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Stay in Style With a Military Beret

by craigkent

January 11th, 2011

We’ve all seen a military beret, but why does the military wear it? The hat sure has a unique design, so it must serve some special purpose. There’s also a special forces group named after the hat (the Green Berets), so the hat has obviously a decent level of importance in the military.

The military beret has its roots in the 19th century among Spanish soldiers. This new headwear was issued because of its low cost and the limited care that it required. The US began using the military beret in 1961 with its special forces units. The Army special forces used green berets, and this distinguished them from other units. Thus, the Army special forces became known as the Green Berets. The Rangers also began using the military beret in the 1970s.

Currently, several non-special forces units are authorized to wear the military beret in the US Army, Navy, and Air Force. There are several different colors which have different meanings, including green, black, tan, maroon, and blue.

Military beret as part of the Army Service Uniform

As of 2001, the beret is the standard headgear as part of the Army Service Uniform. The green beret remains reserved for special forces units, while tan is specifically used for the Rangers. Maroon berets are used for airborne units, and black is used for all other Army personnel.

The beret is not authorized for use in the battlefield, however it was at one point. One of the reasons the military beret became a popular military surplus item was that it could be worn with headphones without getting the way of the wearer. This made it common among tank operators. Another benefit of the beret is that it can be easily rolled up and put in a soldier’s pocket or an epaulette (strap on the shoulder of a a soldier’s uniform). The military beret is usually made of wool.

The military beret is available to the general public in a variety of the colors used by the US military. This military beret from Amazon is a great price and it comes in maroon, black, navy blue, and green.

Written by Craig Kent, member of the Best Military Surplus team.

Categories Hats
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BDU Replacement – NWU

by craigkent

April 2nd, 2010

Finally, we’ve come to the last new military uniform — the Navy Working Uniform (NWU). Just as the Navy is the last in our series on replacements for the BDU, the NWU was the last new military uniform to be introduced.

The first Navy soldiers to be issued the NWU received their uniforms in January of 2009. The NWU is replacing a myriad of other uniforms formerly used by the Navy, including the Utility Uniform and Working Khaki Uniform. The most exciting change in these uniforms is the fact that they’re camouflage. They are based on the camo patterns of other new military uniforms, and make use of the “digital” camo design. There will be three alternatives for the pattern: primarily blue, with some gray; woodland digital; and desert digital. The primarily blue pattern will be used by sailors more than any other. The NWU will be the required uniform as of January 2011.

The new Navy digital camo

The components to the uniform are fairly standard. In addition to the cotton/nylon coat and pants, a blue cotton undershirt is be worn, along with an eight-point cap. The boots for the NWU are the same as those used by the Coast Guard, although non-shined boots will be allowed for activity while not on a ship (otherwise shined boots will be worn).

The NWU is not to be used in combat, as soldiers engaged in combat situations are given tactical clothes to wear. Like the Marine’s MARPAT uniform, the NWU makes use of infrared technology to help those using infrared detect wearers of the NWU (read about the technology here).

Like other new uniforms, the Navy Working Uniform is so new that it’s one military surplus item that’s tough to find. Be sure to check back later, as the uniforms are sure to be available in the future. For right now, you can get some great blue camouflage items right here.

Be sure to check out all the other articles on replacements for the BDU (right here), and let us know which new uniform you like best.

Written by Craig Kent, member of the Best Military Surplus team.

Categories Camouflage, Clothing, Hats
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BDU Replacement – Air Force Uniform (ABU)

by craigkent

March 27th, 2010

The new Air Force uniform, called the Airman Battle Uniform (ABU), is the most distinguishable of all the new military uniforms. This Air Force uniform was announced to the public in 2003 and is currently in the process of being fully instituted into the Air Force. It will completely replace the Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) by 2011.

The most obvious difference of the new Air Force uniform is its camouflage design, which is a tiger stripe design. This pattern first came into existence during the Vietnam War era. The updated version of the pattern has been “digitized,” and looks similar to the Army’s ACU, the Marine Corps’ MARPAT, and the Navy’s Navy Working Uniform in that regard.

Close-up of the new tiger stripe pattern

In terms of items included in the new Air Force uniform, they are very similar to the old BDU. A patrol cap or boonie hat is worn on the head. A moisture-wicking, sand-colored t-shirt is used under the blouse. The trousers are basically the same as the BDU, and combat boots are required to be sage green (tan boots are allowed for a limited time).

The original blouse was supposedly too thick and caused soldiers to get too hot, but revisions are being made to correct this problem.

