How many veterans and retirees can relate to the 10 Habits that follow you from the military into civilian life?

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 08:44:13 -0400

Share some of the habits you have kept near and dear to you during your transition from service to civilian life

Here is great article on the subject.

I can honestly say that I have at least 8 of the 10 down on a regular basis.

https://www.military1.com/army/article/460580-10-habits-that-follow-you-from-the-military-into-civilian-life

10 habits that follow you from the military into civilian life

Just because you leave the military, doesn't mean every bit of the military has left you. Whether it's saluting Old Glory or finding you can't quite shake the 24 hour clock, there are some aspects of life in the military that simply become a permanent part of you. We asked our Mi

Response by Sgt David G Duchesneau made Jun 1 at 2015 8:49 AM

Sgt David G Duchesneau — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 08:49:33 -0400

I got at least 5

Response by LTC John Shaw made Jun 1 at 2015 9:09 AM

LTC John Shaw — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 09:09:51 -0400

COL Mikel J. Burroughs I am busted on 5 out of 10 as well.

Response by SFC Richard Haugh made Jun 1 at 2015 9:13 AM

SFC Richard Haugh — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 09:13:13 -0400

After serving 21 years 6 sometimes 7... the added 3 years of AJROTC didn't calm them down either...

Response by MSG Scott McBride made Jun 1 at 2015 9:22 AM

MSG Scott McBride — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 09:22:10 -0400

I was privileged to serve 21 honorable years. I was also happy to retire and leave that life behind. Being on time, firm hand shakes, providing purpose direction and motivation to my subordinates, always having a "can do" attitude and motivated to accomplish any task that my boss (half my age and never served) throws at me. No mission too tough! Has never, will never leave me.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jun 1 at 2015 9:23 AM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 09:23:15 -0400

I check my gig line when I am wearing a nice outfit. I don't think I will ever be able to stop doing that.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2015 9:37 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 09:37:24 -0400

Well, all of them. Except I HATE ironing. Anything that needs to look that pretty just goes to the cleaners.

I find I actually JUDGE people for not keeping their gig-line anywhere close to straight. Ever try to suggest a civilian fix it? Hilarity.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2015 9:41 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 09:41:33 -0400

Still in the guard, but spent 7 years active Navy. Checking gig line, saying head instead of bathroom (or latrine for the guard guys) use 24 hr clock.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Jun 1 at 2015 9:42 AM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 09:42:03 -0400

Yeah other than saluting and standing at parade rest, I still subscribe to almost all of these.

Response by Lt Col Timothy Parker, DBA made Jun 1 at 2015 10:04 AM

Lt Col Timothy Parker, DBA — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 10:04:34 -0400

I retired about 15 years ago and don't seem to have too many of the habits listed - makes me wonder how well I did while I was on active duty. That said, when I'm in a group during the playing the national anthem, it amazes me how so many civilians have no clue how to behave while its playing. Some continue talking, others attempt to salute, etc. Drives me up a wall.

Response by Sgt Jay Jones made Jun 1 at 2015 10:11 AM

Sgt Jay Jones — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 10:11:34 -0400

When traveling, I still fold the underwear and clothes I've worn, so they will fit in my suitcase.

I also have six of the 10.

Response by MAJ Chris Ballard made Jun 1 at 2015 10:26 AM

MAJ Chris Ballard — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 10:26:35 -0400

1. outstanding posture
2. excessive use of "outstanding" as an adjective
3. If I'm late, it's because there was a apocalyptic event (or my wife couldn't find her phone).
4. knife hand!
5. "Say again" when anyone else would just say "what?"

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Jun 1 at 2015 10:47 AM

SPC Charles Brown — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 10:47:49 -0400

COL Mikel J. Burroughs here are my top 10

1) I still step off with the left foot first.
2) Salute the flag.
3) Simple respect, something that is sorely lacking in the world today outside the
military.
4) 24 hour clock.
5) Back to a wall.
6) Trust only those that I know will have my back.
7) Shined shoes.
8) A place for everything and everything in it's place.
9) Never less than 15 minutes early for anything.
10) Sanctity of life

Response by MSgt Robert Pellam made Jun 1 at 2015 10:54 AM

MSgt Robert Pellam — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 10:54:41 -0400

I am at about 6 out of 10. Everyone is still Sir or Ma'am, you have to have a straight gig line when wearing button ups and dress pants.

Since I am a full time student now, I have noticed I don't use the 2400 clock much. Although I have referred to a class time of 2:00 pm as "University time", got some strange looks on that one.

