six quirks of military life

When my husband first commissioned into the Air Force, we had a bit of adjusting to do.  There is a big learning curve the first few months, but after awhile, things seem second nature.  Here are a few of those quirks that we've gotten used to in the past year and a half.  :)


1.  Hearing the "Giant Voice" announcements  

There is a speaker system throughout the base and in base housing that is mostly used for emergencies.  For instance, two nights ago we were woken up at 1am to crazy sirens and soon after a booming voice spoke to us:  "This...is...the command...post...a tornado...warning...has been...issued...seek...shelter...immediately."  For some reason, hearing the Giant Voice always makes me feel like I'm in a scene from Harry Potter.


2.  Planes overhead all the time.

This one is pretty self-explanatory.  It's like living next to an airport.


3.  Having our IDs out and ready at the gate.

Or the commissary.  Or the BX.  Or the doctor's office.  Or the library.  :)  Basically, always have your ID with you because you'll need it to do almost anything on base.  It's like the grown up version of a college ID.


4.  Stopping your car while the National Anthem plays at 4:30pm.

You also avoid walking outside at 4:30pm because when the music starts you stop what you're doing to face the closest flag and put your hand over your heart until the music is done.


5.  Tipping your baggers at the commissary

Always remember to have a few dollars on hand!  Your groceries get taken to the car and loaded by a bagger and you need to have a tip ready.


6.  Having low expectations for parking spots

In addition to handicapped parking and "stork parking" (for pregnant women), the front few parking spots of main buildings are reserved for the important people.  Like generals and colonels and chiefs.  There were a couple times when we got excited about scoring an awesome parking spot, only to realize that it was reserved.  It was a bit of a disappointment, but now we're used to it.  Although, let's be honest, how often do generals honestly do their own grocery shopping??


What did I miss?  :)