Surplus is real military gear, and the exact conditions may vary. We grade used military surplus to give you options and offer a clearer description. Military gear was built well and used by soldiers providing its tested quality. Our team has carefully inspected all items and made necessary repairs.
Here's a breakdown of the most common grading system used for military surplus:
These items are brand new or "Dead Stock", never issued to service members.
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.
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.
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.
These items were used and show more noticeable signs of wear.
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.
These items have considerable wear and tear and may not be fully functional without repairs.
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 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.
You can shop with confidence knowing we inspect, sort, and grade every single piece of military surplus that comes through our doors. We buy from reputable sources, ensuring authenticity of US made military-issued clothing and gear. Our unique grading system allows each item a chance at a second life, regardless of its final purpose.
