UNREAL: The 12 Military Hacks That Will Make Your Neighbors Jealous!

We all deal with life’s everyday challenges, but military personnel have mastered creative solutions to handle some of the toughest situations. These hacks, designed for the battlefield, can easily improve your everyday life. Let’s dive into 12 clever military tricks that can save you time, effort, and frustration.

1. Softening Stiff Boots

Anyone who’s ever worn a pair of new boots knows how uncomfortable they can be. Soldiers spend countless hours on their feet, and they need to be ready for action at a moment’s notice. The military’s trick? Soak your boots in water for about an hour. This softens the material, making the boots much more flexible and reducing the chance of blisters.

2. Prevent Blisters with Duct Tape

Even if soaking your boots doesn’t fully do the trick, there’s another hack soldiers use: duct tape. Applying duct tape to spots where your boots rub can create a barrier that prevents blisters from forming. This simple fix can save you from a lot of pain on long walks or hikes.

3. Tie Your Boot Laces Like This for Comfort

Comfortable footwear isn’t just about how soft the material is—it’s also about how you lace up your boots. Instead of tying them all the way to the top, leave out the holes around your ankles. This allows for more movement and reduces the stiffness around key pressure points, giving your feet more freedom to move.

4. Use Sugar to Help Heal Wounds

Injuries are common in the military, and service members have learned a variety of ways to treat wounds in the field. One surprising solution? Sugar. Sprinkling sugar on a wound can help prevent infection. It’s no substitute for medical treatment, but it can buy you time until you get proper care.

5. Start a Fire with Vaseline

Who knew that a product most people have in their medicine cabinets is also a great fire starter? Vaseline, when applied to a cotton ball, can easily catch fire. Whether you’re camping or need warmth in an emergency, this is an easy way to get a fire going.

6. Keep Your Shirt Tucked All Day

Ever notice how military uniforms always look crisp and sharp? Soldiers have a hack for keeping their shirts neatly tucked in. Simply pinch the bottom of your shirt, fold it backward, and then tuck it into your pants. This keeps your shirt looking tidy and prevents it from bunching up throughout the day.

7. Maxi Pads: Not Just for Periods

Maxi pads may seem like an unusual item to have in a first-aid kit, but they are surprisingly useful for stopping blood flow. Originally designed to absorb menstrual blood, these pads can also work in emergency situations to dress wounds and prevent excessive bleeding. Whether you’re camping or handling an injury at home, they can be a lifesaver.

8. Seal Loose Threads with Fire

Military uniforms are always well-kept, and soldiers know better than to pull on loose threads. Instead, they burn them. Lighting the end of a loose thread with a lighter seals the fabric and prevents further fraying. You can use this hack on any clothing item to keep it looking sharp.

9. Beat Jet Lag by Changing Your Diet

Jet lag is a common problem for travelers, but military personnel have a unique trick for overcoming it: the Argonne diet. This eating plan alternates between protein-heavy and light meals over four days leading up to travel. By following this pattern, you might just beat the exhaustion that usually comes with crossing time zones.

10. Make Your Bed to Boost Productivity

One of the first things military members learn is how to make their beds each morning. While it may seem like a small task, this practice has a bigger purpose. Starting your day by completing this simple action sets a productive tone for the hours ahead. It’s a small win that can lead to more successes throughout the day.

11. Keep Water Cool with a Wet Sock

Staying hydrated is essential, especially on hot days. If your water bottle is warming up too quickly, here’s a trick to cool it down: place the bottle inside a wet sock. The damp fabric acts like a natural refrigerator, keeping your water cool and refreshing.

12. Cure Athlete’s Foot with a Surprising Trick

This might be one of the more unexpected hacks, but it’s been known to work. If you’re suffering from athlete’s foot, peeing in the shower might help. Urine contains urea, an anti-fungal agent that can combat the infection. While this is definitely a unique solution, it’s a tried-and-true method for some.