Idiosyncrasies - what strange behavior did you pick-up from being in the military?

2014-10-07T20:07:10-04:00

Any one else here chow down or take a 60 second shower due to military service?

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2014 8:12 PM

2014-10-07T20:12:42-04:00

I have to make myself eat slowly at every meal - no matter what size or type of meal.

Response by Cpl Dennis F. made Oct 7 at 2014 8:40 PM

2014-10-07T20:40:44-04:00

I am right handed, but wear my watch on my left wrist, with the face in and usually with a covered band. I started doing this in RVN. I also sit with my back to the wall and facing the door. My civilian friends even know to give up this chair to me in restaurants.

Response by CPO Jon Campbell made Oct 7 at 2014 8:49 PM

2014-10-07T20:49:33-04:00

I say "Say again?" instead of "what did you say?" This is a direct result of standing comms watch and learning radio speak.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2014 8:56 PM

2014-10-07T20:56:12-04:00

I have the opposite of this. I believe it is called opposititus. I purposely live messy. My room is often a mess as I leave clothes scattered about. I do this because I can't while I am on duty. It is odd but I feel that I have to negate all that organization that I have while in the military in my personal life.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2014 9:00 PM

2014-10-07T21:00:19-04:00

When I'm wearing a baseball cap, I have to resist ripping it off my head when I go in a store.

When I'm riding with somebody, I have to say "Clear on your right" at a stop sign.

I use FUBAR, "say again", and trackin'", waaay too much.

At Wal-Mart, when they call for a CSM to come up front, I always have to look around.

I call my college backpack my "assault pack".

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2014 9:06 PM

2014-10-07T21:06:40-04:00

My walk is taller, my shoulders are broader, my talk is firmer and louder, and my family is secure and prouder.

Did I say I'm still broke. That's right, they have my money :-(

Response by SSG Maurice P. made Oct 7 at 2014 9:29 PM

2014-10-07T21:29:31-04:00

i was a 11b and a 19k so i was out in the field alot i learnt how to shave with cold water and no shaving cream or soap at 63 i still shave like that but now that im a civillian i use hot water hehehehehehe...........when i leave my house early in the morning i dont turn my head lights on til im a distance from my house...

Response by SPC David S. made Oct 7 at 2014 9:48 PM

2014-10-07T21:48:06-04:00

Another thing I pick-up was a ready bag. Every thing but a hand gun in there.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Oct 7 at 2014 9:54 PM

2014-10-07T21:54:03-04:00

Both the quick shower and the fast eating still apply

I have to resist saying "out here" or "roger out" on the phone (that one confuses people)

"say again?" (sometimes followed by "over")

I say time in the "o'clock" format, but I still write it in zulu like "0900"

The hat thing that others mentioned...same here.

I always walk fully upright with the same air of confidence and infallibility, and act the same way and it mildly annoys me when others don't.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2014 9:57 PM

2014-10-07T21:57:17-04:00

Don't know if it's considered strange behavior, but I definitely swear a lot more now. And just use more colorful language in general.

Response by SPC Daniel Edwards made Oct 7 at 2014 10:30 PM

2014-10-07T22:30:42-04:00

Every time my wife asks me a question that I feel should be directed to her supervisors, I tell her either "Go ask your chain of command" or "Call your next line supervisor" without even thinking about. It'll hit me about an hour later that she works for a civilian company.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2014 10:59 PM

2014-10-07T22:59:39-04:00

I say "Roger" and "Tracking" all the time, I also wear a hat everywhere I go, because I don't know what my head would do without one, and I have to take it off when I enter any building. I also stop walking when I need to text or take a phone call, no matter where I am. It really annoys my wife sometimes.

Response by SSG Pete Fleming made Oct 7 at 2014 11:13 PM

2014-10-07T23:13:04-04:00

I always scan the room, road, park where ever I am. It drives my wife crazy, as I am always seeing things. And I'll say "that guy was rude" or "what a cute kid"... and she'll be like what where oh... It amazes me just how many people really don't pay attention to their surroundings.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2014 11:20 PM

2014-10-07T23:20:19-04:00

Eating fast, walking fast and the excessive use of jargon.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Oct 7 at 2014 11:35 PM

2014-10-07T23:35:54-04:00

As an Off-line Encryption Operator for CINCPACFLT for the first couple years of my career I still religiously use the Military Phonetic Alphabet.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 8 at 2014 12:19 AM

2014-10-08T00:19:37-04:00

I backwards plan everything I do... I have 3 alarms set just in case I sleep walk and turn them off. I show up 30 mins before I have to be in at work. I have all matter of backup uniforms or gear in my car. I used to call the dining facility at my college a dfac and nobody knew what I was talking about. I can also eat all my food in less then 2 mins.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 8 at 2014 1:19 AM

2014-10-08T01:19:44-04:00

Eat way to fast, always carry a pen, say again instead of repeat (Artillery guy). Everything is pretty black and white no grey area. And my wife says I'm a critic of everyone and everything. I can't help it if they need to stay in their lane, walk faster or pull up their damn pants! They need to shit or get off the pot.

Response by SSG Maurice P. made Oct 8 at 2014 4:32 AM

2014-10-08T04:32:06-04:00

yes indeed i was a marine stationed on a ship back in the day they called it a BLT (battalion landing team)we were berthed below the sailors....you could tell how well the sailors liked us
by how much water they left us to shower with hehehehehehe...a shower on a ship goes like this you get in for afew seconds you spray yourself with water you turn it off and you lather yourself up good then you turn the water back on and rinse it off in afew seconds and your finished,,,,USS DURHAM 114 FEB1977 TOKYO BAY JAPAN

Response by SFC Eric Wells made Oct 8 at 2014 4:49 AM

2014-10-08T04:49:22-04:00

I eat everything fast. Cheeseburger or steak. My wife asked why I eat the burger before the fries or steak before the potato, I guess I just want to get the good part done before we get kicked out.
Doesn't matter if I go to sleep at 2100 or 0200, I snap awake before 0600.
I correct people in stores pull up those pants, your hats crooked etc

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 8 at 2014 7:05 AM

2014-10-08T07:05:02-04:00

Still do both. Granted a little slower but still 5ake the 5 minute S,S,S. I have daughters in teenage years just drive me crazy how long it takes them. But perks of being a Veteran dad. Coffee is a must since service and statrted dipping Copenhagen in service, which I have since gave up. But for many years I had to have a dip in all the time.

Response by PO1 Ken Johnson made Oct 8 at 2014 7:28 AM

2014-10-08T07:28:47-04:00

Evidently, even after all these years (Left in 1993) I still have many. My Performance Appraisal last year mentioned "it's the military" or words to that effect twice. Those who work for me have DESK TOP PROCEDURES so that any of you could come to work for me, someone could give you their "BRAIN" as they refer to them and you could be working within the hour. I still answer the phone "THIS IS KEN" instead of Hello and I have to make myself not say MANUFACTURING SUPPORT MANAGER, KEN SPEAKING, THIS IS A NON SECURE LINE!, HOW MAY I ASSIST YOU...

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 8 at 2014 9:05 AM

2014-10-08T09:05:42-04:00

I consistently have to correct myself in the civilian world when dating documents because I always want to use the military date format.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 8 at 2014 9:42 AM

2014-10-08T09:42:53-04:00

Eat way toooooo fast.
Shower quickly.

Oh... and I show up to work on time.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 8 at 2014 9:43 AM

2014-10-08T09:43:46-04:00

When I first got out of the Army, it took me a while to stop using my rank when I answered the phone at work.
I always want to take my baseball cap off inside, I am constantly eating way too fast and swearing too much for my co-workers.
When on Facebook I always want to answer messages with rgr.
I also show up to things way to early, I don’t like being late even when it is not a big deal.

Response by SPC David S. made Oct 8 at 2014 10:04 AM

2014-10-08T10:04:21-04:00

Just did another one this morning. Checked my gig line. Thanks Aluminum U. that one is never going away.

Response by SGT Monica Tattrie made Oct 8 at 2014 10:04 AM

2014-10-08T10:04:46-04:00

I still have a habit of saying "Roger That", I also tend to synchronize my steps with every one around me, and I still sing cadence when I go for runs. I also catch myself speaking military terms with civilians that have no Idea what the heck I am talking about. lol

Response by CSM Michael Lynch made Oct 8 at 2014 10:11 AM

2014-10-08T10:11:19-04:00

I've noticed all my cllothes and hangers are facing the same direction and spaced apart evenly, motorcycle boots are dress right dress and on line. Roger is a main stay word used several times daily, Hooah pops out now and then. Standing by is also used quite frequently. The mall and box store trash cans adn parking lot trash is ridiculous.

