Military surplus
Military surplus are goods, usually
equipment, and tools of a nature that is generally useful to the civilian population, as well as embroidered patches, name tags, and other items that can be used for a faux military uniform. Occasionally, vehicles (jeeps, trucks, etc.) will be sold as well.[1] Some military surplus dealers also sell military surplus firearms,[2] spare parts, and ammunition
alongside surplus uniforms and equipment.
Demand for such items comes from various
survivalists, and players of airsoft and paintball, as well as others seeking high quality, sturdy, military issue garb. Reenactment groups
usually sought after historically-accurate restrike uniforms and equipment for displays, filmwork etc.
The goods may be used, or not. Some merchants of surplus goods also sell goods that are privately manufactured in military standards. Most items that are sold in military surplus stores in the United States are deemed "military grade". This designation refers to meeting a relevant United States Military Standard. For example, uniforms meet Army Regulation 670-1.
History
The examples and perspective in this section deal primarily with the United States and do not represent a worldwide view of the subject. (March 2018) |
The history of army surplus in the United States dates back to the
better source needed] This was the first large American war that required proper military uniforms for many troops.[citation needed] In earlier wars, most troops were basically a militia
wearing whatever they had with them. This required mass-produced wears and arms for both sides. After the war, to recoup some money, they sold the supplies in stores. Thus the military surplus store was born.
In the 1870s, Francis Bannerman VI operated "Bannerman's surplus".Bannerman's Castle, a massive storage facility on Pollepel Island in the Hudson River, to store his goods.
See also
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Military surplus.
- Surplus store
- Diminishing manufacturing sources and material shortages
- Performance-based logistics
- Spare part
- Military Surplus Act (Kahn–Wadsworth Act)
- Surplus Property Act
- Radical Dance Faction, band previously known as "Military Surplus"
References
- ^ "The World's Biggest Clearance Sale." Popular Mechanics, February 1955, pp. 89-93.
- ^ "How To Buy Military Surplus Guns". ArmsList. Retrieved 21 December 2023.
- ^ "Short History of surplus". Kaufman Surplus.
- ^ "Firearms and Sporting Goods". Archived from the original on 2019-03-06.