It seems to me that we're guilty of trying to live up to standards, and applying military principles to "normal life", whatever that is in the eyes of outsiders, commonly known as "fcuking civvies".
What's wrong with having some pride in ironing one's "kit", and polishing one's shoes?
No matter what constituent shade of purple we happen to be, the principles are remarkably close, and built on hundreds of years of tradition (well, for the RN & Army, at least
).
I'm off to arrange my wardrobe by shade of trouser, shirt etc. I noticed this morning that I've let things slip. It being Friday of course, I'm then going out on the lash and hope to score. Well, it's guaranteed really, as I'm going out with 0A, all I have to do is not get too drunk....