We’re so excited that the new Air Force uniform is one of the new military uniforms you can actually get for yourself! For everything you want in the new tiger stripe pattern, check out this selection. These military surplus items are sure to be a favorite!

Read about the other BDU replacements here.

Written by Craig Kent, member of the Best Military Surplus team.

Categories Boots, Camouflage, Clothing, Clothing Accessories, Hats, Men, Women
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BDU Replacement – ODU

by craigkent

March 19th, 2010

The Operational Dress Uniform (ODU) is the Coast Guard’s most recent update to standard-issue uniforms. The ODU may be the least “flashy” of all the newest uniforms in the U.S. military, but it nonetheless gets the job done.

The ODU was introduced in 2004, and was meant to replace the “Undress Duty Uniform.” The ODU is very similar to the BDU in many regards. The biggest changes involve the two lower pockets on the blouse being removed, and a requirement for the blouse to be tucked into the trousers. Although, an alternative version of the blouse becamse available in 2008 that is not required to be tucked in. The blouse and trousers are made from a nylon/cotton ripstop, and are navy blue in color. The Coast Guard ball cap is the form of headgear used with the ODU. Footwear for the ODU is the Super Boot II, which has a safety toe.

The ODU is not used for combat situations, or for Coast Guard personnel stationed overseas. Instead, they continue to use the BDU.

Like any military uniform, the ODU is rugged and durable. It’s the perfect type of clothing for tinkering on your car in the garage, hiking through a dense forest, or wearing in public for a fashion statement. It’s tough to come by an actual ODU, but since they are so similar to the BDU, that’s the best military surplus uniform to get to be like the Coast Guard. You can get a BDU shirt that has two pockets like the ODU right here, pants that are very similar to ODU pants here, a ball cap here, and military-style boots here.

Read about the other BDU replacements here.

Written by Craig Kent, member of the Best Military Surplus team.

Categories Clothing, Clothing Accessories, Hats, Men, Women
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BDU Replacement – ACU (Army Combat Uniform)

by craigkent

March 12th, 2010

The Army Combat Uniform (ACU) is the Army’s replacement for the Battle Dress Uniform (BDU). This is the second article in our series about BDU replacements. As mentioned in the first one, the BDU used to be the standard uniform for all branches of the military. But recently, the BDU has been in the process of being replaced. Lucky for us civilians, the BDU will continue to be a staple military surplus item that we will be able to buy for a long time to come.

The Army’s change to the new ACU occurred during the period of 2005 to 2007. Like the MCCUU, the ACU uses the Universal Camouflage Pattern. The pattern uses “digital” pixels colored green, tan, and gray, and is effective in a number of different environments, including wooded areas and desert.

Army Combat Shirt

The jacket used with the ACU is only slightly modified from the one used with the BDU. An alternative to the jacket is the new Army Combat Shirt, which can be worn in hot weather and is resistant to fire. The M-65 field jacket (heavier than the regular jacket) is again part of the uniform, with the only change being no shoulder epaullettes. The trousers are pretty basic, made in nylon/cotton ripstop. They feature a nylon belt and pockets on the thighs and calves. Army Combat Pants are a flame-resistant version of the trousers. The t-shirt worn is a moisture-wicking shirt that’s sand-colored. The standard combat boot is the footwear of the ACU. There are three options for headwear with the ACU: the MICH TC-2000 Combat Helmet, a boonie hat, or a patrol hat.

The ACU uses hook-and-loop (commonly known as “Velcro”) to attach name tags, rank insignias, and other patches to the jacket. The jacket makes use of the Near Infrared (NIR) Signature Management Technology to protect soldiers from NIR Information Converters. These devices detect radiation variances in order to spot enemy personnel. Infrared IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) pieces are sewn into the shoulders of the ACU jacket, which allow wearers to appear to have the same radiation levels as surrounding objects, thus making them appear invisible to those using a converter device.

Well different from the MCCUU, the ACU can be easily purchased by civilians. You can get all pieces of the uniform, from the jacket, to the combat boots, to the patrol hat. The one exception is that the jacket available for sale does not contain the NIR technology. The ACU components have nearly an unlimited number of alternative uses outside of the military. The combat boots work great for hiking and hunting. The patrol cap and boonie hat are awesome protection from the sun during those summer days. The t-shirt is an excellent work-out shirt, as it will wick away any moisture. And the regular ACU jacket (which comes in colors other than camo) can be worn at any time, whether you’re doing yard-work or just relaxing. The get every piece of ACU that you need, check out this selection. Wearing the new ACU is a great way to show your support for our troops!

Read about the other BDU replacements here.

