When Did It Happen?

How do you know you're a Milie? Here's how I know:

You speak in acronyms so much, you often forget to translate them for your non-milie friends and family members.

You see a Soldier with long hair, and want to yell "Hey, Soldier! Don't you think it's about time for a hair cut?!"

You see men - in general - with "long" hair and want to escort them to the nearest barber shop for a high-and-tight.

You catch a Soldier without a cover on and immediately want to say something about it.

[If you're a newbie like me,] You try and identify everyone's rank as you pass them and silently applaud yourself for "getting it right."

You sometimes forget that there are people who don't buy groceries at the commissary. Or even know what that word means.

You panic if you can't find your ID card when you're pulling up to the gate on post.

You wonder what the "protocol" or SOP is for certain non-military situations. And then you chide yourself for thinking "SOP/protocol." {Totally did that one today...}

You post silly pictures on Facebook with captions that include the words: operation, mission, success caught, captured. =P {Also did that one this week.}

You yell - yes, yell - at Army Wives when they do things incorrectly. For example: giving a fresh private a combat action badge and flash pin, NOT forming berets to "soldiers" heads, and saying FOB like F.O.B. Everyone knows the Army pronounces its acronyms. Sheesh.

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When did it happen? When did I start thinking and speaking in acronyms? When did I realize that TriCare would be my BFF and my worst enemy at the same time? When did I start taking my commissary shopping benefits for granted? When did I start feeling more at home on post than off? When did I start to find comfort in seeing those ACU's? When did I start longing to see those boots in the hallway? When did I start wishing for PT-induced early mornings? When did I start crying when the national anthem is played and the flag is saluted? When did I fully realize the sacrifice that our Soldiers (Sailors, Airmen & Marines) make?

When did I become an Army Wife?

'Cause I think I missed it...