Pride and professionalism come to mind when thinking of the military. Those are not the buzz words for this article, though. Quirky and Superstitious are just as valid when talking about military behaviors and customs. So, what are some of the military superstitions of the 5 branches?
Common military superstitions
Whether or not they hold true in every situation, every branch has certain superstitions to keep themselves safe.
Navy superstitions
In the Navy, coffee is almost a sacred item. No surprise there. Many professions covet the caffeine god known as Coffee. But the Navy has rules about coffee mugs even. You can NOT wash a coffee mug, less Neptune will claim your ship to the briny deep. In fact, I have had the displeasure of sitting in on a Captain’s Mast where a sailor was demoted for (you can’t make this stuff up) “Willfully and maliciously scrubbing a chief’s coffee mug clean” out of anger. That is some serious stuff there.
Army superstitions
The Army is no better though. A friend recently returned from Afghanistan and was relaying a story where he was afraid to go out on a patrol. Not because of an increased threat potential or the location of the patrol, but because his patrol cap was accidentally washed when left in a cargo pocket. Washed patrol covers, it seems, are how a soldier ensures they will meet an ill fate.
Marines superstitions
In an MRE, often times they have Charms® candies. Everyone loves a bit of candy after a “nutritious” meal. Marines know, however, that eating one, especially the green ones it seems, will bring the wrath of weather upon you. Pop one in to satisfy that sweet tooth while on a patrol and the rain will come down in buckets. At least, until you step back inside. It is even reported that Marines have thrown these candies at enemies in the middle of firefights.
Air Force superstitions
The Air Force, despite being the youngest branch, has many superstitions of its own, with the display of an amulet being the most common. There is no hard and fast rule about what type of material or design it should display, but there are extra points if there are numbers that add up to 13. By wearing one of these, the wind will remain under your wings and make for a clean opening chute.
Coast Guard superstitions
For the Coast Guard, we will go with two of them as they are a bit harder to find ones that don’t flow with the Navy’s, as sailors are sailors. To bring good luck and ensure King Neptune will grant you safe passage, it is wise to throw a few coins into the sea before the start of your voyage. How could one ever have poor luck if you paid of the god of the sea? And whistling on a vessel, especially in the pilot house, will bring the wrath of the sea upon you and place your soon-to-be-doomed ship in the middle of a squall.
Military superstitions for spouses
With all the superstitions service members have, it is no surprise that even the spouses have superstitions to keep their warriors safe while away from home. Not washing a deployed member’s clothing left in the hamper will ensure they return home safe, as there is laundry for them to do. Another piece of good luck is to wear their extra pair of dog tags while they are away. It is said that being so close to the heart of the one you love, no bad can happen.
Stay True to Military Superstitions
No matter what your quirks and superstitions are, stay true to them and pass them on to the next generation. Who knows, they could save a life.
