Serving in the military is a traumatic experience that can alter a person’s outlook on life. There are usually subtle indicators that someone has served in the military. These are just 17 signs, though there are many more.
Avoiding loud events
Avoiding loud events such as fireworks is a coping mechanism for many, as PsychCentral notes that loud noises, like those similar to shooting or explosives, can trigger painful memories of PTSD in service personnel. Therefore, some veterans—especially those who have served in combat—may be sensitive to noise and steer clear of noisy or crowded events.
They have great attention to detail
Because precision is emphasized in military training, veterans tend to pay special attention to even the tiniest aspects of daily tasks. Their personal lives and workspaces are well organized and are constantly kept tidy and spotless, and their clothes are clean, tidy, and pressed.
Hyper-awareness
As they were trained to be constantly aware of their surroundings—especially if they have experienced combat—veterans frequently show characteristics of being extremely alert. This can show up in day-to-day interactions like being able to adapt quickly to new situations and make decisions quickly.
Physical fitness lasts even after service
Due to routines they established while serving, many veterans now maintain daily exercise regimens. Maintaining physical health is a top priority in the military, and this has a lasting impact on veterans’ lives even after they have left the service.
Respect for authority
Veterans Affairs states, “One of the values of the military is respect for authority and this hierarchical structure. Those higher up in the chain of command have earned that rank and deserve respect.” A deep respect for authority and hierarchy is a fundamental aspect of military culture, and veterans’ everyday lives reflect this respect.
Always on time
Seasoned army personnel are particularly good at managing their time because they have served in the military, where effective time management and punctuality are essential. As a result, they often perceive tardiness in others as reckless and impolite due to their military upbringing, where being late was not taken kindly.
Using military time
Many military veterans develop the habit of keeping a 24-hour clock, or military time. When mentioned in casual conversation, this preference for military time might occasionally be a subliminal clue as to an individual’s history of military duty. It makes things much clearer, too; there’s no need to ask them if they’re talking about morning or evening.
Teamwork makes the dream work
Anyone who served in the military will frequently thrive in team environments and prefer team-based settings because of their background in the team setting of the military. Serving in the military creates a strong sense of camaraderie that frequently carries over into veterans’ civilian lives. They will often have close relationships with colleagues and members of the community.
They talk like soldiers
Veterans frequently still utilize the specialized language and acronyms they picked up while serving in the armed forces. Their use of slang phrases like “got your six” and “on the double” might set them apart as veterans from other veterans and perceptive bystanders.
Posture
Members of the armed forces undergo intensive training and have to focus on maintaining an attentive and erect posture. Veterans generally have a confident and imposing appearance because of this posture, which is often evident in the way they walk and stand.
Proud participation in military events
Veterans are more aware of anniversaries associated with the military, such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day—designated days on which we pay tribute to all those who have served in the armed forces. On these important anniversaries, veterans pride themselves on partaking in events and encouraging their friends and family to do the same.
Grooming standards
As they did in the military, many male veterans continue to wear conservative hairstyles and keep their hair trimmed short. They will also often keep to other grooming requirements like clean-shaven faces and well-groomed beards, which are strictly enforced in the military, according to guidelines laid down by The US Army.
Tattoos with a military theme
Tattoos are common among military members, and veterans frequently get tattoos representing their unit insignias, battle sites, or memorials to fallen colleagues. Every veteran can relate these tattoos to their military service and personal experiences; each one has a symbolic meaning for them.
Structure
Because of their military training, many veterans have a strong preference for ordered environments and timetables, a reflection of the rigid lifestyle they led while in the army. Their inclination towards structure may impact their comfort level in disorganized settings, and occasionally, they may exhibit slightly higher levels of tension if conditions are not perfect.
A military-inspired wardrobe
After returning to civilian life, veterans may choose to dress in military-inspired clothes like cargo trousers, military boots, or branded veteran’s clothing. This is due to the uniforms worn by veterans of the armed forces; some veterans will wear mementos of their service, like bracelets or lapel pins, in their civilian lives.
Respect for the flag
People who served in the military often show respect for their flag and follow flag etiquette to the letter, holding the flag to a high standard. The Department of Defense provides a list of the flag requirements, including the fact that soiled, torn, wrinkled, or frayed flags should not be used and that the flag should never touch anything beneath it.
Staying calm under pressure
Veterans tend to be more composed in stressful situations and have a methodical approach to problem-solving, which they are known to apply to both personal and professional issues. People who have had military training are better equipped to manage stress and adopt a problem-solving mindset in daily life.
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