Changed lifestyle after serving

[Crestliner16]

When I was discharged, I didn't really notice how my lifestyle had changed. This was kind of a gradual realization and the biggest thing that I became aware of was, I no longer wanted to wear a watch, have anything hanging around my neck, sleeping with all of my clothes on. After carrying more than just an Alice pack for far too long and being wet from sweat and rain. I can't sleep with anything on !! I'm free! Does this make sense to any of you? I still feel the same, after over 55 years!

[tdt91]

I used to sleep naked for years after I got out but now, I have trouble sleeping in not in sleep pants and t shirt.

[fly by night]

The guys I was in the army with said they would never wear or have anything green again!! LOL

[Crestliner16]

That's a good one! Green is one of my favorite colors. I certainly understand that. I've caught some nice bass on a green crank bait.

[cwilt]

I tell you what...I am never going to use a razor again!

[krindgen]

I think it makes alotta sense. Kinda neat that you realized the impact.

[csurp]

i will never stand in line for food again even over 50 years later.

[1stindoor]

I tell you what...I am never going to use a razor again!

If you've ever read The Duffleblog you'll get the humor in it. But a few weeks ago they posted a story along the lines of the VA announced a new regulation that says you don't have to grow a beard upon separation from the military.

I rarely wear anything black, and refuse to wear anything camouflage.

[brnzbaklvr]

I tell you what...I am never going to use a razor again!

I tried that for awhile but my beard is so grey it puts about 20 years on me...

[cmbtvet]

I got out in 04 after almost 12 years. For roughly 6 months I still did PT until I realized I didn't "have" to do PT anymore. About 10 years ago I decided to grow my hair out so I could donate it to Wigs for Kids, I donated about 13". Around the same time I decided to stop shaving, I've got a long grey beard now. I use my desert boonie hat as my fishing hat and my desert Gortex stays on the boat in case it rains. I also use my woobie every night.

[ASG21]

I have been out for 16 years, I still have to zip my jacket to 3/4 the up…..can’t wear it unzipped, also I can’t eat wearing a hat…..

[1stindoor]

lol...we're all institutionalized.

[Crestliner16]

I was in touch with three of the guys I served with for quite a while each one had little things that they were not really aware of until I brought it up! We thought it was kind of funny. I was the guy they talked to after things went sideways. I wasn't the all knowing,it was my sense of responsibility to be there and add some levity to diffuse the anxiety and stress.I'm still that way,but I struggle with anxiety and stress that came to haunt me after a serious accident at work in 2014. It took five years to make some headway. But I've always been a work in progress!!

[csurp]

Others have mentioned the hat thing at the dinner table. That bugs me, too. We went on a cruise several years ago, when assigned tables and dress codes were still suggested for dinner. There was a guy at the next table over who wore a ball cap every night to dinner and never took it off. I have to admit it bugged me a little. Mom and the Army drilled that one into me. I still feel funny even keeping my hat on indoors.

My gig-line is always straight.

[ASG21]

Gig line I didn’t realize I was doing that as well

[Crestliner16]

Many times I can tell if someone served especially if they are in a store. They walk with a purpose and know what they are looking for. Confident and purpose!

[wmitch2]

Nam '67 & '68. In the Rivers moving Seals in and back out. All our Op's were from Dusk to Dawn. Spooky and Stressful !! It took a long time to be able to sleep at night. Many times quiet going in, but many times a Fire Fight coming back out ! PTSD/Agent Orange, yeppers !! I still get an "Alert" feeling when I run the boat up a river, but it calms me. Strange I know. Seeing some of the "New" young generation and the way they look and act irritates me to no end !! And most have little to no RESPECT. The Country is not the same anymore. Sad............

[Bullet[BS]]

I still trim my mustache to regs, take my hat off at the dinner table like everyone should, still keep my hair short, and OMG just realized my gig line is straight as well. LOL 1995 seems like a life time ago.

[Russ661]

Army, Airborne, 73-‘76. No hats indoors, gig line straight, if I’m wearing pants I’m wearing a belt. If I’m wearing a shirt with tails they are tucked in and if I roll up my sleeves its done military style. I had a mustache from the time I went in until the early ‘90s. My kids were amazed when I finally shaved it off! They never knew I had an upper lip until then. Funny how this thread triggered so many memories. We practiced rappelling with non-locking D rings. Who has time for a locking ring when you are being shot at? I still to this day use mine as a key ring and literally panic if I misplace it, and not because of the keys!

[1stindoor]

I have two carabiners in my truck and still keep 550 cord and 100mph tape in there too.