One of the main things I encounter daily is rude customer srvice folks, ie cashiers, waitstaff, hotel front desk, tellers etc: If your unhappy in the job you are in go find another one, last time I checked I am the paying customer would a fake smile or a thank you for purchasing at your store hurt you, becuase your day is ruined doesn't mean you need to ruin mine while I am purchasing my morning Cup of Joe to get my day started right.

Response by GySgt Joe Strong made Oct 8 at 2014 10:21 AM

2014-10-08T10:21:58-04:00

Retired almost a decade at this point, on the subject of dates, still think YYMMDD and have to translate it to whatever format the civilian wants which gets frustrating because they switch MM DD YYYY and DD MM YYYY randomly, sometimes in the same agency.

Still on Military time and translating for anyone who asks.

Spouse and I definitely fall in while walking, every time. But she did 10 years too.

Trash and general disorder in the Civil populace? Not really all that civil.

Rules, like traffic rules, dang there's some serious me first going on out there.
And does anybody else still call cadence either out loud or in your head?

And someone mentioned the closet organization thing, yup, just like a wall locker ever since boot.

Response by SGT Monica Tattrie made Oct 8 at 2014 10:24 AM

2014-10-08T10:24:26-04:00

Am I the only one who still walks around the grass areas, lol...... I also want to go to all my dirty neighbors and tell them to police up there trash, I cant stand a dirty yard.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Oct 8 at 2014 11:12 AM

2014-10-08T11:12:11-04:00

Getting up before the sun shines!

Response by SGT Steve Oakes made Oct 8 at 2014 11:44 AM

2014-10-08T11:44:25-04:00

"Say again" is a mainstay of my vocabulary. I have given up trying to stop. Showing up 15 min early. Using the military phonetic alphabet with out saying "as in" first. ( This works to my advantage when I tell someone to Kilo-Mike-Alpha). The perplexed look I get is priceless! I also check roof tops and trees, and will not drive over objects in the road.

Response by SPC James Mcneil made Oct 8 at 2014 12:20 PM

2014-10-08T12:20:12-04:00

I've had to force myself to eat slower. I still take a very quick shower. I still take my hat off when I walk into a building. I still find myself responding "Roger" or "tracking" instead of yes. I use acronyms like "FUBAR" a lot.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Oct 8 at 2014 12:34 PM

2014-10-08T12:34:04-04:00

When I get upset at my kids and need to see them I suffix the call with "Front and Center"

I still tell time in 24 hour mode.

I put a line through my zeros and 7s when wrting - that one gets to my kids when we're doing math homework.

I address gatherings as "troops" especially in Scouts, but at home too - "Ok troops, are we ready to go?"

I use ma'am and sir when adressing and answereing people.

and pretty much all the things @SPC ERIN MULDER pointed out. "Say Again" & "Tracking" are my top 2 along with "Zero Dark Hundred"

Response by Cpl Glynis Sakowicz made Oct 8 at 2014 12:39 PM

2014-10-08T12:39:09-04:00

Carrying everything in my left hand, finding myself matching steps with whomever is walking with me or near me, and on two occasions, I have actually bellowed "MAKE A HOLE!" when trying to get thru a crowded hallway during college classes.
Now the husband, his Mess Hall habits are still ingrained. The man annoys the crap outta me at large celebratory meals (Thanksgiving!) when he sits down, and before the rolls have been passed around, he's DONE! He also has a tendency to talk to our daughters by starting out his comments as "Belay that..." or "As I was... " or the dreaded "Listen up maggots..." which doesn't go over well with 26 year old daughters.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Oct 8 at 2014 12:46 PM

2014-10-08T12:46:02-04:00

Using military time, refusal to use an umbrella, walking in step with others, getting up at the crack of dawn, and too many more to mention.... all the things that have been drilled into me for my entire life as an Army Brat and a career Army officer.

As a young 2LT Infantry platoon leader in Germany, my platoon sergeant and I were in the Platoon CP, at the end of the day, discussing the next day's schedule, when, out of the blue, he stated, "You know, LT, you are going to be a great general one day." I, of course, was astounded by that unsolicited proclamation and assumed it was because of my already apparent leadership qualities, professionalism, bearing, tactical proficiency, etc. [ :-) ]. Then, just in time to burst my bubble, he explained his rationale for that prediction. He stated that he had known, observed and studied a great many general officers in his career and one thing that he noticed was that each of them had some "quirk". He then proceeded to tell me, "You have a lot of them". And I guess I still do.... :-) :-)

Response by CWO3 Bryan Luciani made Oct 8 at 2014 2:11 PM

2014-10-08T14:11:31-04:00

Actually David, I'm such a creature of habit that I just go to the garage and shut the water off and tell my wife and kids, "We're on water hours. Water will be restored at 1600 for chow and showers, then secured again at 1800." Saves a ton on water bills. (lol)

Response by Maj Kim Patterson made Oct 8 at 2014 3:45 PM

2014-10-08T15:45:05-04:00

Eat fast, walk fast, talk fast. Spell phonetically, In bed to out the door in 10 (how can it take someone 2-3 HOURS to get ready?) carry everything in my left hand, 24 hour clock, DD/MM/YYYY, full gas tank, gig line, my boots are my favorite footwear. I have managed to go without cranium gear.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 8 at 2014 3:55 PM

2014-10-08T15:55:16-04:00

I eat like I'm still in boot camp. Unless I'm on a date and I slow it down to a tolerable level for her sake, which is excruciatingly slow and tedious.

Response by MSgt Kip Holscher made Oct 8 at 2014 4:28 PM

2014-10-08T16:28:38-04:00

Always arrive at least 15 minutes early for everything. If you're on time you're late, right?

I was recently (July) hired on as a gov't civilian. Even thought I spent 23 years in the AF, I still had to sit through orientation, no big deal. I had an appt to get my civ ID card at 1400. Since I would have to get up and leave during class I asked the instructor what time I should leave? She said at about 1345. Well for a guy who arrives 15 minutes early, this was a problem, not to mention pass and ID was a 10 minute drive at least. My OCD was kicking in as I was watching the clock wondering should I wait until 1345 or leave at 1335 so I could get there 15 minutes early. You guys already know what I did. I left at 1330 just to make sure.

Response by PO1 Tracy Dreyer made Oct 8 at 2014 5:13 PM

2014-10-08T17:13:53-04:00

1st, define strange

Then strange to who, us or the civilians :-)

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 8 at 2014 5:36 PM

2014-10-08T17:36:06-04:00

CLEANING: The way I clean house is the way we cleaned our barracks in basic training in 1999 top to bottom, left to right, inside to out.

SPEAKING: FUBAR, "say again", and trackin' and roger that are all to common in a conversation with me. as well as a hat is a cover, a bag is an assault pack, and when i take the car for service it more like I say "the vehicle is need of PMCS."

MOVEMENT: I point with the entire hand not the finger, I fall in step when walking with a friend or group, more like marching when i walk alone, movement with a purpose is still my creed.

Alot things you learn will carry with you. They become lifelong disciplines that you never shake.

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 8 at 2014 5:54 PM

2014-10-08T17:54:07-04:00

A lot of the same stuff already said, plus it annoys my wife when I text her and use acronyms used on mirc chat and bft in country. It's not my fault she doesn't know I'm on my way home when I tell her I'm RTB ATT. I think it's GTG, she doesn't.

Response by PFC Cedric Powell made Oct 8 at 2014 6:00 PM

2014-10-08T18:00:15-04:00

Well "roger" gets used a lot. I have a pet peeve on a clean toilet, apparently my use of profanity got more frequent. So yeah there's some behaviors that changed.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 8 at 2014 6:11 PM

2014-10-08T18:11:21-04:00

Not being able to have your hands in your pockets, I'm always catching myself wrapping my thumbs around my belt in the front or sticking my hands in my pants around the back.

Response by MSG Anthony DiFondi made Oct 8 at 2014 6:39 PM

2014-10-08T18:39:46-04:00

I lived in a barracks for over 6 years. I always had to have my t-shirts rolled up. To this day, in my home, I still roll my t-shirts. Post Traumatic T-Shirt Disorder.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 8 at 2014 7:06 PM

2014-10-08T19:06:16-04:00

I picked up this weird thing called accountability. Which must only happen in the military because it sure as hell does not happen out here where I work.

Response by LCpl Rosalie Young made Oct 8 at 2014 7:13 PM

2014-10-08T19:13:24-04:00

I say "sit rep" (situation report) and I absolutely would rather DIE than be LATE...anywhere!!

