I think the remark about civilians was taken out of context.
We were civilians, we live among civilians, we retire and become civilians. Also, as Phil said, civilians are not exactly alike and that is the nub.
Once in the military we are in a uniformed service. It is us who are alike. It is us who are different. Later we may become civilians but we retain military ethos.
"Where you a navigator" No, I am a navigator I am simply not flying at the moment.
Or as retaled by th eman himself
"Hey, weren't you Brian Rix" Well a last time I looked I think I am still Brian Rix.