Having had family, co-workers and friends deployed continually since two weeks after 9/11, I have become pretty good at hunting down requested gear! All of these suppliers carry the "real deal", not import knock-offs that aren't mil-spec.

Even if the items these companies are offering are imports, they usually meet or exceed issue item specs. Note: if you are buying for frontline combat troops, be aware that even some of these suppliers carry items which are okay for field training, but not for combat use. This is usually due to buckles and hardware not being the "spec" Foliage Green or Coyote Brown color. Cheap black hardware does not always meet night-vision stealth specs. Most high-end aftermarket suppliers know this and supply the real thing. Just be sure of what you are trying to get for which type of troops.

Please call/email these suppliers with questions about products and shipping to APO addresses. They have a LOT of knowledge about it by now.

For about ANYTHING in uniforms, supplies, kit and gear for the military, try these suppliers:

ACTION GEAR – Brigade Quartermaster (aka www.actiongear.com) has about everything for a warrior. Live inventory levels online and they are authorized to ship directly to Iraq, Afghanistan, etc. A first class act that works HARD for the deployed. U.S. CAVALRY – Another full line, full service name familar to all troops for the last 20 or so years! They have LOTS of gear and uniforms at fair prices. Good customer service as well! RANGER JOE'S – Many a Ranger from Ft. Benning has bought from this supplier, and you should feel confident to do so too. Lots of really clever personal field items as well as all the usual gear and uniforms. ENTRY GEAR – This supplier often has really hard-to-find gear for hardcore, frontline troops. This gear is not cheap, but the price asked is very fair compared to what others charge for it! Great customer service as well. GALLS – For either the Military, Police, Firefighter or EMT, Gall's has it all! They carry massive inventory and have live stock status for fewer backorders. Prices are fair and service is great! SUPER TROOPER – While SuperTrooper has much of the regular field uniforms and gear needed, they have the BEST deal on stock Dress Uniforms going, in your size. Also, their custom-made Dress Uniforms are fairly priced as well. High-End Gear Manufacturers that will sell direct: These companies make plate carriers, pouches and load bearing rigs in hard-to-find colors like MARPAT, Ranger Green, Foliage Green, ACU and Coyote Brown. EAGLE INDUSTRIES BLACKWATER GEAR SPEC-OPS BRAND SPECTER GEAR DIAMONDBACK TACTICAL AITES USA   Individual military items that are hard-to-find: SUPPLY CAPTAIN - Hard-to-find MOLLE Gear. IFAK individual supplies and complete kits. Helmet hardware and suspension. Plus more, more, more! DIY TACTICAL STORE - All the thread, webbing and hardware to modify or make gear that does fit your needs! Plus a handy "How To" section. 1800NAMETAPE.COM - Bar none, the fastest and most professional supplier of Rank, Insignia and Nametapes for ALL branches of military service! Outstanding! WOLF GUNSPRINGS - Are your issued magazines a little tired? Wolff Gunsprings can fix that and it's a small investment that could save your life! Better that OEM mag springs and more. Also available from www.brownells.com and www.midwayusa.com OTIS TECHNOLOGY INC. - "Pocket" cleaning kits for every weapon up to 40 mm and .50 cal!! Not cheap for the big weapon kits, but quality costs money. For the kit for a Grunt with an M4 Carbine, the price is not so bad and it's handy to tote. Also available through www.midwayusa.com