Response by LCpl Rosalie Young made Oct 8 at 2014 7:14 PM

2014-10-08T19:14:25-04:00

I hate, hate, hate to be late, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME. I also say things like "what's the sit rep?"(situation report). I probably bore the crap out of people with my boot camp and service stories.

Response by CPT Jephro Kimbo made Oct 8 at 2014 8:40 PM

2014-10-08T20:40:32-04:00

I use the entire PHONETIC ALPHABET especially when calling in on the radio.
( ie. Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, Echo, Foxtrot, Golf, Hotel, India, Juliet, Kilo, Lima, Mike, November, Oscar, Papa, Quebec, Romeo, Sierra, Tango, Uniform, Victor, Whiskey [ Bourbon, as in Kentucky ], X-Ray, Yankee, Zebra ). ;-}}

Response by SSG Selwyn Bodley made Oct 8 at 2014 10:39 PM

2014-10-08T22:39:36-04:00

1. I respond to people with "Roger That"
2. At my civilian staff meetings I hold AAR's (which they have come to appreciate)
3. I give my wife negative counseling statements for poor performance. (ok... that's not true... but it has crossed my mind)

Response by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 8 at 2014 11:29 PM

2014-10-08T23:29:37-04:00

Still stop talking during any form of speaker announcement. Even if only for a second.

Response by SrA Travis Adams made Oct 8 at 2014 11:43 PM

2014-10-08T23:43:16-04:00

I keep in step when I'm walking with someone, my hair must be shorter than a 1/2" or I consider it too long, keep my hands folded like I'm marching when I'm walking,rarely carrying anything in my right hand, stand at attention or at-ease without realizing it, call the campus dinning hall a "chow hall", sit in the back of a room or where I can keep an eye on the door and everyone in the room, I'll randomly salute ROTC instructors and newly commissioned officers on campus out of habit, used "copy" rather than 10-4 when working for my university's police department and got picked on, and like others have mentioned I used to wake up at the slightest noise. I got a large dog who looks into that for me and it helps me sleep better.

Response by SFC Kayla Sondrol made Oct 9 at 2014 8:19 AM

2014-10-09T08:19:35-04:00

Some others may have already mentioned these, but I usually take off my hat when I enter a building, continuously using military jargon / acronyms with civilians and you get a look of WTF language are you speaking. When I can't hear what someone says, I usually say "say again". I still ranger roll everything when it comes to clothing - including underwear. Can sleep anywhere and fall asleep at the drop of the hat which can and cannot be useful sometimes. When I hang out with friends and tell them a time I will meet them at, I expect them to be there at least 10 minutes prior to the 10 minutes prior or you're late. If someone tells me something I will acknowledge them with "hooah" - quite embarrassing actually. I have several more, but I'll just leave it at this. :)

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2014 8:23 AM

2014-10-09T08:23:22-04:00

I take my time eating and showering. The Army has not changed that for me. I do it when necessary though. My biggest thing has got to be when I am wearing a civilian hat, I have the urge to take it off when entering a building.
I have also come to really hate the word behoove.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2014 11:17 AM

2014-10-09T11:17:03-04:00

I have the urge to make on the spot corrections to everyone. Lot's of infractions out in the civilian world.

Response by MSG Sommer Brown made Oct 9 at 2014 2:24 PM

2014-10-09T14:24:31-04:00

I am not real sure it is strange, but lol well lol; All my friends look at me weird lol. Ok, I order my food and when it gets there, of course I try and wait for the other persons food also to arrive. However, I am typically done with mine before they even begin or finish preparing theirs to eat lol. I order my food the way I want it minus a few additional shakes of salt; so when it arrives I don't need to do anything but eat. I also have a tendency not to drink anything until I am completely done, you know that slows you down. NOW, this is not solely due to the military, I can blame some of this on my dad who always threatened to leave me places for being slow. I also feel the need to clear my plate and not be wasteful.

Response by MSG Sommer Brown made Oct 9 at 2014 2:33 PM

2014-10-09T14:33:00-04:00

Hummm this got me rolling lol and thinking about things I do. I check and recheck to make sure things are correct. I am super safety aware and tend to impose that on others. I ride a harley so when I go riding with friends I catch myself asking them did you check this or did you do that, and if we tie down our bikes, I have to verify they are tight and secure, so I can be at peace. I also plan almost everything out to details.

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Oct 9 at 2014 3:35 PM

2014-10-09T15:35:41-04:00

Let's see here:

- Eat quickly
- Shower quickly
- Sleep the sleep of the dead, but woken instantly to an out of place sound
- "Roger that"
- "Tracking"
- "Clear on the right"
- Feel like I should have a hat on when I come outside
- When I wear a ball cap, my wife continues to pull it down to how civilians wear it, even though it is not parallel to the ground
- Sleep anywhere and for any period of time and feel refreshed
- Being hyper vigilant and observant anywhere we go
- 24 hour time
- NATO phonetic alphabet and numbers when spelling
- On the spot corrections
- Walking fast
- No umbrella

The good majority of which drives my wife mad.

Response by SPC Chelsea Fernandez made Oct 9 at 2014 7:30 PM

2014-10-09T19:30:24-04:00

I have picked up a lot of bad behavior for being in the military. Parental discretion is advised and excuse my foul language. I'm still working on it. I refer to people as "douche bags, idiots, dumb ass and everything under the sun.

Response by SGT Maria Tibbs made Oct 9 at 2014 9:05 PM

2014-10-09T21:05:06-04:00

Putting ketchup on mac n cheese, putting creamer in my coffee cup before I pour the coffee, warped sense of humor and sometimes being politically incorrect.
Saying "With all due respect" or "I must respectfully disagree"! Signing off as "Respectfully yours" in emails to higher ups.

Ironing everything.
Calling "When My Granny" cadence to myself on long hard runs to keep me from quitting.

Response by 1LT David Moeglein made Oct 10 at 2014 1:03 AM

2014-10-10T01:03:52-04:00

I enjoy telling my colleagues the armyism for people who are psychotic, "ODF (out der flappin'). My HMMWV was used for parts before I arrived in Korea. I've been restoring cars and trucks that are "dead lined" ever since. My doing things that are not completely orthodox is attributed to "If you ain't cheatin', you ain't tryin." Another one that works for that is, "improvise overcome and adapt." I blame my OCD behaviors on the need to be "squared away." I talked a sergeant off a three story barracks roof in Korea. Now working with suicidal clients is all in a day's work. My favorite one is having a 20' flag pole in front of my house, which makes my neighbors feel as though they are living on a military installation. Isn't that a good thing?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 11:29 AM

2014-10-10T11:29:28-04:00

With a career in Comms my basic language is now flooded with "radio speak". Roger, say again, wilco are just a few of the things that come out of my mouth on a regular basis... It is actually pretty embarrassing when someone is looking at you with a blank stare on their face because they have no idea what you are talking about.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 11:42 AM

2014-10-10T11:42:14-04:00

I have been known to use "send your traffic", "wait one", and "say again your last" when speaking on the phone.
I do say "clear on the right" when riding shotgun, and for some reason my wife makes me drive now.
I sleep in the prone position as if I am still holding my rifle.
I can't sleep unless there is noise.
I eat very fast.
I check my surroundings constantly when out in public.
I have a nightly routine when locking up the house.
I have a flashlight and pistol at the ready while sleeping in-case I have to clear the house. (funny story to go with that, last night my dogs knocked down the gate to the mud room at 0245 because one needed to go outside, I was up and out of bed with pistol/light in hand on my way down the hall as my wife mumbled "what.." i just stated "stay in place" and proceeded to clear the house)

I'm sure my wife has a lot longer of a list when it comes to my "quirks" as she calls them, at least she understands being prior military herself.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 11:47 AM

2014-10-10T11:47:44-04:00

I say "Pop smoke" sometimes which always confuses my coworkers. I would always walk on the left hand side of someone I considered "senior" to me. I would always have the folks that worked for me eat first if we had some kind of party etc.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Oct 10 at 2014 11:53 AM

2014-10-10T11:53:03-04:00

Breakfast. It's not a strange behavior, but I never ate breakfast before enlisting in the Army. I might have a slice of toast with peanut butter as I ran out the door and eat something more substantial at break time. However, once I joined the Army I discovered that breakfast might be the only good, sit-down, hot meal that I would get all day. Now it's my favorite meal of the day and I prefer breakfast food, including SOS, above all other.

We won't talk about the language, will we? I've had to modify that behavior ever since my first grandchildren were born...

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 12:03 PM

2014-10-10T12:03:56-04:00

- Always try to have my back to a wall. If not possible, at least do not have it towards a door or a window.