I still go to base to get a military haircut. Just lasts me a lot longer then before.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jun 1 at 2015 11:03 AM

CPT Jack Durish — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 11:03:02 -0400

A good list and I like the additions offered by others and must admit: Guilty of all.

I can add one more: Eating a good breakfast. I never ate breakfast before I joined the Army. Inasmuch as it was often the only good meal of the day, I never allowed the opportunity to pass. It is now my favorite meal of the day and breakfast foods are my favorite. If I were to have as "Last Meal", it would be breakfast...

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2015 11:13 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 11:13:16 -0400

Saying "utilize" instead of "use".

It's the same **** word. Why is the 1SG making things as complicated as possible?

Response by SSG Paul Setterholm made Jun 1 at 2015 11:30 AM

SSG Paul Setterholm — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 11:30:33 -0400

I concur. I still do at least 8 of them myself.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Jun 1 at 2015 11:59 AM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 11:59:20 -0400

baring #s 6 and 8 ... yup!

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Jun 1 at 2015 12:05 PM

CPT Pedro Meza — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 12:05:37 -0400

When I was teaching I was told that I was too strict and my students expectations were to high and that I should not tell students to discuss their problems with their parents (their commanders) because parents have to much to worry about already.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Jun 1 at 2015 12:15 PM

SCPO David Lockwood — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 12:15:12 -0400

That is scary! But I definitely relate to at least 8 of the 10 and my wife reminds me that I am no longer in the Navy!!!! LOL !

Response by LTC Gavin Heater made Jun 1 at 2015 12:31 PM

LTC Gavin Heater — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 12:31:25 -0400

I also average 8 out of 10 of these behaviors. I imagine most Veterans past ten years and nearly all Retirees do.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 1 at 2015 1:34 PM

PO1 John Miller — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 13:34:34 -0400

Back to the wall, 24 hour clock, military jargon/slang. No more military hair cuts for me though! I still keep it short by civilian standards though.

Response by LTC George Shell made Jun 1 at 2015 2:23 PM

LTC George Shell — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 14:23:53 -0400

My key watchword is "Responsibility". My kids hate hearing me say it. I tell them they have to be responsible for their actions and remember people are counting on them. That can relate to either taking out the garbage or being late to movement. Different topics, but it still all relates to the importance of "responsibility". People today toss this word out like candy and it doesn't have the same meaning as when you're in uniform.

Response by MSgt Jim Wolverton made Jun 1 at 2015 6:47 PM

MSgt Jim Wolverton — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 18:47:44 -0400

I still tuck my laces in all my shoes, line up my gig, stand at parade rest, call people Sir/Ma'am, at least 15 minutes early for EVERYTHING, keep my hair short, iron my clothes everyday. If I shaved off my new beard and threw on my ABUs, I could effortlessly slide back into the job. I miss it now and I'll miss it for the rest of my life.

Response by PO2 Todd Voge made Jun 1 at 2015 7:04 PM

PO2 Todd Voge — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 19:04:00 -0400

I've been out 23 years and I can certainly relate to a number of these!
- Gig line is straight. Always check that when I get dressed.
- 24 hour clock. My wife actually goes along with that okay!
- Walking in step. Can never get out of that habit.
- Calling Officers Sir/Madam whenever I see them. Just a habit. Haven't found myself saluting them, but do still show the respect.
- Always watching my 6 and keeping track of my situational awareness.

I only spent 6 years on active duty, but that was a VERY defining time in my life and has shaped who I am.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2015 10:16 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 22:16:01 -0400

The Air Force core values: Service before self, Excellence in all we do, and Integrity above all else.

Response by SGT Kevin Brown made Jun 2 at 2015 9:22 AM

SGT Kevin Brown — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 09:22:54 -0400

1. My passion for my country, the Constitution and our Flag has not wavered.
2. I still say "Roger".
3. I still use Sir and Ma'am
4. Saluting the Flag.
5. Acronyms are a major part of my vocabulary
6. There are 24 hours in the day so........
7. I still wear tactical cargo pocket pants, because they make sense.
8. My socks and underwear are still rolled.
9. I roll all my clothing when travelling.
10. I may disagree with you, think your stupid or even hate you, but I will still treat you with respect.

Response by SGT Frank Leonardo made Jun 2 at 2015 12:43 PM

SGT Frank Leonardo — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 12:43:03 -0400

Can't say that I have 10 but do have at least 5 that have followed me to high life

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jul 15 at 2015 12:55 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Wed, 15 Jul 2015 12:55:31 -0400

Some very good habits to follow. I did not even know that these habits existed. I should try to practice at least some of them; as I have PTSD.

Response by CPO Emmett (Bud) Carpenter made Oct 2 at 2015 11:38 PM

CPO Emmett (Bud) Carpenter — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 23:38:20 -0400

I've been retired 26 years and I still do most of them.

