Life brings its own challenges, and military experts have crafted some brilliant strategies to tackle them. While we at War History Online usually write about topics like battles, weaponry, and formidable tanks, today we’re switching gears with a list of the top 12 military hacks for everyday problems. No need to thank us…
Make your bed every morning
Barracks are notoriously tidy, and making the bed is one of the first things ingrained in service members during training.
This military hack has less to do with the making of your bed and more to do with the actual act. By accomplishing this small task every morning, it encourages you to complete other items on your to-do list. Troops make their beds each morning to prepare for the day ahead
Making yours is quick and can motivate you to be more productive throughout the day.
Vaseline can start fires
Who knew petroleum jelly was flammable?
This all-around moisturizer has been a first aid kit essential since the First World War, and not only can it ease burns and treat cuts, it can also start fires! All you need to do is dip a cotton ball into a pot of Vaseline and light it with a lighter or match. The soggy material will easily catch fire, and it can act as either a fire starter or provide a bit of light and warmth, if necessary.
Powder wounds with sugar
Military personnel frequently encounter injuries while on duty, and in some instances, sugar can be a helpful tool for treating these wounds. Interestingly, sugar has natural antibacterial properties!
When applied to a wound, it can temporarily slow the spread of infection. Though it’s not a replacement for traditional antibacterial treatments, it can provide a bit of “sweet” relief (pun intended) until standard care is accessible.
Fix threads with fire
Service members are always impeccably put together; loose threads are simply not tolerated on military uniforms. When a thread does come loose, they know not to pull it. Instead, they reach for a lighter and burn it off. The flame not only removes the length of the thread but also prevents it from snagging.
This useful trick works on any clothing, as long as you’re cautious.
Soften your boots in water
Service members must stay active and agile, prepared to respond quickly when needed. As a result, comfortable footwear is essential.
Even for non-military individuals, breaking in new boots can be uncomfortable. Fortunately, the military uses a dependable method to make boots more flexible and comfortable to move in. By soaking the boots in water for about an hour, the material softens, decreasing the chances of getting blisters during walking or running.
Duct tape can prevent blisters
If your boots aren’t soft enough after an hour of soaking, you might end up with blisters on your heels. Luckily, service members have a solution for this, too: duct tape!
Surprisingly, the product can serve as a guard or pad to prevent shoes from rubbing against areas where blisters are more prone to occur. By sticking some duct tape there, you can avoid the pain.
How to properly tie boot laces
Tying your boot laces correctly is crucial for staying comfortable and ensuring your boots fit. Even if you’ve soaked them or taped your heels with duct tape, you may still experience some stiffness while walking. If that happens, there’s another easy military tip you can try.
When lacing your boots, skip the eyelets near your ankles. This minor adjustment allows for more natural movement, letting the boot flex more freely as you walk.
A surefire way to keep shirt tucked in
Have you ever gotten dressed for a night out, only to notice your shirt looks messy halfway through the evening? This military tip will ensure you always look sharp.
The trick is to pinch the bottom edges of your shirt, fold them backward, and tuck the shirt into your pants. This way, you can trust your shirt will stay put and won’t puff out.
Maxi Pads can stem blood
Despite what you may think, maxi pads are a great item to have on hand during battle. In an environment where wounds happen easily and frequently, this menstrual product is great at doing exactly what it’s meant to: absorbing blood.
This goes beyond the battlefield, as well. Maxi pads are great to have on hand while camping, in the workplace or even just at home. In case there’s a wound that needs dressing, one taped in place can actually stem blood flow.
Change your diet to beat jet lag
This unexpected military trick involves a surprising factor: our diet! Reports suggest that service members follow the “Argonne diet” starting four days before deployment. This regimen includes protein- and carb-rich meals on the first and third days, with lighter meals on the second and fourth.
Allegedly, it helps you feel great upon reaching your destination, despite the time change!
Use socks to keep water cool
Few things are as unpleasant as drinking warm water on a hot day. Service members often face this issue, especially when deployed in arid climates with high temperatures.
Fortunately, there’s a military trick to keep water cool. Simply soak a sock in water and place a bottle inside it. The damp sock works like a refrigerator, keeping the water in the bottle refreshingly cool.
A cure for athlete’s foot
We don’t necessarily recommend this next military hack, but it is known to work. If you’re suffering from athlete’s foot, peeing in the shower can actually help cure the condition. Urine contains urea, an anti-fungal. By peeing while you’re in the shower, you’re essentially washing your feet in urea, which can reverse the infection.
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Again, we’re not saying we recommend you do this, but if push comes to shove, there’s always peeing in the shower.