Military service instills a wide range of habits, behaviors, and skills that might not always be obvious. A person’s military background can be determined by these 17 indicators of service.
Ex-military pay extreme attention to detail
It may not be the most obvious sign, but most ex-military people really pay attention to detail. They notice small things that others might overlook, a skill honed by strict military standards. If you feel like someone is overanalyzing a situation, it could just be something they took with them from the military.
Veterans love structured routine
When you’re serving in the military, you have a strict schedule to stick to. This becomes so ingrained that a disciplined daily route is usually implemented in the civilian world. They usually wake early and follow a pattern as they go about their day.
People who have served in the military are usually early
Business Insider says that being early is one habit that sticks with you post-military. When you’re serving, it is important that you are always prompt. This is a practical habit that has great benefits in the civilian world. Punctuality is a military discipline that is instilled into everyday life.
Respect for authority is a military trait
Even if you had no respect for authority pre-military, you will learn it while you are serving. People who have served in the military show a high level of respect for figures of authority and understand the chain of command. The situation is irrelevant, and veterans respect any hierarchy.
Those who served our country often continue physical fitness
Being physically fit is crucial to being in the military and soldiers often go through rigorous training programs. After they leave the military, they tend to stay in good physical shape and usually have a regular exercise regimen. Physical fitness is also something great to focus on during the transition period back to the civilian world.
Organizational skills are honed in the military
When you join the military, it is crucial that you develop incredible organizational skills. The forces require a lot of structure, and staying organized enhances military discipline. It is common to find that veterans’ living and working spaces are usually well-organized and tidy.
Veterans have a lot of politeness and courtesy
They often address people formally, using terms like “sir” and “ma’am.” This level of respect isn’t an option in the military, and soldiers are conditioned to address people respectfully on autopilot. This habit never leaves you and is one of the most obvious signs that someone has served in the military.
They are very confident
People who have served in the military often have a confident, assertive presence and stand or sit with good posture. You don’t need a lot of confidence to enter the military, but you will certainly leave with it. You can usually tell by the way someone presents themselves that they are ex-military.
Ex-military value teamwork orientation
Soldiers are used to working as part of a team, and they will continue to value community outside of the military. They work exceptionally well in teams, understand group dynamics, and value camaraderie. However, it is also common that they struggle to work independently, as they thrive on bouncing off others.
Leadership qualities are a key trait of veterans
If someone has served in the military, they frequently exhibit strong leadership skills, even in civilian settings. Regardless of their rank, they will have experience in taking charge and giving instructions. Even at entry level, soldiers are given responsibility, and the University of Phoenix says veterans make great leaders.
Soldiers have a different communication style
In the military, soldiers develop a completely different communication style. They tend to communicate clearly and concisely, avoiding unnecessary words. This habit extends into civilian life, and the way someone communicates is often a clear sign that they served our country.
Technical skills are developed in the military
You develop a unique skill set in the military, and once you develop these areas, they’ll be with you for life. Veterans might have specialized skills or knowledge in areas such as mechanics, electronics, or first aid. They usually have great technical proficiency and can turn their hand to any task.
Veterans use unusual acronyms and jargon
Military.com says that the US military has a vocabulary all of its own. Language that may seem unusual to us is the norm for ex-military. They sometimes use military jargon or acronyms in everyday conversation which can leave you stumped. There’s also a lot of slang that comes from the military.
Soldiers learn to stay calm under pressure
Serving in the military is one of the most high-pressure jobs you could have. Soldiers learn the skill of remaining calm, even in emergency situations. Staying composed is crucial, and you will notice that veterans often keep calm, especially when it’s stressful.
Service tattoos show someone was in the military
One of the few physical indicators of military service is tattoos. Veterans might have tattoos that represent their branch of service, unit, or significant experiences. Research found that 36% of veterans have a tattoo, compared to only 12% of non-veterans.
The people who respect the flag most are ex-military
Veterans have a strong sense of patriotism and show respect for national symbols like the flag and anthem. No one respects the flag more than someone who has served in the military. After serving their country, they often take immense pride in their homeland.
Veterans are always prepared
Soldiers need to be prepared for every situation, and this habit will continue in the civilian world. They are always prepared, often having a “just in case” mindset. The University of California says that this strength most commonly comes from military experience.
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