- Know your exits.

- "Say again", "Tracking", "Roger", "No Go", "Ate up"

- I walk quickly.

- I'm uncomfortable wearing a hat indoors, and pay attention to my gig line (and notice it on others).

- I use the 24-hr clock wherever possible. I've even set our computer to show it. Drives my wife crazy...

Response by Sgt Francis Govers made Oct 10 at 2014 12:55 PM

2014-10-10T12:55:36-04:00

Checking my "gig line" to see if my belt is straight with my pants, taking my hat off when going through a door.

Response by SSG Christopher K. made Oct 10 at 2014 1:07 PM

2014-10-10T13:07:31-04:00

Im pretty much right there with you Sondrol. Acronyms, use of phonetic alphabet, say hooah, use a 24 hr clock, people look at me like I have a dick on my forehead when I say 1430. and the on time thing, I hate being late, I hate it more when others are late.
Some things just never leave you.

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 1:35 PM

2014-10-10T13:35:30-04:00

I find that while trying to blend in with civilian crowds my hands will physically rebel against any attempts to keep them in my pockets, I stop walking whenever I answer my phone, and I sometimes catch myself humming "Retreat" when it gets close to 1700.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 2:05 PM

2014-10-10T14:05:30-04:00

Coining phrases and interjecting them in coversation involuntarily. Phrases like, "Fuckin' um," and "Dude, fuckin."

Response by Cpl Rob Bibber made Oct 10 at 2014 2:36 PM

2014-10-10T14:36:58-04:00

I ALWAYS carry something to drink with me. As a northern boy when I got stationed at Camp Lejeune I was NOT used to the summer heat and humidity in the southeast and my first week there I passed out from heat exhaustion in formation. After that and a few Combined Arms Exercises at 29 palms in the summer and I got in the habit of keeping some form of liquid with me at all times to stay hydrated.

Response by CPL Robert Wrobel made Oct 10 at 2014 3:09 PM

2014-10-10T15:09:26-04:00

Calling 'CLEAR' while driving with friends, shining shoes, 'Roger that', situational awareness (head on a swivel), stepping off with my left..

Response by SrA Robert Williams made Oct 10 at 2014 3:13 PM

2014-10-10T15:13:05-04:00

I still write the date 10 Oct 14 and have to stop and think about it if something asks for m/d/y.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 3:33 PM

2014-10-10T15:33:54-04:00

The metric system. I tend to use meters as opposed to yards which generally garners me some odd looks. I also eat far too fast and range walk wherever I'm going much to the chagrin of my family.

Response by SSG Michael Hathaway made Oct 10 at 2014 3:54 PM

2014-10-10T15:54:43-04:00

Similar to most other responses.

Speech - saying phrases like 'say again', 'tracking', etc. My friends and family outside the military, though some are former military, cannot stand when I say 'roger' in response to a request or demand.

Use of acronyms way too much.

Guarding - meaning when in a public area, I cannot stand my back to a window or exit, I need to have it against a wall. I need to be able to see an exit, or at least know of multiple exit routes. And crowds...dear lord I cannot enjoy things like I used to such as state fairs, renaissance festivals, etc.

Expectation of people has gone higher, even if they are civilians. I expect people to be 10 minutes prior, to not look or be jacked up, and to not give excuses that are irrelevant.

Response by SFC Gary Fox made Oct 10 at 2014 4:01 PM

2014-10-10T16:01:47-04:00

I remember while in Basic, we had to eat fast. Every since then I still do and I have no idea why I can't stop. I still get up at o'dark30.

Response by LTC David L Thomas II made Oct 10 at 2014 4:25 PM

2014-10-10T16:25:13-04:00

I say "ZERO" instead of "O" (Artillery Officer)
I say Check for yes
I use way to many acronyms - fubar, bohica, awol, sop, aar,
Ready to move my household goods with one-day notice
Show up early all the time
Say "No excuse" when I used to mess up at work (retired now)
Carry EVERYTHING in my left hand to keep the right hand free to salute - all the time
Keep my hair short - usually a little more than a flat top
Always keep car with a full tank of gas
Have an emergency kit ready to go
Kept all my Army "stuff" and it is in footlockers
Still know my hat size
Uniforms still ready to go in my closet
Can spot another military person immediately even in a large crowd
Show people how to figure out military time as they all come to me about it
Take charge of any situation
Know all the information they try to teach in Leadership Classes
Ready to do presentations on a few minutes notice
Recon areas that I have not been to before

There are probably many more that I do, just can't remember them...

Response by SGT Suraj Dave made Oct 10 at 2014 4:42 PM

2014-10-10T16:42:52-04:00

Got a bunch...

- Most of all, when I walk with people I tend to walk in step with them.
- The usage of words like "Butthurt" "Roger" "En Route" "Time Now", etc...
- Wear a tactical watch every day, and face it inwards (Used to do this so i could see the time while holding my weapon on patrol)
- I eat really fast
- Sometimes, i wake up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom and actually look around for my weapon for a second before I laugh at myself and realize I am in America.
- I cant stand hair touching my ears
- I dont put my hands in my pockets
- I still have random white socks floating around my sock drawer with my last name and and last 4 on them

Response by SGT Greg Gold made Oct 10 at 2014 7:22 PM

2014-10-10T19:22:28-04:00

I could write a book on how the military has salted my life. Other vets can spot it, but most civilians are clueless.

Response by Lt Col Michael Hills made Oct 10 at 2014 7:59 PM

2014-10-10T19:59:36-04:00

To this day, 30 years later, I do not sleep under the blankets.

Response by MSG Karl Arrington made Oct 10 at 2014 8:18 PM

2014-10-10T20:18:40-04:00

I see nothing wrong with any of it. My near thirty year old children know exactly what I'm saying and understand that I will give them time hacks using the 24 hr clock.

Response by SSG Stan Morrison Jr made Oct 10 at 2014 8:28 PM

2014-10-10T20:28:42-04:00

Not so much strange behavior, but my hair never gets long enough to require a comb. In winter I wear a #2 blade on the trimmer. In summer a #1. I don't go to a barber, my wife cuts my hair.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Oct 10 at 2014 9:01 PM

2014-10-10T21:01:29-04:00

SFC Russel Finley, a friend from long ago would always say: "US ARMY" as two words with three syllables. I still use them in his memory. The three syllable touch takes many people unawares.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 9:27 PM

2014-10-10T21:27:50-04:00

I have on many occasions taken of my hat when I walk into a building.

I use negative, roger, say again and copy all the time. I am sure there are others I just do not notice.

I stand with my hands clasp behind my back instead of in my pockets.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 10:50 PM

2014-10-10T22:50:08-04:00

1. When parking any of my vehicle I always find myself backing up in to the parking spot instead of pulling in like everyone around me.

2. I no longer am able to sit in a public place without my back being to the wall so I know that no one can come up behind me.

3. I always find myself "scanning" my surroundings when in public.

4. This one is because I spend several hours a day riding in a patrol car using the radar, but I find myself driving my POV home after shift and I try to radar someone coming towards me with the nonexistent remote.

5. I also can no longer look at license plates, without looking to see if the registration is current. This drives my wife crazy, because I feel the need to point it out to her.

6. When someone asks for my name, I still give them my last name and never my first.

7. I hate, hate, hate being late for anything. I have to be 15 minutes early.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2014 12:01 AM

2014-10-11T00:01:57-04:00

One thing I noticed, I cannot watch military themed movies without pissing off anyone watching with me. "Hold on, why is is National Defense ribbon above his Good Cookie?!"

Response by SSG Darren Downing made Oct 11 at 2014 12:24 AM

2014-10-11T00:24:22-04:00

I use the terms wilco, watch my 6, cover me, fubar, etc. All the time as well as still shave daily due to the grooming standards, as well as water conservation so quick basic training style showers. Sometimes still do the baby wipe shower occasionally and refer to going out as going into the field.

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Oct 11 at 2014 7:08 AM

2014-10-11T07:08:38-04:00

I lost interest in food and cooking. I used to love cooking a good dish and enjoying it. Now after 5 years of barely edible crap from the chow hall, I'm fine with beans and weenies. I rarely cook anymore. Dinner is almost always eaten in front of the tv or on the run. I had considered going to chefs school but after 5 weeks of mess duty I cant stand big kitchens

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2014 10:07 AM

2014-10-11T10:07:45-04:00

I still to this day put all my shoes lined at the foot of my bed all nice and nea. This drives my wife crazy because I have a closet!!!

