It’s undeniable that being in the military can be life-changing for many people, often in a highly positive way. Many people excel in military positions, gaining amazing experiences and learning things they’ll never forget. These are 19 habits that people who have served in the military often keep throughout their lives.
Always Arriving Early
The U.S. Department of Defense states that the military “offers Americans who have the desire and ability to serve training, career mobility and financial benefits.” Punctuality is a huge part of this training, meaning that veterans often plan routes and times carefully and try to arrive early to their appointments.
Sticking To Their Routines
Being in the military means that soldiers have to get used to rigid routines, and many carry this habit on in their civilian lives. They may use planners or apps to organize what they need to do and when they need to do it.
Exercising Every Day
Staying fit is essential for military members and has numerous benefits for the wider population. As such, it’s no surprise that veterans usually exercise regularly, either by going to fitness classes, participating in team sports, or going for a run every day.
Organizing Their Home And Workspace
Staying organized is an important skill that people learn in the military. In addition to following routines, people who have served often keep their living and work spaces tidy and regularly declutter their homes. They may also have carefully labeled storage bins and folders.
Double-Checking All Of Their Work
A simple mistake on the front lines could be disastrous, so many military members get into the routine of double-checking everything they do. Checklists are especially useful for this, as they can guarantee that everything has been done properly and that nothing is likely to go wrong.
Waking Up Early Every Day
One of the first lessons recruits learn in basic training is they need to wake up early. But CNBC suggests “having the discipline to wake up early isn’t something that you’re ‘born with,’” and veterans have trained themselves to consistently get up early. They usually wake up at the same time each day.
Talking And Texting Clearly
You’ll not often catch a veteran being vague or using too many words. Whether texting or verbally speaking, veterans try to be clear and direct so that they’re understood. Using straightforward language can be crucial for important messages in the military.
Making Backup Plans For Everything
When your life is on the line, and Plan A fails, having Plans B through Z ready isn’t optional. Even though everyday life may be less critical, people who have served in the military still try to have contingency plans ready for most scenarios.
Keeping Up With Their First-Aid Skills
Most military members will have gone through first-aid and CPR training, which can be just as life-saving in the civilian world. They’ll likely regularly refresh their knowledge and training and try to keep a well-stocked first aid kit in their homes and cars.
Eating Meals At The Same Time Each Day
The heart of most routines is mealtime, and that’s usually no different for veterans. They may eat their meals at the same times each day and plan them carefully, sometimes preparing an entire week in advance. They’re also careful with their diets and nutrition.
Always Locking Doors And Windows
According to the Pew Research Center, “property crime in the U.S. is much more common than violent crime,” and burglary is the fourth most common offense. It’s no surprise that veterans make it a habit to check that their doors and windows are locked, even when they’re home.
Choosing Simple, Practical Clothing
In the military, functional clothing is much more important than the latest trends or styles. Soldiers who are used to wearing uniforms every day often choose durable, minimalistic clothing in their civilian lives. Don’t be surprised if their wardrobes contain a lot of muted colors and a small amount of different clothes overall.
Regularly Cleaning Their Homes
Another lesson that recruits learn in boot camp is to always keep their personal spaces clean and tidy for inspection. Many people who have been in the military keep this up for their own homes, following strict cleaning routines and ensuring everything has its place and stays in it.
Volunteering In The Community
Lots of veterans will search for ways to help out their local communities. They regularly participate in local charity events and fundraisers, especially those related to veterans’ organizations. They can often help out with organizing or leading volunteer efforts in their communities.
Taking Everything Step-By-Step
People who have been in the military know that every task can be broken down into manageable steps. They prefer systematic approaches to problems so they can logically find solutions, and may make a habit out of writing down the steps they’ve taken so that they can later troubleshoot anything that went wrong.
Checking The News And Staying Informed
Although Forbes reports, “Americans are not following the news as closely as they had been in the past,” you’ll likely find that veterans still pay close attention. Many people who’ve served in the military follow multiple news sources to get a well-rounded perspective on current events and discuss them with friends and family.
Reading And Learning Every Day
Life is a neverending journey of learning new things, and veterans know this just as well as anyone else, if not better. They often enjoy reading books and articles or enrolling in online or in-person courses. Sometimes, they may keep a list of topics or skills that they want to learn or improve.
Taking Time For Mindfulness And Stress Relief
The military can be an amazing experience, but it can also be really stressful. Veterans are often more aware of their stress levels than average Americans and may have gotten into the regular habit of meditation or breathing practices to combat this.
Being Proud Of Their Patriotism
Finally, we come to a more obvious habit that people who have served in the military usually have: displaying how proud they are to be Americans. Veterans have served our country and now can enjoy the freedom and pride they fought for, displaying the U.S. flag or attending events and parades.
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