Superstitions have always found their way into high-pressure environments, and even the U.S. military has its own share of curious traditions. Some are charming, some are strange, and a few might make you wonder how they ever caught on.

You'd think that the military would be the last place you’d find a superstition, as it’s an institution built on precision, discipline, and strict guidelines. But as a matter of fact, these military superstitions have been passed down for decades, from one generation of troops to the next.

And if you spend enough time talking to service members, you’ll hear plenty of stories about words you should never say, moments you should never attempt, and rituals you'd better not break.

Military Superstition: The 'Quiet Day' Curse

Never tempt fate by saying it’s going to be a “quiet day.” This is considered rule number one for many Veterans, as this phrase is considered so unlucky that same units treat it like a curse phrase.

This kind of military superstition is rooted in experience, and it’s simple to understand, because if someone says the day will be quiet, it almost guarantees that chaos is coming.

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In garrison, it sometimes means surprise inspections or unexpected visits from important people. While in a combat zone, it’s the sudden ambush, barrage, or missions that turn sideways. Just imagine a quiet and calm day, nothing unusual, and then the next thing you know, it’s chaos.

It’s almost similar to what happened to Sailor Andrew Nemeth, as a supposed quiet day turned into chaos. Everything was normal in Nemeth that morning. He stood up, got his tray and food. Although he never said, ‘It’s going to be a quiet day,’ the morning still felt calm when he had just picked up his meal. Then the blast happened. And everything quickly turned sideways.

So, the next time you want to break this weird superstition, just wait until the day’s ended before admitting that it had been a calm one, for precautionary measures.

Military Charms: Talismans in Combat Missions

Service members have carried lucky items into missions for decades. This action is akin to the civilian action of finding a penny to carry for all-day luck.

These lucky items can be anything — a coin, a patch, a keychain, or even a small stuffed toy from your loved one.

Fighter pilot Edwin Parsons was known to attach a stuffed black cat to his aircraft before a flight for good luck during the Great War. According to War History Online, Parsons refused to fly without it, and it was said that the cat even took a bullet for him.

Service members have been known to carry old dog tags or family heirlooms for protection. It is true that the military teaches self-reliance, but sometimes, military superstitions like these lucky charms bring comfort, and they can make a difference in morale.

Navy Tradition: Unwashed Coffee Mugs Superstition

Yes, you read it right, and it’s probably one of those weird superstitions you don’t hear about often. The Navy doesn’t wash their coffee mugs. Simply because how dirty their mug is symbolizes their seniority.

The longer you’ve been in the service, the more “seasoned” your coffee cup should be. Plus, it makes the coffee taste a little better.

For those of you who are concerned about hygiene or think that this practice is gross (which we do admit that it is kind of gross), it’s safe to never wash your coffee mugs. The catch is that it’s only safe depending on how you make your coffee.

Luckily, most Sailors love a good strong cup of black coffee, and as long as you only have black coffee with no cream or sugar, you'll be safe.

If you do use cream and sugar in your coffee and never wash it, that’s when you should be concerned. Mold will grow, making it unsanitary to reuse the mug.

Operation Center Superstition: Dr. Pepper Ban

So you want a refreshing drink, you crack open a can of Dr. Pepper, and endless 911 calls come in.

U.S. Air Force Sr. Airman Austin Malin learned that you don’t open a can of Dr. Pepper inside the Base Defense Operation Center if you don’t want chaos to happen. It’s almost similar to not saying, “it’s a quiet day.”

Fortunately for them, the calls they received were just one of those things that, although not entirely serious, can absolutely test their patience. Just take, for example, people calling to ask for the pharmacy’s operating hours or drunk people doing stupid stuff. From then on, they decided not to carry a Dr. Pepper and crack it open when inside the operation center.

For civilians, it might sound like just an overreaction to a refreshing drink, but in the military, that’s exactly how military superstitions are born. They are now a part of the culture that isn’t found in official handbooks, because they are a mix of history, tradition, and personal experience. It seems odd, but for the service members, even the smallest rituals can matter.

Additional Military Superstitions and Beliefs

Below, we are sharing a few more noteworthy mentions that didn't quite make the above list.

Spitting on a Bullet

This superstition involves spitting on a bullet before it's loaded into a weapon. It is said that this act will bring good luck to the shooter, ensuring that they will hit their target.

Crossing Fingers for Luck

Crossing your fingers for good luck is not a superstition unique to the military, but it does have significance. Soldiers often cross their fingers before dangerous situations, or while waiting for critical news.

Ritual of Naming Ships

The practice of ship naming is steeped in tradition. Its origins date back to ancient times, when offerings and sacrifices were made to sea deities. Today, if a ship isn't christened, it is considered to be an ill omen.

The Significance of Tattoos

Tattoos have long held much significance in military culture, serving as a symbol of identity, loyalty, and remembrance. It is believed that certain tattoo designs bring good luck, and protection. On the other hand, some designs are avoided as they are believed to bring bad luck.

Read Next:

• The Ultimate Guide: 50 Best Benefits for Veterans Across Our 50 States
• Ink, Honor, and the Armed Forces: Exploring the History of Military Tattoos
• Hegseth Orders the Renaming of USNS Harvey Milk … Has This Ever Happened Before?

Sources:

• 6 Military Superstitions, Their History and Significance
• The Weirdest Superstitions in the U.S. Military, According to Veterans
• 5 of the Most Spine-Chilling Military Superstitions