Response by SFC Andrew Reed made Oct 11 at 2014 11:34 AM

2014-10-11T11:34:17-04:00

I have to agree with Erin, I still do those things even after being retired for 7 years. I also continue to call breakfast, lunch, and dinner, "chow" and the kitchen the "chow hall." I have also asked my son to check the muffler bearings on the car, they seem to be rattling!

Response by CPL Tim Schar made Oct 11 at 2014 12:09 PM

2014-10-11T12:09:46-04:00

I still take the 60 second shower and roll my clothing that I do not hang up. I also end my phone calls with "Out" instead of Good bye.

Response by SSG Lisa Rendina made Oct 11 at 2014 3:09 PM

2014-10-11T15:09:40-04:00

I still use military time, arrive early, roll my socks and my underwear. I still turn around if I hear the word Sergeant....I use the phonetic alphabet and it annoys me to hear anything else when someone is spelling something out. I am thoroughly enjoying, however, painting my nails whatever color I like!

Response by SSgt Tim Meuret made Oct 11 at 2014 3:30 PM

2014-10-11T15:30:24-04:00

I eat fast, have grown a beard, hold people to a high standard and constantly hum "off into the wild blue yonder."

It drives me crazy when I fly that I can't hear the pilot chatter and air traffic control.

I recognize military bearing from a mile away and say thank you for your service (Marines can be spotted from 5 miles out!).

Listening to the national anthem makes me emotional as well as anytime I see the flag draped coffins or hear taps.

I cherish my service, my country and all the good things we stand for.

Response by PO2 Patrick Dwyer made Oct 11 at 2014 4:35 PM

2014-10-11T16:35:21-04:00

From Navy service and then later shift work as Fed employee I tend to catch the sunsets more than others. Sunrises we're a daily thing for me but not as much now that I am retired...But catch the sunsets often.

Response by LTC Hillary Luton made Oct 11 at 2014 5:29 PM

2014-10-11T17:29:40-04:00

I say "Hooah" way too much. And "Roger that". Its just too easy.

I feel naked when I go outside without a hat on.

My preferred time to workout is at 0500. Oh, and I find myself telling the time to others in military time.

I don't say it, but I usually think it: if someone is annoying me or just being an a**, I really want to say "AT EASE!" I might actually say it to my dogs, who just look at me like I have a horn growing out of my head.

Response by PO1 Timothy Miller made Oct 11 at 2014 5:32 PM

2014-10-11T17:32:23-04:00

I still carry things in my left hand and then catch myself and wonder "who am I going to salute?" I also still turn on the shower, wet myself down, turn off the shower, wash myself, then turn the shower back on to rinse off. I also still check my "gig line" making sure that the seam on my shirt is in line with my belt and the seam on zipper. I still shave everyday and keep my haircut near military standards and even though I really don't need to anymore, I still wake up before dawn although sometimes I will go back to sleep now if there's nothing pressing for me to do. That's about it. There's probably more but I will leave it at that for now.

Response by CW3 Sandra Aultman made Oct 11 at 2014 5:42 PM

2014-10-11T17:42:45-04:00

When driving in congested traffic I will blurt out, "Gentleman, watch your lanes."

Response by SGT Aja Johnson made Oct 12 at 2014 1:18 AM

2014-10-12T01:18:53-04:00

I am definitely guilty of using "Say again?" instead of "What did you say?" Also, use trackin' and too easy.

My biggest one I think though, is how much of a foul mouth I am!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2014 1:10 PM

2014-10-12T13:10:51-04:00

walking around with my fists almost clenched as if I'm marching

Response by 1LT William Clardy made Oct 12 at 2014 1:18 PM

2014-10-12T13:18:48-04:00

Does a little habit of keeping a keeping today's change of clothes by the bed and ready for quick donning during the night count?

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2014 2:01 PM

2014-10-12T14:01:42-04:00

To this day, I STILL roll my t-shirts and tank tops in my dresser drawers.
I cuss way too much...I say FUBAR and Cluster f&%k a lot.
When spelling something for someone I use the phonetic spelling; Alpha, Bravo, Charlie...
Insanely, almost OCD early, to meetings and work. I'm always at least 20 mins early.
When doing push-ups in kickboxing class I resist the urge to say 1 Sgt, 2 Sgt, 3 Sgt...
Unless I'm tired or sick, I can't for the life of me sleep in.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2014 4:27 PM

2014-10-12T16:27:49-04:00

I still point to things with all four fingers with thumb tucked in...... which provides much amusement of my friends.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2014 7:03 PM

2014-10-12T19:03:45-04:00

Swearing. I used to be uncomfortable swearing at all, even through college. Then I joined the Air Force...now I swear pretty much constantly.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2014 11:08 PM

2014-10-12T23:08:12-04:00

Its been 21 years since I ETS'd, and so I figure if I haven't dropped these habits by now, I probably never will.

1. If possible, I always make sure I'm seated in a restaurant with my back to a wall.

2. Usually that is not possible. In which case I am in constant scan mode in 360 degrees.

3. I never enter an unfamiliar place without noticing every exit and window.

4. I can't walk in a parking lot or down the street without noticing every shadow, alley, and possible hiding place. My head is on a permanent swivel.

5. I catalog people by defining characteristics. Hair color, clothing, height, weight, anything unusual. I'm always in, "If I need to be an eye-witness" mode.

6. I constantly assess possible worst case scenarios and mentally develop a "what I will do, if..." plan.

7. On the phone, if asked to repeat a misheard word, I will reply with, "I Spell..." and then use the phonetic alphabet. (OK, this one is even a bit weird to me, but I can't help myself.)

8. When outside my home, I'm in constant threat analysis mode. I scan crowds. I look at faces. I make judgments of intent based on body language and facial expressions.

9. I'm always ready to defend myself and whomever else I am with.

10. ALL of this happens internally and instantaneously. In 21 years, no one has ever said to me that I was acting strangely or seemed detached or inattentive.

Once a soldier, always a soldier.

Response by LCDR Doug Nordman made Oct 12 at 2014 11:29 PM

2014-10-12T23:29:31-04:00

You submariners will understand my inability to use any word that's forbidden by the Submarine Interior Communications Manual... even though it's been over 20 years since my last sea duty.

To this day I automatically say "shut" instead of "close" and "raise" or "lower" instead of "increase" or "decrease", even when the unauthorized word might be better.

My family also knows that I'll verbally acknowledge everything they say to me-- and if I don't acknowledge then I never heard it.

Response by PO1 Rick Serviss made Oct 13 at 2014 5:18 AM

2014-10-13T05:18:53-04:00

I automatically wake up before reveille.

Response by 1SG William Svoboda made Oct 13 at 2014 9:32 AM

2014-10-13T09:32:41-04:00

Funny thing is that even after retiring in 1995, I still say check or hold!

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2014 12:48 PM

2014-10-13T12:48:34-04:00

I eat extremely fast unless I think about each bite.

Back to wall, seeing door ways, watch peoples hands, gait and other things. When they pass or I am doing something else try to recall what clothes and colors they were just to practice the ability to recall that stuff.

Dipping.

From being a PFC to now, I now think for a split second before I say something. I used to have a really smart mouth when I was a lot younger.

Response by MSgt Charles Teeters made Oct 13 at 2014 1:09 PM

2014-10-13T13:09:24-04:00

I still, after so many years retired, want to shout at any person walking on grass, especially on any base.

Response by LTC Charles Sherman made Oct 13 at 2014 2:04 PM

2014-10-13T14:04:07-04:00

I can no longer "sleep in". I don't get up quite as early as on duty days, but I still am up and moving by 0630 most mornings. No alarm needed, and I can't go back to sleep if I try to sleep in.

I still do the co-driver thing when I'm riding with someone, too.

"Roger" and "Say again?" 'nuf said.

And I try to make a plan for everything. My wife hates it. She will just launch out on a errand without thinking about timing, what other errands are on the way, etc. I need to know where I'm going and my objectives!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2014 2:30 PM

2014-10-13T14:30:16-04:00

Hooah is my typical response to almsot everything.
I hate being late to anywhere.
When sitting next to someone and eating, I eat only using my right hand and keep my left arm down by my side so i don't bump the arm of the person next to me. Now I do this sometimes even when no one is next to me.

Response by MAJ Karen Wall made Oct 13 at 2014 3:07 PM

2014-10-13T15:07:50-04:00

I still call cars "vehicles", time to leave for an event is still SP "start point", etc.

