Understanding Military Surplus Grading: What Do New, Grade 1, 2 and 3 Mean?

One of the unique aspects about military surplus gear is that each item may show different wear. All of the “Used Surplus” were once issued and some had long deployments where others may have been turned in with little or no use.  This is all based on the soldier's job known as MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) or if they had extra gear etc.

Understanding different military surplus conditions—or grades—is key to making an informed purchase. In this guide, we’ll break down what the grading system means and how to evaluate military surplus before you buy. 

Why Is There a Grading System for Military Surplus?

When shopping in person at an Army Navy Store, you can inspect the gear before buying. But this isn’t possible when buying online. For that reason a grading system helps buyers understand the level of wear and tear an item has undergone, allowing them to make smarter decisions when purchasing. This is particularly important when you're buying survival items like tents, ponchos, or field equipment.  Military surplus is made to be durable so in most cases it can be used well beyond military service and buying used surplus in grades also gives it a second life before going to the dump.

Learn more in our Guide to Buying Military Surplus

The Lack of an Official Grading System

It’s important to note that there is no official, standardized grading system for military surplus. Each seller uses their own criteria to assess the condition of items. One seller may consider an item "Grade 2," while another may list it as "Grade 1."  This variability can be confusing for buyers.  Since grading is also subjective, not all grade 2 for example may be the same between companies. Be sure to read a grade description. 

We for example have the ability to repair a lot of items where most companies do not,  so larger holes or damage would be “norma use” to most but when companies repair in-house they will do so improving the quality. To make it even more challenging when surplus is sold at wholesale to dealers it is usually only in two conditions. #1 which means general used to expect a variety of holes, missing buckles but is serviceable as is or sold as #2, poor condition needing repairs or in need of functional repairs. 

That’s why it’s important to buy from a reputable seller who clearly outlines their grading system and provides honest descriptions of the condition of the items.  

Look for sellers who:

• Clearly list the item’s condition
• Explain their condition grading system
• Have good reviews and a clear return policy because expectations can be different.
• Repair in-house

By buying from reputable dealers, you’ll be able to better understand what you’re getting. At Army Navy Outdoors, we list the condition of each item and explain it in our Condition Guide. We also offer free returns on most items. See the return policy here.

Military Surplus Conditions Grade

Here’s a breakdown of the most common grading system used for military surplus:

New:

• Also Called: Unused, A+ Grade 
• Condition: These items are brand new or  “Dead Stock”, never issued or to service members
• What to Expect: These items may have been overstocked or produced in excess for military needs. They should be in pristine condition and may even be in their original packaging. Note that some new items may have been stored for long periods of time, so they still may have some dust depending on what it is. .

Grade 1:

• Also Called:  Like New 
• Condition: These items may have been un-issued or issued but have no signs of use.  To meet this grade Army Navy Outdoors for example looks at zippers, buttons and buckles for scratches and use since those are telltale signs. The color should be crisp also.  This grade is the hardest to get and would be closer to a new price but still a discount to be well worth it.
• What to Expect: Grade 1 surplus items typically have minor signs of use, such as small stains or storage marks, but none of these imperfections should affect the functionality of the item. 

Grade 2:

• Also Called: Grade B, General Used 
• Condition: These items were used and show more noticeable signs of wear.
• What to Expect: Items in this category are often more “broken in” and have obvious signs of use and storage, such as stains, small holes, scratches, or surface rust. While these items might need minor repairs, they are generally still functional and represent a great value, especially for the price. If you’re looking for items that are inexpensive and still serve their intended purpose, Grade 2 surplus can be a good choice and the most common. 

Grade 3:

• Also Called: Grade C, Excessive Use, Salvage
• Condition: These items have considerable wear and tear and may not be fully functional without repairs.
• What to Expect: Grade 3 surplus items are the most worn and typically have visible damage, such as large holes, bad zippers, missing or broken buckles that are functional etc.  While some may still be functional, they will likely need repairs before being used for critical tasks. It is recommended that you test the gear before taking it into the field. 
• Some of this grade is good for turn-in CIF.  Note however that over the years turn-in gear still needs to be in condition that was used in normal use or the soldier can be charged back.  A broken zipper however may be okay and expected but a missing shoulder strap is not.  Pro-hack In a lot of cases they can be turned into your units resupply as damaged in the field then used to turn into CIF.  Do this early since it may not work the day before you need to go to CIF.

When Condition Matters

When it comes to military surplus, condition matters for functionality. A Grade 1 waterproof jacket will likely be just as good as a new one, while a Grade 3 jacket may let water through. Understanding the grade will help you gauge whether an item fits your needs and your budget.

For more on this, read: New vs. Used Military Surplus

Should You Buy New or Used Military Surplus Gear?

Contrary to common belief, not all items at military surplus stores are used. You can also find new items that were never issued to service members, often because of overproduction or overstock. While the used items might be cheaper and have more character, there are some situations where it’s better to choose new gear.