Response by SFC Dave Wynn made Oct 16 at 2015 11:22 AM

SFC Dave Wynn — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 11:22:54 -0400

what happened to removing head gear when in doors?

Response by LCpl Kasey Woods made Oct 28 at 2015 5:21 PM

LCpl Kasey Woods — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 17:21:29 -0400

i use the 24 hour clock to keep me from setting my alarm wrong

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2016 4:24 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 16:24:10 -0500

COL Mikel J. Burroughs I cannot see the link to your post.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Mar 8 at 2016 4:36 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 16:36:55 -0500

COL Mikel J. Burroughs thanks for asking an intriguing question
1. Respect for my superiors, my peers and subordinates.
2. Opening the door for my wife and any other woman when the situation is appropriate as a sign of respect and deference not in attempt to demean.
3. Returning a crisp salute to everybody who salutes me
4. paying honor to the National Colors and the National Anthem
5. Doing my best to never say never or always in a conversation
6. Active listening to ensure I understand what somebody is trying to tell me.
7. Trying to listen more than I speak [biblical admonition]
8. Being slow to be angry is always challenging but is a great skill in almost every situation [biblical admonition]
9. Praying for the leaders of this nation that we might live a peaceful and quite life [biblical admonition]
Gentlemen do you want answer tis question LTC Stephen C. CW5 Private RallyPoint Member CW5 Charlie Poulton SGM Steve Wettstein SSgt Robert Marx SSgt Private RallyPoint Member SSgt Private RallyPoint Member SGT Robert Hawks SGM David W. Carr LOM, DMSM MP SGT SGT Forrest Stewart SrA Christopher Wright

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2016 12:28 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Mar 2016 12:28:05 -0500

Sir, I will add these habits to the list:

1. Doze standing up.
2. Eating fast because you do not know when your next meal will be.
3. Reserved around civilians until they have earned my trust.
4. Saluting the flag when I see it.
5. Plan and organize everything I do.

Response by SSG Ryan Moore made Mar 10 at 2016 1:23 PM

SSG Ryan Moore — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 13:23:43 -0500

COL Mikel J. Burroughs Even though I'm still active - I still do this and I know I'll do it when I get out. Some things can't be changed!!!

Response by SSG Leonard J W. made Mar 10 at 2016 4:13 PM

SSG Leonard J W. — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 16:13:10 -0500

COL Mikel J. Burroughs, this is a great discussion! I have several habits from the article as well:
#s 1 -4 (although I wear a fade, not a high & tight), #7, #9, and #10!!

Another one of my habits that I just cannot shake is the habit of check and recheck. I mentally inventory everything, and everything has its place so that I know if something is missing. I suffer from all of MAJ Chris Ballard's habits...lol! And like SPC Charles Brown, I still step off with the left foot.

It's so funny how so many things become battle drills!

Response by SSG Leo Bell made Mar 10 at 2016 6:35 PM

SSG Leo Bell — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 18:35:50 -0500

I find myself doing most of them. The 15 to 30 minutes early for everything. No my exits and my surroundings, keeping my back to a wall and always checking my six. The low or high and tight hair cut. Gig line is always straight.

Response by Brigit Freedman made Mar 11 at 2016 1:43 PM

Brigit Freedman — Fri, 11 Mar 2016 13:43:54 -0500

As a Army Brat many of these were ingrained into me as soon as I could walk and talk! Thank you for the smile!

Response by PO1 Kerry French made Mar 12 at 2016 5:59 PM

PO1 Kerry French — Sat, 12 Mar 2016 17:59:10 -0500

My passion for my country and the Constitution. - ALWAYS!
I always sit in a corner so that no one can come up behind me. Always check my 6
I know all my exits.
Always know my surroundings.
Still use a 24 hour clock.
Check my gig line,
I hate crowded areas
The use of military slang and acronyms to describe things.
I don’t have OCD… I have CDO… in alphabetical order, like it should be.

The only thing I have never been able to do consistently is be on time... yes, even in the military.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2016 2:59 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Mar 2016 14:59:12 -0400

COL Mikel J. Burroughs I was at a forum in Raleigh, that taught proper technique (job interviews). When I was called to introduce myself, I stood up and immediately one of the mentors said, "See that"? He stood up, spoke coherently and dressed for success". He also said that I was the only person that stood up (to that point). No matter what you do, look the interviewer in the eyes and have a firm handshake. Fill out every answer. Oh, and be on time. I hate people, who think the world revolves around them. They will not be on their time-clock.