Response by 1SG Frank Boynton made Oct 13 at 2014 3:55 PM

2014-10-13T15:55:10-04:00

I definately eat too fast. I'm done 20 minutes before everyone else. I wake up, shower, shave and the other "S" and brush my teeth, and am out the door on my way to work in less than 20 minutes. Still 22 years later, my wife takes about 1 1/2 hours to get ready to go somewhere, and I tell her to wake me up 15 minutes before we're suppose to leave. I always have the cloths I'm going to wear the next day ready and hanging in the bathroom.

Response by SGT David Walch made Oct 13 at 2014 4:07 PM

2014-10-13T16:07:35-04:00

I eat like a pig but I don't know if it's attributable to my service growing up in a financially challenged, single-parent home, hahaha.

There is on behavior however that I can pin on the military.

When I went through Basic/AIT at Benning I had a drill sergeant that would repeatedly call us "freaks". In an odd, infantryman sort of way the behavior was admired by us recruits. My kids were small then. When I came back home I adopted the practice and began calling my kids "freaks". Today they're young adults with their own lives. I still call them freaks. They consider it a term of endearment, the same way we took it as recruits. It doesn't really stop there though...

I call a whole lot of people freaks. Funny the things we pass on to others.

That's one of I don't know how many other obvious behaviors my service has gifted me.

Response by PO3 Julie Hart made Oct 13 at 2014 4:31 PM

2014-10-13T16:31:24-04:00

I use G2G still.

Response by CPO Michael Callegri made Oct 13 at 2014 7:56 PM

2014-10-13T19:56:11-04:00

Well, I have recently changed, but up until about a year ago I would only wear black pants to work. No matter the color shirt I pick out I would wear black pants. I am now finally getting comfortable wearing pants of different colors, although I still lean towards dark colors. I also almost always wear my retired Navy cap.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2014 8:47 AM

2014-10-14T08:47:41-04:00

Only able to turn while walking in 90 degree increments

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2014 11:06 AM

2014-10-14T11:06:17-04:00

My family tells me that I no longer walk, but march everywhere.
All the people that I interact with are named Sir or Ma'am.
All of my things have a place and my places all have things.
Constantly scanning and deciding the best way to penetrate or egress and area.

Response by SSG Peter Ludlum made Oct 14 at 2014 2:32 PM

2014-10-14T14:32:41-04:00

Been retired 2 years now and still do

Response by SMSgt John Rigdon made Oct 14 at 2014 2:54 PM

2014-10-14T14:54:14-04:00

I have been out for over 25 years and I still get irritated when I show up for a meeting 15 minutes (like you are supposed too!) early only to have people walk in 10 - 15 late. I am still uncomfortable going outside without a cover. I still use sir and Ma'am to strangers regardless of age. I still use a 24 hour clock.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2014 5:11 PM

2014-10-14T17:11:20-04:00

I'm always 30 minutes early for everything

Response by PO1 Roger Stroklund made Oct 14 at 2014 8:42 PM

2014-10-14T20:42:56-04:00

I was a CM in the Seabees, and my wife still feels the need to clarify that I'm talking about a "semi-truck" when I talk about tractor/trailers in front of other people.

The most eye-opening moment was when I was two days back from Afghanistan. My wife and I were at Target, and she asked me if I wanted roast turkey or roast beef for cold cuts. I couldn't answer her because there was a little old lady looking at orange juice, and I lost track of her. For some reason, the exact location and intent of a little old lady in the dairy section of Target was something I needed to know quick, fast, and in a gawdamn hurry.

Response by PO2 Rocky Kleeger made Oct 14 at 2014 9:12 PM

2014-10-14T21:12:36-04:00

Black ink only, two minute showers, I only sleep in one spot, I eat REAL fast, every week I field day the entire house, I sign every email with "V/R"

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2014 9:27 PM

2014-10-14T21:27:26-04:00

Must be where ever 15 min prior to the scheduled time.

Must remove cover in doors.

I always use "say again".

I say "clear right" when I am a passenger in a vehicle.

When asked to spell my name I always do it phonetically.

I will not use 12 hour time.

Response by PO1 Brian Czarnik made Oct 14 at 2014 10:47 PM

2014-10-14T22:47:31-04:00

Working hourly and overtime is a NO NO, Almost got fired for trying to finish before going home. I had a boss that would turn all the lights off at 5

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2014 10:05 AM

2014-10-15T10:05:39-04:00

Being super early for everything, and getting stressed if we're not.

Response by LCDR Buddy Knight made Oct 15 at 2014 10:39 AM

2014-10-15T10:39:31-04:00

Let's see, what is still a habit 19 years after retirement....

1) Yeah, I'm on time, military style (10-30 minutes early, as appropriate). Drives my wife, also retired, nuts, but she's learned to accept it.

2) Bathrooms are still "the head". Trips to are "head calls". (Note: All head calls are collect!)

3) Still get a tuck in my dress shirts. (Stopped with the polo shirts about 10 years ago...)

4) Sir and Ma'am are still used, but that might be my Southern upbringing instead of military use.

5) Still using: "Roger that!" "Check Six" "Better than haze grey and underway!" "We launch at __(insert mil time here)___" "BOHICA!" Use of the terms NUKE, NUKED, NUKE'EM. "My wife did an alpha stirke on the mall" "That was a cluster-{whups, civilians, can't say it here!}!" "You're not cleared for that!" "Wilco"

6) Still suspect men with hair parted down the middle of being druggies!

7) Recently told my son (a Marine) to set up an allotment. He looked at me funny.... :-)

8) Still check my "gig line".

9) Still fold clothes "The Navy Way".

10) I may not remember a name, but I WILL remember a rank or callsign!

Response by COL Timothy S. made Oct 15 at 2014 11:16 AM

2014-10-15T11:16:50-04:00

Automatically do the "TC" thing for my wife when she's driving ("Clear on the right").
Checking 5 and 15 before I exit a vehicle in a parking lot.
Making "on the spot corrections" to the clothes people wear to church.
I feel compelled to stand at full attention during the National Anthem at HS football games.
Can't drink coffee anyway but black, now.

Response by A1C Thomas Leary made Oct 15 at 2014 1:16 PM

2014-10-15T13:16:43-04:00

Still fold my underwear into a 6" square, fold my socks instead of rolling them up together, take off my hat as I am entering a building, shower in under 2 minutes, and just about panic if I'm only 10 minutes early for anything, instead if 15 or 20.

Response by GySgt Terrence Fry made Oct 15 at 2014 1:39 PM

2014-10-15T13:39:43-04:00

HELL, there are so many, but the two I find a lot of my coworkers have problems adhering to is attention to detail and a sense of urgency in getting work done. I've always worked hard and played hard. Focus on the work and you have more time to socialize after... if you want.

Response by GySgt Terrence Fry made Oct 15 at 2014 1:53 PM

2014-10-15T13:53:44-04:00

I'm always checking and adjusting my "gig line" in the mirror, ensuring my trousers, belt, and button down shirts are aligned. Can't shake it.

Response by CPT Adam Ragsdale made Oct 15 at 2014 2:12 PM

2014-10-15T14:12:53-04:00

- I always put my wife on my left side when walking
-I eat WAY too fast
-I have my watch on 24 hour time and write dates as day, month , then year (like the rest of the planet except the US)
-When I am around a fellow vet in a crowd of non-vets, we instantly go all acronym until someone asks wtf we are talking about.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2014 2:45 PM

2014-10-15T14:45:14-04:00

I'm on time

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2014 3:10 PM

2014-10-15T15:10:59-04:00

When I return home from my shore duty job, I find myself conducting a turnover with my wife on the events of the day, as if I am taking the watch from her. It drives her crazy and she often feels like I am second guessing her when I am really just getting a timeline of what went down on her "watch".

I also have a habit of on spot corrections like someone else pointed out. The submarine term I would apply is "forceful watch team backup". This also drives my wife crazy. :)

Response by SGT Michael Glenn made Oct 15 at 2014 3:18 PM

2014-10-15T15:18:09-04:00

For the longest time I would dress right dress all my clothes to include canoeing my socks.

Response by SSG(P) Brian Kliesen made Oct 15 at 2014 3:32 PM

2014-10-15T15:32:30-04:00

I am no longer surprised when paperwork/bureaucracy takes twice as long as it needs too or is completed incorrectly. I plan ahead and keep copies of all my records and lug them around so I can make on the spot corrections and then ask for copies of everything. I even wonder if I know someone that may work there from my past who could 'pull a few strings' to help me out.

Response by MSG Reid Stone made Oct 15 at 2014 7:08 PM

2014-10-15T19:08:37-04:00

Good question!! Am forever being told by my wife to slow down when eating. Another idiosyncracy is walking down a hallway I almost always walk "the wall" on the right! This also came from BCT (1974, Fort Ord) in the old WWII wooden barracks when the floors shined like a mirror from the paste wax and we were not allowed to walk down the middle!

