Army Surplus

Whether you’re a fan of quality military surplus or a seasoned outdoor enthusiast, you’re likely no stranger to MOLLE. This type of gear is known for its unmatched ability to attach equipment for quick access and provide additional storage space for missions, wilderness treks, and everything in between. But do you know how to actually utilize MOLLE? Learn how to get the most out of the system with our MOLLE attachment ideas.

A Quick Refresher on MOLLE

The Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying System, better known as MOLLE, is a standardized system of attachment with rows of heavy-duty nylon fabric called PALS (pouch attachment ladder system). This modular system allows you to attach MOLLE pouches and tactical equipment to MOLLE

Most of us are aware that different military ranks are used to identify and define a service member’s authority and responsibilities in the military. But what’s less familiar is where each rank falls in the chain of command, leading to countless questions about rank. Sergeants, majors, colonels – how do they all stand within military rank? What is a corporal in the Marines?

What’s higher: captain or major? Learn more about military rank in our guide!

Pay Grade Classifications

Different military ranks are often attached to letter and number classifications, such as E-1. This refers to pay grade – not rank. These are administrative classifications used to standardize compensation across branches. The “E” stands for enlisted, the “W” stands for warrant officers, and the “O” stands for commissioned officers. The numbers attached (1 to 9) indicate the pay grade for that position.

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If you’re in a military family, have seen a military ceremony, or just shopped a large variety of military surplus, you may have noticed small metal coins. A long-held American tradition, those coins are actually called military challenge coins. What are challenge coins? Let’s learn more about the history of challenge coins, including what they represent, how they got their name and their current use.

Military Challenge Coins

What are military challenge coins? Challenge coins are small, specially designed coins or medallions that bear the insignia, emblem, or motto of an organization. They’re usually circular, but they can also be found as pentagons or spades.

These coins are given to individuals as a token of membership or belonging to an organization, or to acknowledge and honor their special achievements,

From durability to increased performance, there are plenty of benefits of tactical gear and backpacks. But there’s just one thing standing between you and those benefits: packing. While it’s important to include all of the gear you’ll need, it’s also important to properly pack your backpack so you’re not sacrificing comfort to carry a huge load of gear. This also helps ensure that you’re not going to cause any injuries or back strain. In this guide, we’ll teach you how to pack a tactical backpack and offer you backpack organization ideas that’ll have you packing like a pro for any outdoor adventure.

Your Packing List

Before you learn how to pack a tactical backpack, you need to figure out the outdoor survival gear you’ll bring. Despite the significant

Military clothing is known for its durability, high performance, and functionality – and BDUs are no exception. Even though it was officially retired by the US military in the mid-2000s, BDU clothing is still widely worn by outdoor enthusiasts, law enforcement, and others who work in tactical fields. But why? And what are military fatigues? Keep reading to discover more about what BDUs and fatigues are, their components, and why they’re such an iconic uniform to this day.

What Are BDUs?

What does BDU mean? An acronym for Battle Dress Uniform, the BDU was once worn by the US military for combat and active duty. BDU clothing was first introduced in late 1981, designed as a replacement for the standard OG-107 uniforms that troops had worn in the 1950s, ‘60s, and ‘70s.

Though the previous uniform had served well during the Korean War and Vietnam War, the military needed a more functional uniform that provided more advanced camouflage. Research

When shopping at a surplus store, it’s inevitable to come across plenty of items labeled as military surplus. But what does that even mean – and why should that matter to you? Continue reading to discover more about military surplus, including what it is, its history in our country, and the benefits of buying the best military surplus.

The Ins and Outs of Military Surplus Gear

What is military surplus, exactly? Military surplus refers to excess clothing and gear that the military no longer needs. Instead of getting thrown away, it’s made available to the public online and in stores. Military surplus stores typically purchase the goods through government auctions, directly from the military when surplus sales are announced, or even from service members selling their gear. Once acquired, the goods are inspected

When it comes to clothing for the winter season and the colder temperatures that come with it, one term you’re bound to come across is thermal clothing. It’s considered one of the best categories of clothing to have in your pack or on your person during outdoor excursions. But why? Do thermals keep you warm? Read on to find out about thermal clothing, including what it is and how it works to keep you warm in the bitter cold.

About Thermal Clothing

What is thermal clothing, and how do thermals keep you warm? Let’s break it down.

Thermal means heat, or caused by changes in temperature. This type of extreme cold weather gear is made from breathable, moisture-wicking fabric that works by trapping your body heat and preventing it from escaping. You’ve likely noticed that thermal shirts, pants, and other clothing have a unique honeycomb weave appearance.

Military or not, most of us are familiar with military identification tags, more commonly known as military dog tags. They’re easily one of the most recognizable pieces of ID that soldiers wear – but have you ever wondered about their origins? Or better yet, why are they even called dog tags? Keep reading to learn about the history of military dog tags, what goes on military dog tags, and how they got their name.

What’s in a Name?

Before we examine the history of military dog tags, we’ll examine how they got their name. There are many rumors about why these identification tags are called dog tags. Some believe that the nickname came from World War II draftees, who allegedly claimed they were treated like dogs. Another rumor is that they got their name because the tags looked like the metal tags on dog collars.

However, according to the Army Historical Foundation, the

Every outdoor enthusiast needs a high-quality, rugged pack they can count on. Facing hours (or even days) of tough wilderness conditions, the last thing you need is your bag breaking or tearing. That’s why so many turn to ALICE. Used by the military for decades, ALICE packs have proven their durability in the field long ago. Wondering whether an ALICE pack is the right choice for you? Read on to learn more about what an ALICE pack is and why it’s one of the most versatile options for outdoor use.

History and Development of the Modern ALICE Pack

Though they weren’t introduced until the 1970s, development for ALICE packs actually began in the ‘60s. The US Army launched a program called the Lightweight Individual Clothing and Equipment (LINCLOE) program, with one of its goals being to lighten a soldier’s load with a lightweight load-carrying system. The pack