Response by Cpl Jania Masterson made Mar 14 at 2016 5:57 PM

Cpl Jania Masterson — Mon, 14 Mar 2016 17:57:48 -0400

1. Anal about how my house is clean
2. Certain language- cannot stop calling people not in military civilians
3. The F word is en-grained in me deal with it.
4. People who are late drives me insane-excuses, excuses
5. Clothes need ironed-NO IP's or wrinkles
6. Shoes if leather need spit shined. Yes, I do this to my boots, heels
7. I wear my hair up almost 24/7. Don't feel right with it down
8. When I ask someone to do something, I expect it done right now.
9. If I say I will do something-I will!
10. I am a holistic health coach cannot stand excuses why people can't get healthy. No time for whiners who live in misery. Mind over matter. You can change your health just do it! I have products that work, and I can also bring you an income, free trips, free car.

Response by MAJ Michael Pauling made Mar 14 at 2016 6:49 PM

MAJ Michael Pauling — Mon, 14 Mar 2016 18:49:49 -0400

6:10 here hey I was a juuuust a Reservist before the mobilization so I was not fully intertwined in military Minecraft

Response by CPO Andy Carrillo, MS made Mar 15 at 2016 2:04 PM

CPO Andy Carrillo, MS — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 14:04:07 -0400

COL Mikel J. Burroughs Definitely the high-tight, punctuality, situational awareness, bearing, mission-focused...it was one of the few best decisions of my life.

Response by MSgt Lionel (Leo) Rondeau made Mar 16 at 2016 9:28 AM

MSgt Lionel (Leo) Rondeau — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 09:28:59 -0400

Old habits die hard. Too many of these still hang on. I feel naked going outside without a cover.

Response by SGT Paul Mackay made Apr 16 at 2016 7:50 PM

SGT Paul Mackay — Sat, 16 Apr 2016 19:50:25 -0400

still do things the military way

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2016 10:20 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 17 Apr 2016 10:20:45 -0400

Mike,Mike Mike, now I will be second guessing myself. But come to think about it, not really a bad habit ( only in a crisis ) If I have all of them and a few more, must have been helpful or at a minimum not destructive. Old Men can Rock On too.

Response by LTC Terrence Farrier, PhD made Apr 17 at 2016 10:14 PM

LTC Terrence Farrier, PhD — Sun, 17 Apr 2016 22:14:05 -0400

1. Rarely EVER late!
2. Gig line straight always.
3. Always check surroundings and know where the exits are.
4. Always face the main entrance area.
5. Constantly looking for ways to improve situations.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Apr 18 at 2016 11:37 AM

SCPO David Lockwood — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 11:37:11 -0400

I just loaded an app on my phone to have ships bells ring to tell let me know what time it is.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2016 1:08 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 13:08:07 -0400

My work email signature has "V/r" in it.

Response by CSM Michael Poll made Apr 18 at 2016 1:51 PM

CSM Michael Poll — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 13:51:48 -0400

Majority of these are spot on, but I am letting my hair grow out and have a full beard...

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Apr 18 at 2016 3:51 PM

SGT Jerrold Pesz — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 15:51:23 -0400

Checking my gig line and making sure that my shoes are shined are two that I will never grow out of. Others are always being early for everything and situational awareness. One habit that only applies to smokers is that I still field strip cigarettes and put the filter in my pocket. I can't stand to see someone throw butts on the ground.

Response by SSG Richard Hackwith made Apr 19 at 2016 11:27 PM

SSG Richard Hackwith — Tue, 19 Apr 2016 23:27:07 -0400

After getting off active duty, I took refresher courses in the reserves and national guard.

Response by CW5 John M. made Feb 8 at 2018 7:45 AM

CW5 John M. — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 07:45:32 -0500

1. I still like the 24 hour clock
2. The military phonetic alphabet when I need to spell words over the phone
3. Military haircuts: I like the old-style military haircut that was “close around the side and a little off the top”. This was prior to the “high and tight” haircut which I’ve never had. In basic training it was the “full buzz”, and in flight school it was the “relaxed buzz”. In my younger days I liked the “flat top”.
4. Timeliness, arriving early
5. Early rising
6. Checking gigs and pulling lanyards
7. “Latrine”, and “roger that”, “say again”, are still in my vocabulary
8. Avoidance of any kind of lines
9. Clean shaven (unless I’m really ‘kicking back’ - but that never lasts for very long)
10. Always “tuned in” to helicopters (and fixed-wing) flying in the area. Distinguishing two-bladed vs four-bladed, engine whine, etc.
11. Love to listen to “radio traffic”, the smell of jet fuel around airports, etc.
12. Still shine my shoes or keep an acceptable shine