Whenever we flew CONUS commercially, the first thing we’d do when we deplaned was head to the nearest bathroom and get out of our uniforms, and put on civvies.
When I got out in 1974, I almost immediately enrolled in college on the GI Bill. I grew a beard and grew out my hair, as being former military on a college campus in California in those days was not a popular distinction.
Fu Manchu mustache and Beatles haircut happened immediately after hon sep. I made full use of the GI Bill right after USAF, and ended up doing better in college (after 4 years mil) than I did in HS.
Sadly, many of my former mil brethren (and sisteren) didn't use their GI Bill at all. I do wonder if some feared rejection from potential classmates.