Call me old-fashioned, but every time I see a man in uniform my heart skips a beat. And if that man is in a military uniform, I get butterflies in my stomach, goosebumps all over my body and suddenly, I forget to breathe. I thought Valentine’s Day would be the perfect day to share a little piece of my heart with the rest of the world. And maybe, just maybe help you see what’s under the uniform.

It goes without saying that men in uniform are more attractive than men who aren’t in uniform. I’m not sure that it is a proven fact, and to be honest, I am not interested in the research. For me, it probably stems from the fact that I grew up amid the military culture and have true affection for it those who make military service their career.  I come from a long line of military men. My grandfather, my father, two of my brothers, some of my cousins, and some of my nephews all chose to serve our country.  Or, it could be what the uniform represents.

What the U.S. Military Uniforms Represent

The U.S. Military uniforms reflect high personal appearance standards, visual evidence of authority and responsibility and signify purpose and valor. Let’s be for real, men wearing a military uniform are equivalent to the fairytale knights in shining armor, or a modern super-hero. They are equipped and prepared to face danger head-on and live their lives with honor and pride.  I may be a modern independent woman, but I can’t lie; the idea of being rescued by a man in uniform after a particularly bad day sounds darn good to me. As a matter of fact, it is the kind of thing that could set my heart on fire. Okay, maybe I have watched An Officer and a Gentlemen one too many times, but you get what I mean.

Irresistible

With that said, admit it, ladies, you know you find these men irresistible too. When that sharp-dressed, responsible man walks into a room your knees go weak, you feel your heart pounding, and suddenly you find your teenage giggle leaving your lips. Heck, I will even admit that in a room surrounded by men in uniform left me speechless. Not by choice, but because all my words sounded like I was speaking with marbles in my mouth.

I can’t speak for all women, but I can speak for myself, so I thought I would share my reasons for finding men in a military uniform sexy.

Integrity

From my experience, men in uniform stay true to their word and true to their values and beliefs. If he tells you that he is going to do something, he will do it.  He is the guy you can rely on, knowing that he will always be there for you. Men in uniform are highly respected, and in return, they give respect to others. They may require you to be worthy of their respect before they offer it to you because of their high moral compass; but once you have it, consider your heart safe.

Self-Confidence

A man in uniform is confident in himself and who he is. He stands taller, speaks clearer and projects a certain refined charisma. You can see strength and resilience in his eyes. He is less likely to change who he is, he will not be deterred from what he believes in his heart and he will not be easily pressured into doing things that he does not believe in. This self-confidence evokes a strong and protective character that tells me they can take care of not just themselves, but those around them.

Conviction and Commitment

Nothing says sexy more than someone who is putting his life on the line to protect your freedoms and rights. Joining the military is a choice; by serving his country, you know he has strong principles and is willing to fight for them.  Each branch of the military focuses on commitment, duty, honor, sacrifice, and service and others before self. These qualities run through the blood of men in the military and provide a deep connection to life and those they love. Their conviction and commitment enable them to create truly extraordinary relationships with other people that start in the heart.

Responsible

Men wearing a uniform have a responsibility to their position, to their country, and to their team. That responsibility translates to a relationship in that he is a man who knows what he wants out of life and has the ambition to go after it. He does not sit passively content in mediocrity. He understands the concepts of sacrifice and compromise. He knows life is unpredictable and unexpected. He is the guy who will be there for you when you need him, he will be in it with you, he will be your partner in whatever happens and will weather the storm with you.

Unquestionable Loyalty

Military men have a higher calling; they’re committed to serving their country, and their loyalty to the nation will take them to war zones, disaster areas, and anywhere they’re called to. They also forge strong bonds with one another. You’ve seen Band of Brothers, you’ve heard of “no man left behind.” It’s all true. They commit themselves to a purpose, and to one another, all for a greater cause. Seeing that they can devote themselves to something else outside of themselves shows a level of unselfishness and integrity that frankly, a lot of people, in general, don’t seem to have.

