Anyone else notice how being Military has affected your actions years later?

2015-05-05T11:31:51-04:00

We were out in our RV last weekend, and like most at the beach, we tend to pull out the chairs and the Barbecue, and a few other odds and ends, but unlike most, our stuff was orderly, lined up, and easy to maneuver around.
I realized that it didn't look so much like a campsite as it did a field Op. Everything 'dressed and covered', orderly and easy to find, just like our tool sheds, and most everything in our 'office'. Now, the rest of our house borders on "Knitting/Reading/Sewing/Hoarders 'R Us" form of decor, but anything that is used by the husband is Dressed and Covered, cleaned and repaired. Is it JUST this Marine, or is it a curious little habit many of us fall into after living the life for so long?

Response by SPC Charles Brown made May 5 at 2015 11:47 AM

2015-05-05T11:47:40-04:00

No Cpl Glynis Sakowicz you are not alone. I have always maintained a bit of military bearing, maybe because I grew up the son of an Army Master Sergeant and it was expected. While out in public with my family on any activity I expect my grandchildren to act accordingly/properly. While camping with extended family our tents are well organized, neat and, swept out daily. Before putting our items away they are thoroughly cleaned and properly stored replaced in their proper order.

Being a former supply clerk our items are packed and put away in a last needed first stowed manner. I don't have a problem in having my area looking like a Field Op as you put it. In fact I am glad that it does, it saves time in trying to find the things we need when we need them.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2015 11:57 AM

2015-05-05T11:57:03-04:00

We developed life long habits in the military. And I am old enough to use the term lifetime.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2015 3:10 PM

2015-05-05T15:10:56-04:00

My entire life is spent in situational awareness and 'dress-right-dress'. I am not sure if the military was right for me because I was fastidious, or my need for order was heightened by the military.

My friends bag on me when we travel or in restaurants when I line my stuff up, taller tapped, etc. Once they realized that I laid my makeup out like a surgeon on a washcloth in order of application, it was over. And had back-ups for everything.

Conversely, I give them crap because they NEVER know where their stuff is; I ALWAYS do. I am like, "white tank top with lace? WHA-BAM!! Here it is!" (Back of drawer at the bottom on the right.) :)

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2015 4:01 PM

2015-05-05T16:01:46-04:00

My coworkers give me grief because I always make sure I'm stocked, cleaned, and ready to do the job. Another thing that bothers me is the lack of situational awareness. I know everything that is going on around me. I guess others just need to look up from their smartphones every once in a while.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made May 5 at 2015 4:50 PM

2015-05-05T16:50:33-04:00

No Cpl Glynis Sakowicz, it is a MARINE thing! :-)

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2015 4:56 PM

2015-05-05T16:56:26-04:00

I like my "military habits" as my extended family likes to call it. I was born and raised a military brat and went straight to boot camp after high school. even though I am no longer active duty, I still like to live my life in a method that is neat/orderly and always try to maintain a level of situational awareness....especially when out with my wife & kids.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2015 9:21 PM

2015-05-05T21:21:06-04:00

I'm sure I drive my wife crazy on occasion. I was a State Honor Guard for 2 years, so I see every speck of lint, wrinkle, loose string, shoe scuff, etc. The same applies to other facets of our life. She doesn't get it, even after serving 4 years on active duty.

I've also found my self subconsciously walking in step with the person next to me before.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made May 5 at 2015 9:45 PM

2015-05-05T21:45:39-04:00

I can tie a Windsor knot with my eyes closed in the dark. My gig line is always straight even in jeans and a flannel shirt.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2015 3:53 AM

2015-05-06T03:53:51-04:00

does anyone else get a thrill from simply walking on the grass? i still look around before I do though (then again I am still active, but even in civilian cloths off post lol)

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 6 at 2015 6:49 AM

2015-05-06T06:49:52-04:00

I still use a lot of my Navy Lingo. That would be a problem if I didn't work with a lot of Ex-Military Folks and or Dependents. Hell once in a great while I even get to use Q and Z signals straight out of ACP-131.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made May 6 at 2015 11:34 AM

2015-05-06T11:34:07-04:00

I was about to say 'no' but then looked at my underwear drawer...socks rolled, check. Everything folded, check. My Ex would get mad at me because I would refold all the T-shirts. She told me she was going to stop folding mine...I said 'Okay.' She then informed me that she spent "A lot of time folding my stuff." I asked her if she could take a little more time and fold it right? I guess it makes sense why she is my Ex?

Response by LTC Stephen F. made May 6 at 2015 3:23 PM

2015-05-06T15:23:10-04:00

It took me many years to stop looking at everything as a potential hostile zone, from scanning while driving for ambush points and kill zones, not looking at walks in the park as some sort of patrol, etc.

Response by SSgt Charles Edwards made May 6 at 2015 7:48 PM

2015-05-06T19:48:21-04:00

I still fold my clothes military style.