Written by Craig Kent, member of the Best Military Surplus team.

Categories Boots, Camouflage, Clothing, Clothing Accessories, Hats, Men, Women
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BDU Replacement – Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform, MARPAT

by craigkent

March 6th, 2010

The Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform (MCCUU) with the MARPAT (MARine PATtern) design is the Marine’s replacement for the Battle Dress Uniform (BDU). We did an article a little while ago on the BDU (you can read it here), which at one point was the standard uniform for all branches of the U.S. military. But that changed when the Marines began their shift to the MCCUU earlier this decade. The Army and other military branches have also begun changing over from the BDU to respective new uniforms.

Marine soldiers sporting the MCCUU

The change to the new MCCUU took place from 2001 to 2004. The most noticeable change is the new MARPAT design. It makes use of tiny green, tan, and gray pixels to make for a digital effect.

This design is effective for woodland and desert conditions. The components of the uniform include a blouse, trousers, utility cover or boonie hat, t-shirt, and combat boots.

The blouse (shirt) is similar to the M-65 field jacket. It has four pockets its elbows have padding and uses the MARPAT design. The trousers have a reinforced seat and knees, and are also made with the MARPAT design. The t-shirt is part of the Flame Resistant Organizational Gear system used by the Marines.

The MARPAT desert pattern and MARPAT woodland pattern

As the group of clothing suggests, the shirt is resistant to fire, and it also has moisture-wicking properties. The utility cover, also known as an 8-point cover, is similar to the Army’s patrol cap. The combat boots are the standard issue boots used by other branches of the military.

The thing about the newest military uniforms is that are hard to come by for purchase, including the MARPAT MCCUU. As of right now, the only part of the uniform that’s available is the combat boots, which you can get right here. As soon as we have the uniforms available for purchase, we’ll let you know. In the meantime, check out the BDU military surplus items you can get in the MARPAT woodland and desert design right here (Amazon calls the pattern “Digital Woodland” and “Desert Digital”).

Read about the other BDU replacements here.

Written by Craig Kent, member of the Best Military Surplus team.

Categories Boots, Camouflage, Clothing, Clothing Accessories, Hats, Men, Women
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Boonie Hat – Funny Name, Great Hat

by craigkent

March 3rd, 2010

The boonie hat is not the most common hat for soldiers on the battlefield, but it’s great for soldier stationed in sunny places. Some think these hats look funny, but for soldiers who use them for camouflage and protection from the sun, there’s nothing funny about them.

The boonie hat’s roots go back to Australia in the 1940s. Rumor has it that the hat got its name because it was used by those who live out in the “boonies.” The hat was used by farmers and ranchers as protection from the sun. It’s flexible brim gave versatility as to how much shade its wearer’s head received. Small holes were also cut into the crown to provide ventilation. The U.S. military adopted this design in the 1960s for use in the Vietnam War with little modifications. It was at this point when the boonie hat became a military surplus item. Like the original boonie hats, the ones used by the U.S. gave protection from the sun, but also gave some camouflage and protection from rain. The military boonie hat originally featured olive drab, woodland, and tiger stripe camouflage patterns. It was first made using cotton.

The boonie hat is still used by all branches of the U.S. military, most recently being used by soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. It’s the alternative to wearing the basic patrol cap (the baseball-style cap). It’s made from either cotton ripstop or nylon material. Most hats include a strap attached to the bottom of the crown on the inside. The hat comes in several designs, including woodland camo, desert camo, woodland and desert MARPAT (MARine PATtern), and ABU pattern.

Like lots of other military surplus, boonie hats aren’t just for the military. They give great sun protection for those who spend lots of time outdoors. They’re the perfect camping and fishing hat. You can also get one that fits your hunting camouflage needs.

So how do you choose the boonie hat that’s right for you? That’s easy: get your favorite color! Choose from this wide selection.

Written by Craig Kent, member of the Best Military Surplus team.

Categories Clothing, Hats
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Cold Gear Outergarments – Extra Protection for Extra Cold Weather

by craigkent

February 25th, 2010

A couple weeks ago, we did an article on cold gear clothing worn under regular clothes. This is the follow-up article on some of the clothing military forces wear on the outside to stay warm. Most of the items mentioned here are part of the Extended Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS) commissioned by the U.S. military.

Gore-Tex Parka This is the staple item of cold gear worn by soldiers commissioned in cold places. These heavy-duty coats are made with Gore-Tex material, which is a polytetrafluorethylene water-proof fabric with breathability. They have the option of zipping a smaller fleece jacket onto the inside as a liner for more warmth. And we can’t forget the handy collar and hood for that extra protection from the wind. Get your Gore-Tex parka here. You can also get one in camo (like the one pictured) made of lower quality here.

