20 Hints to Spot a Veteran Without Their Uniform
Have you ever suspected someone might be ex-military? It’s not just about the crisp salutes or shiny boots. Here’s a no-nonsense guide to spotting British ex-servicemen as they navigate civilian life.
1. Loves a Good Queue
They have exceptional patience in line, whether it’s at the bank or a coffee shop. Whether it’s at the bank or the bar, ex-military folk will find the end of a line and stick to it—patiently and tactically.
2. Watches on the Right Wrist
Many are accustomed to wearing their watch on the right wrist—it’s practical for checking the time while holding a weapon in the left.
3. The 1000-Yard Stare
They can often be seen gazing into the distance with a look that’s seen more than a few things. It’s not judgment; it’s just a default setting.
4. Haircuts Remain Regimented
The hair might grey, but the style stays the same: short, tidy, and ever-prepared for an impromptu inspection.
5. Punctuality Is a Lifestyle
If they say 0800, they don’t mean 0801. To an ex-military, ‘late’ is a dirty word.
6. Fondness for Camo
A surprising amount of their wardrobe still features camouflage. It’s practical, hides stains brilliantly, and never really goes out of style—at least for them.
7. Unshakable Love for a Brew
Coffee or tea, it’s prepared with precision—more ritual than routine. They brew a cup with military precision and seriousness.
8. Fondness for Jargon
Expect military jargon to drop into everyday conversation. Military slang slips into the conversation—expect terms like “on the move” or “unknown contact.
9. Boots Polished to a Mirror Shine
Their shoes can double as a shaving mirror. The habit of boot polishing endures as a lifelong commitment.
10. Uses Military Time
Civilian time is for civilians. Expect any reference to time to be in a 24-hour format, clear and without confusion.
11. Loves an Understatement
They downplay injuries, saying, “it’s just a scratch” for anything from minor to more severe injuries. The art of understatement is a badge of honor.
12. Always Sit Facing the Door
In any restaurant or public place, they prefer seats where they can see the exits. Old habits die hard.
13. Tactical Everywhere
From packing for a holiday to loading the dishwasher, everything is done with military efficiency and strategy.
14. Weather-Proof
They’re prepared for all weather conditions, often carrying what appears to be the contents of a small survival store in their backpack.
15. Master of the DIY SOS
Give them a problem and a Swiss Army knife, and they’ll sort it. From fixing a leaky tap to assembling furniture, it’s all about the mission.
16. Steely Composure
Their face doesn’t give much away, especially in a crisis. It’s called maintaining composure, and it’s drilled in from day one.
17. Physically Disciplined
They maintain a level of fitness that suggests they could still drop and give you twenty at any moment.
18. The Walking Map
Asking for directions is unnecessary. They’ve memorized routes, landmarks, and probably still have an old compass just in case.
19. Respect for Authority
A deep-seated respect for hierarchy and order can be seen in both their professional and personal lives. Chain of command matters.
20. Eye for Detail
They notice everything, from slightly skewed wall art to someone’s untied shoes. Details matter, always.
Still Among Us
Spotting an American veteran might be easier than you think. Just look for the person who’s prepared for anything, has a plan for everything, and still craves the perfect cup of coffee amid the chaos of civilian life.
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Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Drazen Zigic.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