Fiercely Protective

I could claim until I am blue in the face that I can take care of myself, and for the most part I can; however, I still want a man who makes me feel safe. Part of that is biological and part of it is rooted in trust. Military men know how to use a gun, they know how to throw a punch, and they have experience carrying fellow soldiers who may have been injured. It’s nice to know that if you need him to, your man will step up and take control.

Patience

A  man in uniform is patient with himself, with others and with life. Why you ask? Because they are connected to their heart which allows them to authentically love life, themselves and other people, even when they don’t do what is expected – which is almost always. These are the men who know that all innocent in our ignorance. They believe we are each doing the best we can, all the time, even when it doesn’t look that way. If we truly knew how to do things better, we would.

Manners

Every door will be opened for you if there is a gentleman nearby who can do so. If you drop something, a man in uniform will pick it up. If you’re trying to carry something heavy and look like you’re struggling, it’s likely a military man will ask if you need any help. That’s just the way these men are. They’re conditioned to offer help, they like to be of service, and their mom’s trained them well. Military men are proof that chivalry is not dead.

Strength and Endurance

When I say strength and endurance I don’t mean how much a man can bench press, although a nice set of pecs doesn’t hurt. I’m talking about internal-fortitude strength. A man who is firmly-planted and knows who he is. Men in the military are grounded and have control of their emotions and impulses. The quiet confidence in a man, with no arrogant overtones, is extremely appealing.  Unlike the rest of us, they’re regularly placed in situations where there’s exceptional pressure, intense scrutiny by large numbers of evaluators and a very high incentive for success.

Heart First

If I have learned anything over the years, it is that men in the military are connected to the truth that lives in their heart. They have the unique capability to follow and trust their heart’s wisdom even when things don’t work out as expected. Mistakes and failures are often unavoidable; but, military men know there is a vital lesson hidden that needed to be learned.  They always strive to do the “right” thing and understand that everything they do is driven by their authentic heart. They navigate dilemmas and know when to say yes or no to the requests or demands of others. And just like women, they truly require warmth, compassion and most of all UNDERSTANDING before their heart can be yours.

Damn Sexy

Granted men in uniform are sexy because of their courage and dedication to service, but men in uniform just look hot as hell. As much as I love the image of clean-cut soldiers in their uniforms; their rugged, muddy, sweaty, and ash-ridden faces can make me swoon like a heroine in a historical novel. They’re the kind of guys not afraid to get down and dirty, or to get hurt and put their lives at risk, to save the people they serve—and the women they love. Face it, we all want a hero, and men in uniform epitomize that fantasy. The fact that these men do not want that title makes them even more desirable. Military men are modest and humble. They serve in best interest of the success of many versus the prominence of an individual

Said and Done

When it’s all said and done, the reasons why my heart skips a beat for a  man in uniform don’t matter, what matters is when the uniform comes off. Over the years, I’ve discovered that beneath the extraordinary armor are vulnerable, ordinary guys who want someone to lean on. Observing their friendships with others who have served touches my heart. It is truly beautiful to watch the rapport among these men, as they are often willing to put their life on the lines to protect their friends.  They are a beacon light on a dark day and a beam of hope when we feel helpless.

“A soldier doesn’t fight because he hates what is in front of him. A soldier fights because he loves what he left behind.” – unknown

Precious Moment

These men in uniform who swore to provide us with safety, to protect us from harm, and to save us from any danger are simply irresistible. They put our well-being before their own lives and stand proudly beside those they serve with.  We know they are men we can rely on; men who understand the value of commitment and responsibility to his platoon and to his own family. Most importantly they are men who make the women they love stronger, braver, more adventurous, more independent, and more loving. Military men know the value of life in a way that most other people don’t. And because of this,  he will make sure you know that every precious second with you is meaningful to him.

Disclaimer: These qualities are my observations after years of being around men in the military. There are always exceptions; I have just been lucky enough to have not met any.