Left: Surplus. Right: Fake
Be aware that many websites and retailers are advertising: “Military Style”, “Military Grade”, “Mil Spec” and will use other similar military style wording.
This is designed to trick us consumers, to avoid letting you and me know that the items are simply not Genuine Military Issue.
For example, I had purchased a Military style GI cup from a retailer on Amazon. It claimed to be stainless steel, but when I got it, it was a suspicious metal with a sparkly grey powdery coating. Ok, not stainless steel, and I’m not sure it’s even safe to drink from.
To make matters even worse, there is a label on the bottom that says “Made in China”. I’m pretty confident that our military supplies are typically made in the United States of America.
Made in China and sketchy looking materials and coating, that’s 3 strikes. This cup in non-usable for me, even in a back yard camping situation.
Luckily for us there are ways to identify real military surplus.
Military products are identified by a label on some articles such as fabric (ponchos,etc,). The label is silk-screened directly on the fabric.
Label with NSN #
The label contains:
- The NSN # (National Stock Number)
- A description of the article.
- The name of the manufacturer.
- Other information such laundry instructions (not required)
If you don’t see at least the first three items listed there is a very good chance that it’s not military.
Stamped “US”
Now there are exceptions. For example, you can’t put a pretty silk-screened fabric label on a stainless steel GI cup that will end up exposed to heat and fire.
Military quality usually exceeds similar products of commercial quality. Military grade tends to look and feel very rugged. On “Army” boots you can see the thread stitching. You can tell that it’s military and will last forever. if the stitching on the soles appears to be molded into the rubber, it’s commercial grade and the stitching is only decorative, and probably won’t last nearly as long.
We’re not saying that anything that is not true military surplus is or is not good. I am sure there are “Military style” items for sale that are amazingly awesome. We are saying that if you are looking to buy genuine military surplus then be aware and do some checking to ensure you are getting legitimate military surplus!
If you don’t have a reputable Military Surplus store in your area, Amazon.com has tons of military surplus.
Bravo! This is a great explanation. We’re surplus fans, of course, but I think Rothco products are well made too. I hope you were able to get a refund for your purchase on Amazon. I tried to get a refund once but no luck.
Please be warned about whom you “buy” military surplus from!
I recently purchased a large ALICE pack from Allegheny Surplus Outlet in PA.
The pack was listed as being in “Very Good to Excellent” condition.
When I received this item – the kidney straps were cut, the retaining strap was so old it had “cracks”.
The bottom of the top three pockets were ripped out at the bottom. This item was a POS for my $55.00.
The bottom of the frame was so beat and worn the metal legs weren’t even the same length.
I took pictures and sent them to Allegheny Surplus Outlet.
Was told I had to send the pack back at my expense as they had to verify it was one of “theirs”…..
Your kidding right?
Never heard from or received a response since then.
My recommendation would be to avoid them at all costs.
Horrible people.
This is from a “Nam” vet – 63 years young.
I know what I’m talking about – I wore these “In Country”.
One of our friends has purchased many items from Allegheny Surplus Outlet in PA and has had nothing but great things to say. I guess it depends on which employee fills the order and who takes the RMA call. It only takes 1 bad apple to spoil the bunch.
Also, smart move, Bob, for using Hushmail! Glad to see someone taking their privacy seriously! OpSec is key!
Excellent article and let me pile on one more reason to buy true milspec when it comes to field equipment, ponchos, outergarments, etc.
If you’re concerned about IR signature the milspec equipment was designed and treated to present the minimum IR signature possible…now with use and improper cleaning (like using detergent with ‘optical brighteners’) it can wear off…but at least it started off as IR resistent.