Trousers These cold gear pants match the parka. They’re made with HYVAT material, which is similar to Gore-Tex. They insulate, they’re waterproof, and they have great ventilation. But most importantly, they protect from the cold like no other pants do. Get your camo ECWCS trousers right here.

Gloves and Glove Liners Hands get cold quicker than just about any part of the body. Nylon gloves made with Hipora inserts and leather palms provide great warmth for the soldier in the coldest conditions. And for even more warmth, glove liners made from polypropylene are the obvious choice. Check out this selection of both styles of gloves.

Head Gear There are a few cold gear options for keeping your head warm. The ECWCS includes a stocking cap and balaclava. The balaclava is adjustable and can be worn over the head or just over the neck. You can also get the basic fleece watch cap or beanie. If you’re wearing a thinner balaclava (part of the cold gear undergarment set), the cap will fit over it.

Bunny Boots Don’t let their name fool you. This footwear is the ultimate protection for your feet when it comes to cold gear. The boots are made with a layer of wool (sometimes 1 inch thick) in between the inside and outside of the boot, which are made of rubber. There are two designs: Type I and Type II. Type I is made to withstand temperatures below 0 degrees Fahrenheit, while Type II is used in temperatures below -20 degrees.

Like what you see? To get all the military cold gear you need, check out Amazon’s great selection.

Written by Craig Kent, member of the Best Military Surplus team.

Categories Boots, Camouflage, Clothing, Clothing Accessories, Hats
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5 Super Special Awesome Surplus Cheap Items

by Administrator

February 23rd, 2010

Here you go! Clearance military surplus gear from Outinstyle. They are all new items, just happen to be on clearance right now. Only while they last.

Let us know what you thought of these items and what other kinds of items you would like to see most in the future.

-Bill Wayne

Categories Clothing, Hats, Men, Survival/Emergency, Women
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Long Live the BDU

by craigkent

January 21st, 2010

This uniform saw all kinds of action during its tenure, serving its purpose dutifully. It kept our military personnel clothed as we entered into the 21st century, and has brought them to their next stage of uniform evolution. The battle dress uniform (BDU) was the standard issue form of combat dress for all branches of the U.S. military for over 26 years, entering into service in September of 1981. The uniform become unauthorized on April 30, 2008. But regardless of this, some military personnel still wear some of its pieces. Some police units, such as SWAT, also still make use of the uniforms.

As the name suggests, the uniform was designed for battle situations, as opposed dress uniform used for other purposes. Components of the BDU included a hat, shirt, and pants, which are all shown to the left. A field jacket similar to the M-65 was also used for cold weather conditions. The original design used for the BDU was Woodland camouflage, which is shown in the picture to the left.

As any form of military clothing or gear, the BDU underwent several modifications and changes throughout its history. In 2001, the Army began to use a beret with the garrison uniform instead of the BDU cap (although the cap was still used during combat).

Two versions of each the jacket and pants were made: one for hot weather and one for temperate weather. The hot weather components were made from either 100 percent cotton or 50/50 cotton and polyester, both in the ripstop weave. The temperate weather components were made in the twill weave with cotton and either polyester or nylon.

Several camouflage patterns and solid colors were used throughout the BDUs history. These designs and colors included the original Woodland Camouflage; six- and three-colored desert patterns; and solid black, navy, and khaki. Two other patterns, “chocolate-chip camouflage” and “desert night camouflage,” were also used during the Gulf War in 1991. (If you’re interested in more camouflage patterns, click here.)

All branches of the military have de-commissioned the BDU. The Marine Corp now uses the Marine Corp Combat Utility Uniform, with it changeover from BDUs being completed in 2004. The Army uses the Army Combat Uniform, adopted between 2005 and 2007. The Navy Began using the Navy Working Uniform in 2007, authorizing it in 2009. The Air Force now uses the Airman Battle Uniform, and is expected to complete its changeover from BDUs by 2011.

So now the question is, what good is the BDU for the non-military person? Well, since the uniform was field-tested for over 25 years, and it stood the test, it must be among the highest quality of all clothing. Its durability and ruggedness make it perfect for camping and hiking. The wide range of camouflage designs make it great hunting clothing. And its fashion provides for the perfect casual military outfit.

Get these BDU items now by clicking here.

Written by Craig Kent, member of the Best Military Surplus team.

Categories Camouflage, Clothing, Hats
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