What constitutes being "old school" in the military?

It is funny how things change and some don’t. I used ALICE gear and was transported in a cattle cart in 2005. We spit shined boots and starched BDUs (even though 670-1 said not to do either). I think the military was at a stand still in progression for a good 20 years. It has truly gotten better. I could go in detail but there is no point. I have been both a 37F and 42A in the Army (all the way up to E7). So I have done both field and staff work. I was also an Air Force Civilian.

I will say that defining where "Old School" began can't be decided.
Training in the military has evolved over time from making soldiers mindsets to where they could kill an enemy without batting an eye. Then, training goes to coddling soldiers because one may have died due to overexertion or an issue not found in their medical exam. My training was brutal, in your face training and by the end of my training, I have no doubt I would have no issues with killing the enemy and I hated the Commander, his exec and my platoon sergeant. That changed when the Tet Offensive started in Viet Nam and found that training prepared me for what was taking place. I was lucky to be in camp and not out in the field when they struck but I know after it was all over, they recovered 231 dead enemy in the rice paddies out in front of us and they were known for retrieving as many of their dead soldiers to deceive the actual count. Upon returning from Viet Nam and on the way to my next assignment, I went back to Fort Leonard Wood, met my platoon sergeant and thanked him for preparing me to fight under control. He smiled and said he was glad to see me again and know that what he taught me sunk in.
If "Old School" means training where a soldier can handle himself in combat, then this is a good thing because fear can overtake and cause irrational decisions. I saw enough shell shocks to prove this point.

If you. . .
shouted, "OOGA-BOOGA!!!" at your enemy while waving a club. . .
Jabbed your spear into another hoplite's face. . .
Cursed Varus before your death at the hands of Germanic tribesmen. . .
Walked off the 'Black Death'. . .
Were ever flogged in the brig with a cat-o'-nine tails'. . .
Had frostbite at Valley Forge. . .
Drew a dick in the Halls of Montezuma. . .
The list is endless.

Seems like every younger generation considers the ones before as 'old-school'. I was asked to "frock" one of my newly-minted Petty Officer's to Third Class, and she called me, "One of the last 'old-school' leaders." I referred to a couple of my old Lead Petty Officers as "old-school hardasses". I guess if you pass the sword, you're automatically "old-school".

Old School...
Living the term "Hurry Up and Wait".
Eating 46 year old C-Rats during Basic.
A SNCO passionately calling you a "Maggot".
Latrine duty = cleaning urinals with you personal toothbrush.
Fort Rucker TAC's making a "WOC Salad".
Knowing the difference between "Face Paint and it's more dangerous version weekend "War Paint".
The smell of "Napalm" in the morning.
Choking on the "Kimchee" fields smell while in an F-4 at 13,000 above it.
Belief in God.
Love of Country.

You’re a FNG. No such thing as shorts for P/T. Take off your shirt unblouse your boots and you’re ready to go!

Doing PT in fatigues and boots. White t-shirts, c-rations P-38 can openers to eat c-rats, m-14 rifle. Canvas web gear need I go on. Oh ya open bay barracks

Running in your boots for PT test. No name brand running shoes. Run in what you wear for duty.

Well, as I remember it 50 yrs ago... PT was in white T-shirts and OG pants and Combat boots.
When I got assigned to my first duty station it was S&W Model 10 .38cal revolver and the original M16.
Old school enough?

You know you're old school if all the bases/ships you served on are either closed or museums!

Funny, I think each generation has it's own 'old schoolers' In 65 when I went in it was Korean War and WWII vets that were 'old school'. When I went back in in 85 it was anyone from the 'draft era'. Today I am willing to vet those old guys from the 1st Gulf War are considered 'old school'.