'm not talking about SSN......even tho I know it is used now-a-days.
Do you remember your Service Number?

2503395.  It's been 46 years now and it jumps to mind as soon as you asked the question.  Forty-six years was boot camp.  I really don't recall exactly how long it was before they switched me to SSN.

P.S.  Looked it up.  Apparently I used that number for three and a half years.  Oops my subtractions seems to be failing.  It's closer to forty-eight years.  Check with Therapist.  I think I'm a sick man.