Military surplus are goods, usually matériel, that are sold or otherwise disposed of when no longer needed by the military. Entrepreneurs often buy these goods and resell them at surplus stores. Usually the goods sold by the military are clothing, equipment, and tools of a generally useful nature, as well as embroidered patches, name tags, and other items that can be used for a faux military uniform. Occasionally, vehicles will be sold as well (jeeps, trucks, etc.).
Demand for such items comes from various collectors, survivalists, and players of airsoft and paintball, as well as those seeking high quality, sturdy, military issue garb.
History
The history of army surplus dates back to the American Civil War. This was the first large war that required proper military uniforms for many troops. 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.
Francis Bannerman VI founded and owned "Bannerman's surplus". His surplus company was one of the largest ever to operate. He built Bannerman's Castle, a massive storage facility on Pollepel Island in the Hudson River to store his goods.
See also
- Surplus store
- DMSMS
- Performance-based logistics
- Spare part
- Surplus Property Act
- Military Surplus (Radical Dance Faction)
References
External links
- Media related to Military surplus at Wikimedia Commons
- Media related to Surplus stores at Wikimedia Commons