Response by CW3 Chuck Huddleston made Oct 16 at 2014 8:56 AM

2014-10-16T08:56:38-04:00

I still use the 24 hour time as well as the NATO phonetic alphabet sporadically. I also tell people who turn right instead of left... "No, not right, turn to your left.. your ARMY left"!

Response by SSG Ralph Innes made Oct 16 at 2014 11:45 AM

2014-10-16T11:45:21-04:00

I would assume the strangest would be that I number my socks. During field exercises, there would be times when we didn't have toilet paper. Therefore, we would either cut off the top of our socks or the bottoms of our t-shirts. Since I didn't like my socks being of different lengths, i.e. one cut off sock and one that was of standard length, I would number them so the pair would be the same length. 17 years later, I still number my socks with a sharpie.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2014 4:57 PM

2014-10-16T16:57:08-04:00

I still jump everytime I hear a car door slam in the parking lot.

Response by Col Doug Strand made Oct 16 at 2014 5:24 PM

2014-10-16T17:24:14-04:00

It feels odd to carry anything in my right (salute) hand or wear hats inside.

Response by Cpl Wayne Higgins made Oct 17 at 2014 11:52 AM

2014-10-17T11:52:12-04:00

I have a habit of putting ketchup on mashed potatoes and green beans.

Response by SGT Aaron Barbee made Oct 17 at 2014 5:46 PM

2014-10-17T17:46:15-04:00

Until I saw this thread I honestly never even thought about it. A good majority of the people I choose to interact with (including a good percentage of my customers) throughout the day are veterans as well, so it doesn't really stick out that much without really taking a step back to look. One thing I definitely notice is the small phrases: "say again", "high speed", "roger", instead of "what" when being called (by a superior) I say "yes", "yeah", or "what can I do for you". The way you stand, shoulders back; sometimes for those of us that have deployed: wondering where your weapon is. I can't tell you how many times in an area with lots of people I've unconsciously checked for the presence of my weapon (not my concealed carry, my rifle).

Response by PFC Zanie Young made Oct 17 at 2014 6:20 PM

2014-10-17T18:20:58-04:00

Hmmmm... I have a few... I still get up at 0 dark hundred in the morning, I still wolf down my chow, still say "Say again" when I miss something, and sometimes still say "WILCO"...

Response by SGT David Seddon made Oct 17 at 2014 6:52 PM

2014-10-17T18:52:47-04:00

I alway's try to be 10 minutes early.
When i wake up I'm up doesnt Matter if i slept 8 hours or 45 minutes.
I can sleep ANYWHERE
yes sir/ m'am
the lis t goes on

Response by MSG Sean Francis made Oct 17 at 2014 7:10 PM

2014-10-17T19:10:15-04:00

I always say "Where's the latrine?" instead of bathroom when in public which confuses many civilians. Also I always use military time and the phonetic alphabet which even my wife dislikes. Oh well.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2014 7:19 PM

2014-10-17T19:19:53-04:00

Eating fast. The majority of the time I finish eating before anybody i'm with.

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Oct 18 at 2014 2:34 PM

2014-10-18T14:34:41-04:00

My digital watches and clocks, as well as my computer are all on 24 hour time. I tried 12 hour clocks and had to look outside to know if it was day or night. Still not sure what AM or PM mean. And I retired 18 years ago (damn - just realized that!).

I have finally stopped some of my CPO language, but FUBAR and SNAFU are still there.

Say all before ...

I hate being on time and want to be early to everything (my wife thinks 10 min late is normal and that drives me bat crap crazy).

Response by SPC(P) Thomas Beliveau made Oct 18 at 2014 9:37 PM

2014-10-18T21:37:37-04:00

When out and about with my civilian friends or family, I make an effort to put away all of my military idiosyncrasies. It makes people uncomfortable and makes me look like someone who can't exist in society. It's nice to just be a normal person sometimes.

Response by SPC Honey Rowold made Oct 20 at 2014 12:22 AM

2014-10-20T00:22:05-04:00

Because of the Army, I think that I am one of the few women that can take a 3 minute shower and do my hair neatly in 2 minutes.

Response by LTC Stewart Stephenson made Oct 20 at 2014 10:43 PM

2014-10-20T22:43:07-04:00

Mine could best be described with instructions my wife gave me before dining with some friends a few years back. She stopped me in the Outback Steakhouse parking lot and said "Honey, before we go in, there are some ground rules...

1) This is not a race
2) Nobody is going to shoot at you during dinner
3) The 5-second rule does not apply here
4) You will NOT eat with anything that comes out of your pockets."

Also, I am OCD about uniformity: Pictures MUST be level and evenly spaced. We lived in a 1920's house at one point and the ceilings were not even, therefore the picture was either level or aligned parallel with the ceiling **Not both!** It drove me crazy for two years!!!

Response by MSgt Charles Teeters made Oct 21 at 2014 3:54 PM

2014-10-21T15:54:44-04:00

Haven't seen this one yet.

Who, on earth, decided to allow "backpacks" while in uniform?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2014 8:45 PM

2014-10-21T20:45:22-04:00

A couple of things:
#1. I still inhale my food.
#2. I still feel awkward walking on the grass as though some CSM is going chew me out.

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made Oct 22 at 2014 4:39 PM

2014-10-22T16:39:15-04:00

Eating very quickly (which was also reinforced by my time as a Science teacher), using 24-hour time (reinforced by my current employment as a Security officer), and the proper use, maintenance, and possession of weapons (reinforced by by hobby as a hunter and my affinity for the 2nd Amendment).

Now, I have always had a low tolerance for baloney, but the Army made it a permanent condition. Apparently it's a med DQ at MEPS now? ;)

Response by Capt Andrew Cosgrove made Oct 25 at 2014 8:43 PM

2014-10-25T20:43:12-04:00

As noted by many, I still use the verbal crutches that have been listed. The interesting things that I have noticed is that to this day when my Wife and I walk anywhere she is on my left, we go into restaurants and my family understands that I sit facing the door, I still wake up between 0430 and 0500 everyday, nowadays I just roll over and go back to sleep but my eyes still go "SNAP" at that time.

The one thing I have not been able to get rid of completely has been the racing heart beat when someone tries not to wake me up when they enter a room. If I get woken up unintentionally I am physically motionless but my heart is racing and I am hyper alert.

Shake my foot to wake me and I come awake very normally, pleasantly no problems.

It has never been a violent thing where I wake up attacking people, it is just a few seconds of hyper alertness while almost being paralyzed, checking out the environment and insuring it is all clear. You'd swear I was still asleep just looking at me but I am completely aware, alert, and ready to go.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2014 12:22 AM

2014-10-26T00:22:30-04:00

I am usually done eating before my family has even really started at chow...I still say chow sometimes. Roger that, Say Again, and Stand by, are frequently used in my vocabulary. I use the phonetic alphabet on the phone daily and sometimes confuse my boss with the occasional "Aye aye" when he tells me to get something done. Pretty much like everybody else I guess.

Response by SSG Christopher Parrish made Dec 18 at 2014 4:13 PM

2014-12-18T16:13:47-05:00

As I sit here in my office, waiting on the 3rd meeting today where the other person is late (this time because of our boss) I was reminded of this thread and how we tend to think of punctuality as a sign of respect.

I am reminded of this daily trying to get a meeting with my Boss and most of the time I have to hunt him down or call him to remind him we have a meeting.

My military service has taught me to be respectful and early to appointments, to be judicious in my responses, and to be resourceful in moving on.

Response by MAJ Karen Wall made Dec 21 at 2014 10:04 PM

2014-12-21T22:04:46-05:00

I think I did this one before, but what the heck....
I can actually feel myself becoming physically agitated when someone is late, especially when they are late without notice. Of course, the lingo is all still there, which is why I'm glad i work at the VA where I can still use it.

Response by PO1 Tracy Dreyer made Dec 22 at 2014 12:02 PM

2014-12-22T12:02:14-05:00

Its a head, not a bathroom. The toilet paper has to roll off from the top. "roger that" , prefer military time, sir and ma'am... and more I "m sure....

Response by SPC Nicholas Anderson made Dec 22 at 2014 12:49 PM

2014-12-22T12:49:22-05:00

I share a few of these habits some others listed but one I tend to still do most frequently, off my head, is holding things in my left hand while walking around due to me having the right free for officers or hand shakes, etc.

Response by SrA Andrea West made Dec 22 at 2014 2:10 PM

2014-12-22T14:10:21-05:00

I eat too fast and I still tri-fold towels and other things!

