What habits learned in the military do you use hold onto?

SGT Ben Keen — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 08:21:34 -0400

This morning, I read an interesting article on Task and Purpose written by Mike Denny. In the article, he lists five habits you should carry over from the military to the civilian sector if you want to make your transition to the civilian workforce. I found the list to be pretty good and left me wondering, if we expanded the list to the Top 10 habits, what would your list include?

Hold On To These Habits When You Transition Out Of The Military

These 5 habits you learned in the military will help you find success when you get out.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2015 8:26 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 08:26:07 -0400

I get up at 4 am!!

Response by Col Joseph Lenertz made Jul 7 at 2015 8:29 AM

Col Joseph Lenertz — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 08:29:55 -0400

Show respect. It doesn't have to be the military-style Yes Sir No Sir kind of respect, but the folks you are meeting in the civilian world have been there, showing up and working hard for years, many of them very talented, and over the years they have moved up in their positions and are rightfully proud of what they've accomplished. Defer to them, ask questions and learn from them...show respect, and once you've demonstrated your commitment and skills, you may get some respect in return.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2015 8:31 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 08:31:27 -0400

I just read that article as well. Here's a couple I found to be habits that you are still drilled into you since day one.
Cleanliness
Always using Sir or Ma'm
Sense of urgency with even the little things
Those are a few that will still probably be drilled into my head whenever I get out.

Response by MAJ David Vermillion made Jul 7 at 2015 9:00 AM

MAJ David Vermillion — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 09:00:07 -0400

My list of things that work for me that I learned in the military.
1 Take good notes of task
2 Report early
3 Look sharp
4 Always be respectful
5 Listen well
6 Don't run your mouth
7 Don't flirt with women
8 Be brief and to the point.
9 Keep ego in check
10 Ask questions if something is unclear

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Jul 7 at 2015 9:21 AM

1SG Michael Blount — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 09:21:48 -0400

Straight talk.

Response by SrA Christine Martinez made Jul 7 at 2015 9:26 AM

SrA Christine Martinez — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 09:26:51 -0400

Dear SGT Keen,
I read Mike Denny's list of habits to hold onto, just to make sure that I wasn't repeating all five suggestions. First, I have to agree and reinforce what Mike said about punctuality.
1. Be on time, and willing to stay late.
I was never stationed in Japan, but if I was only 5 minutes early to an appointment or briefing, I was late. It was expected of all personnel in our duty section, to be at work, ready to be briefed for shift change 15 minutes prior to our scheduled start-time. If we were pulling a Dayshift and it started at 0700, we had to be walking through the number-locked door at 0645. As for the end-times of our scheduled shifts: they were more like 'guidelines'.
2. Respect for others and self-respect for yourself. Beyond politeness, there's a line of actual respect. When meeting a civilian counterpart, it's just good manners to say 'Sir' or 'Ma'am'. If they give you permission to call them by their given name or even a nickname, then do so sparingly.
In the office or at conferences, you should still address your civilian boss as Mr. or Ms. ... It builds and reinforces professionalism.
3. Professionalism. Do your job to the best of your ability every time. When you have an emergency, remaining calm and staying professional can be a game-changer. If it's an irate customer you have to deal with, keeping your composure (i.e., military bearing) and remaining professional is paramount.
4. Integrity. Personally, this is above punctuality or respect, but that's just because I grew up with this trait in my household: two parents (mom and step-dad) in the USAF. Having integrity means being honest, sometimes painfully, but also lets others know where they stand with you, and what they can expect of you. It's more than just 'what you see is what you get'. It's also consistency. Knowing that you have been truthful in the past, today, and will be tomorrow... lets supervisors and subordinates know they can trust you.
5. Networking & team-building skills. Recognize your strengths and weaknesses as well as those of your subordinates, peers, and God-forbid, your supervisors. I knew my job, and always strived to be the best. I was more than competent, I was proactive. I also knew I was a little OCD (okay.. a lot!)... and I took pride in my professional accomplishments -- being able to multitask and still perform above expected standards, but I also knew that my supervisors wouldn't give my peers and subordinates the chance to improve their performance if I did everything, so I referred to -- or deferred to -- team-building skills my parents and also USAFJROTC Instructors had taught me.
Use your military experience and training to be the best you can be as a civilian employee, and show your new boss(es) that the time and money they've spent in recruiting and retaining you is a sound investment in their company, and a good decision on their part. Edited/CM

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 7 at 2015 12:20 PM

PO1 John Miller — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 12:20:37 -0400

SGT Ben Keen, I'm going to have to start wearing eye and ear protection when I'm using power tools! Otherwise I still do everything else on this list.

Response by SPC David S. made Jul 7 at 2015 12:58 PM

SPC David S. — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 12:58:08 -0400

I know he mentioned PMS/PMC on vehicles - but I have my version of a "Unit One Pack" in my car.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 7 at 2015 3:40 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 15:40:39 -0400

I still use a decision matrix for complex decisions.

Response by PO2 Jeffrey Sheibels made Jul 7 at 2015 9:33 PM

PO2 Jeffrey Sheibels — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 21:33:32 -0400

I would have to say my work ethic, organizational skills, and ability to work well with other regardless of background are the three that I continue to this day.