Response by SSG Christopher Parrish made Dec 22 at 2014 3:23 PM

2014-12-22T15:23:23-05:00

On the flip side, I think some of these idiosyncrasies we hold dear point a big spotlight on how most Americans live their lives.

I hate malls, too many people, too many corridors and obstacles, but more because there are too many robotic sheep. I personally can't just wander around. I absolutely don't see how Americans in general can just go somewhere and stroll, then veer into my path of walking and have no clue they are no longer going straight. I admit I can get wrapped up in my own thought, but I am still cognizant of my surroundings.

Response by SPC Kendall Metcalf made Dec 30 at 2014 2:24 PM

2014-12-30T14:24:00-05:00

I find my self doing 5 and 25's. Having my wrist watch in CQC PLACEMENT. Saying " Roger" " Tracking" "Say again". Using military time. Pace counting when out and about. Watching people's hand in public places. I won't drive next too guard rails or divider walls. In business metteings I give my talking points as if it was a mission briffing. So many more to list.

Response by SPC Leisel Luman made Jan 3 at 2015 2:44 PM

2015-01-03T14:44:20-05:00

SPC David Stephenson I got cought in the shower while finishing a beer, brushing my teeth, with my hat still on. What??? I was in a hurry.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2015 3:37 PM

2015-01-03T15:37:11-05:00

I've been out the Navy for nearly 13 years, but I'm always acutely aware of when the AC/Heater shuts off. Onboard a Submarine, securing ventilation is the first step when a fire (or fire drill) is reported. I've woken up from a dead sleep when the fans shut off due to this conditioning. My fiancee finds it very annoying, lol...

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 13 at 2015 5:27 PM

2015-05-13T17:27:56-04:00

When planning I look at the close fight, then the deep fight.

Response by SFC Matthew Parker made Jun 7 at 2015 9:52 PM

2015-06-07T21:52:56-04:00

Everything is still dress right dress, laces left over right, and being late to LD is still unsat.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2016 4:16 PM

2016-04-30T16:16:49-04:00

Wear and tuck in a T-shirt under another shirt

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2016 4:50 PM

2016-04-30T16:50:41-04:00

I tend to sit in a place that lets me view the entire room that I'm in. If I can't get a seat like this I'm constantly scanning the room. Not to mention backwards planning everything. Ha!

Response by LCpl Jesse De Hoyos Jr made Apr 30 at 2016 5:30 PM

2016-04-30T17:30:26-04:00

I work Customer Service so when I have to spell out my name for my email address, I always use phonetic alphabet, then everyone in my group looks at me and is like, what was that? One guy who use to be in the Air Force said it sounded like I was calling in an airstrike the way I was speaking. Well, I was a Comm guy...so...

Response by SSgt K Maguire made Apr 30 at 2016 5:35 PM

2016-04-30T17:35:36-04:00

"Rog", brushing teeth in the shower, I "wait" like a champ, acronyms, SA always, bowing up in spades (if I do), bullet statements, short answers, date writting, sayings, adaptability, no tolerance for whining.....etc.

Response by SP6 Marsh Wilson made Apr 30 at 2016 5:46 PM

2016-04-30T17:46:11-04:00

Insuring I'm always on time no matter what...

Response by CPO james A. Redd Jr made Apr 30 at 2016 6:28 PM

2016-04-30T18:28:48-04:00

If I'm awakened to abruptly I swing and go for "My Weapon". But my wife and kids say I'm not as bad as I used to be. I'm told I would jump out and start swing at anything within arms distance.....

Response by SPC Marcus DeMatos made Apr 30 at 2016 6:43 PM

2016-04-30T18:43:14-04:00

Reading over some of the listed, I've got a bunch of quirks still in me... but I haven't seen anyone mention being able to be instantly awake when you hear an unfamiliar sound or a stress trigger like a voice in the dark. I guess the Doc in me is still standing watch...

Response by Sgt William Biggs made Apr 30 at 2016 7:42 PM

2016-04-30T19:42:54-04:00

I have a bad habit of sleeping in sleeping bags, packing a day bag for trips vs a suitcase, and you will likely find me with at least one poncho liner.

Response by PO2 Seth Carron made Apr 30 at 2016 8:57 PM

2016-04-30T20:57:10-04:00

I still use military time, write in all caps, "say again" when I dont hear something right. When I'm talking on a radio I still use brevity words, anytime I spell something I use the phonetic alphabet, carry stuff in my left hand, took forever to get out of the habit of using military date format, who knows what else

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Apr 30 at 2016 9:56 PM

2016-04-30T21:56:07-04:00

This thread was posted over a year ago but had to read through it and recognize just about every single one of those behaviors mentioned. Glad to see so many folks out there who did and still do something I can relate to. Have found when I stand up to walk somewhere I still always step off with my left foot and lace shoes left over right. Have gotten out of the habit of using swear words as punctuation thanks to the influence of wife, kids, and grandkids over the years.

Response by SPC Brian Mason made Apr 30 at 2016 10:19 PM

2016-04-30T22:19:07-04:00

I take the military shower and I rarely sit down when I have my meals. I'll randomly use my entire hand, fingers extended to point at something.

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made May 1 at 2016 12:22 AM

2016-05-01T00:22:49-04:00

I would always step off with my left foot. Always put my left shoe on first. Tie my laces left over right.

Response by PFC Jason Jackson made May 1 at 2016 2:33 AM

2016-05-01T02:33:27-04:00

I still eat like I'm in basic with a DS standing over me, at every meal.
I still use military dates instead of civilian.
I use 24 hour clock
I still stand at parade rest when talking to my boss in his office.

Response by SSG Kyle Johnson made May 1 at 2016 8:32 AM

2016-05-01T08:32:41-04:00

So many things:

Walking way to fast and have to be reminded to slow down.
Saying Roger, Squared away, Say again, Lima Charlie, refer to tasks or assignments as missions ext...
Eating to fast and always looking at everything and establishing a plan of action if it were to go bad.
When evaluating an employee sometimes ill find myself telling them that thats a no go or something like that.

Mostly though I find myself telling employees to do pushups when they mess up before catching that that is not allowed at my work place though the effort would be more effective than normal business discipline standards.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2016 9:06 AM

2016-05-01T09:06:24-04:00

When our boss walks into the conference room, I have urge to "call the room" and it irks me that people just walk into my office and interrupt. I about locked up a 60 yr old woman for it.

Response by Cpl Jim Bishop made May 1 at 2016 10:59 AM

2016-05-01T10:59:52-04:00

Every where i go i need to sit with my back to a wall so i can scope out those entering or leaving. You never know.

Response by SPC Nick Osborne made May 1 at 2016 5:49 PM

2016-05-01T17:49:39-04:00

Knifehands. Knifehands EVERYWHERE. Civilians don't know how to react.

Date formats, time formats, Use of "Roger", being 15 minutes early to EVERYTHING. Many, MANY other things.

Response by SSG John Jensen made May 1 at 2016 5:55 PM

2016-05-01T17:55:23-04:00

"An Umbrella?!?!" "That's why the Army invented hats", "or are you some kind of Atheist that doesn't believe in the Army?"
most fun at officers in the Nat'l Guard

local brew-pub watching the game with my cap on the bar, some guy asked me if my hat made my head hot?? WTF?? questions back and forth, what he was asking was why I took off my hat indoors.
said I hoped his mother slapped him when he wore his hat indoors, he said no, dad did, and I said and you didn't learn anything did you? and he replied with 'learn what?"

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2016 1:27 AM

2016-05-02T01:27:52-04:00

I tend to stand really close to the person in front of me in line at the store...

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2016 3:48 PM

2016-05-02T15:48:41-04:00

i still fold my clothes as i did in boot

Response by SGT Clayton Ward made May 3 at 2016 6:50 PM

2016-05-03T18:50:18-04:00

I still poop in a barrel and burn it.

Response by CPO james A. Redd Jr made May 5 at 2016 2:02 PM

2016-05-05T14:02:27-04:00

Military time. I get in trouble with that a lot. Sir, or Ma'am to anybody I don't know or at least very well. And of cource the worst one is one helluva dirty mind and off color jokes! ;)

Response by CPO Michael Callegri made May 12 at 2016 3:53 PM

2016-05-12T15:53:04-04:00

I still fold my clothes the way I was taught in Boot Camp. I still use military time and have started teaching my great niece, so she can figure the time out when she ask me. Love using the phonetic alphabet when I don't want people to know what I'm actually thinking. There was a movie recently that used phonetic alphabet in it's title and I told everyone it didn't meant what they said.