A staggering 3 million people work for the U.S. Department of Defense, making it the largest employer in the country.1 With such a vast workforce dedicated to keeping America safe, it’s no surprise that many groundbreaking inventions have emerged from military research.
From the internet to your favorite snacks, here are 25 everyday items that you might not have realized were born in the barracks.
1. GPS Navigation
Gone are the days of unfolding cumbersome paper maps. The Global Positioning System (GPS) that guides us to our destinations was originally developed by the U.S. Department of Defense in the 1970s to aid submarine navigation.
Today, GPS is used in everything from agriculture to wildlife conservation.
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2. Aviator Sunglasses
The iconic aviator sunglasses that have been a fashion staple for decades were first designed for U.S. Army Air Corps pilots in the 1930s.
Bausch & Lomb created the tear-shaped lenses to fully cover the eyes and protect against sun glare at high altitudes.
3. Duct Tape
This versatile adhesive was developed during World War II as a waterproof tape for sealing ammunition cases.
After the war, duct tape found a new purpose in the construction industry for sealing heating and air conditioning ducts, leading to its current name.
4. EpiPens
The EpiPen, a life-saving device for those with severe allergies, has its roots in a 1970s military auto-injector called the ComboPen, designed to protect soldiers from chemical warfare agents.
Its civilian counterpart, preloaded with epinephrine, has become a vital tool for quickly treating anaphylactic shock.
5. Microwave Ovens
The technology behind microwave ovens was stumbled upon by accident. During World War II, engineer Percy Spencer noticed that radar waves had melted the candy bar in his pocket.
Further experimentation led to the development of the first microwave oven, which was initially used by the military before becoming a household appliance.
6. Freeze-Dried Foods
Freeze-drying, a process that preserves food by removing moisture in a vacuum chamber, was developed independently by several European scientists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
During World War II, the U.S. military widely adopted freeze-drying to prevent blood plasma and penicillin from spoiling during transport to Europe.
7. Wristwatches
While wristwatches existed before World War I, they were primarily worn by women as decorative pieces. However, during the war, soldiers found pocket watches impractical in combat and began wearing modified wristwatches instead.
This practicality led to the widespread adoption of wristwatches by both men and women.
8. Canned Foods
Canning as a method of food preservation was pioneered by French confectioner Nicolas Appert in the early 1800s. However, it was the military’s need for portable, long-lasting rations that drove the mass production and popularization of canned foods.
9. Jeeps
The iconic Jeep was born out of the U.S. Army’s need for a lightweight, all-terrain vehicle during World War II. Willys-Overland won the contract to mass-produce the vehicle, which became a symbol of American military prowess.
After the war, the Jeep transitioned to civilian life and remains a popular choice for off-road enthusiasts.
10. Computers
The origins of modern computing can be traced back to military needs. The U.S. Army’s Ballistics Research Laboratory began exploring computing in the mid-1930s, and later, the U.S. Army Research Laboratory developed early computer systems to address pressing military requirements.
11. Nylon
This synthetic fabric, known for its strength and versatility, was developed by DuPont in the 1930s. During World War II, nylon was used for parachutes, tents, and other military essentials.
After the war, it quickly found its way into everyday items like stockings and clothing.
12. Walkie-Talkies
Portable two-way radios, or walkie-talkies, were first developed for military use during World War II. These early versions were bulky and had a limited range, but they laid the foundation for the compact, handheld devices used today by everyone from construction workers to outdoor enthusiasts.
13. Silly Putty
This stretchy, bouncy toy originated from a failed attempt to create a synthetic rubber substitute during World War II.
While the material didn’t meet the military’s needs, it found a new life as a novelty item and has been entertaining children (and adults) for decades.
14. Sanitary Pads
During World War I, nurses began using absorbent cellulose bandages as makeshift menstrual pads. This led to the development of commercially available disposable pads in the 1920s, revolutionizing menstrual hygiene for women worldwide.
15. Frozen Juice Concentrate
In 1942, a team of USDA scientists developed frozen concentrated orange juice as a way to provide soldiers with a reliable source of Vitamin C.
While the juice never made it to the troops, Minute Maid brought it to the civilian market, kick-starting the frozen juice industry.
16. Cheetos
The cheesy dust that coats these popular snacks was originally a dehydrated cheese developed by the U.S. military to reduce the weight and volume of rations shipped overseas during World War II.
After the war, Frito-Lay acquired the technology and used it to create Cheetos in 1948.
17. Drones
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, have their roots in military reconnaissance and surveillance. Today, drones are used for a wide range of civilian applications, from aerial photography to package delivery.
18. Virtual Reality
Virtual reality (VR) technology was first developed by the U.S. Air Force in the 1960s for flight simulation training. As VR systems became more advanced and affordable, they found new applications in gaming, education, and even therapy.
19. Night Vision
Night vision devices, which amplify low light levels to improve visibility in the dark, were originally developed for military use during World War II.
Today, night vision technology is used in a variety of civilian applications, from wildlife observation to security systems.
20. Jet Engines
While jet engines were independently developed by several countries in the 1930s, it was during World War II that they were refined and mass-produced for military aircraft.
The development of jet engines revolutionized air travel, making it faster and more efficient.
21. Blood Banks
The first blood bank was established in 1917 by U.S. Army doctor Oswald Robertson during World War I. Robertson’s innovative idea of storing blood in advance for transfusions saved countless lives during the war and laid the foundation for modern blood banking practices.
22. Safety Razors
Safety razors, which protect the skin from the blade, were invented in the late 19th century but gained widespread popularity during World War I.
The U.S. military issued millions of safety razors to soldiers, as a clean-shaven face was necessary for gas masks to seal properly.
23. Synthetic Rubber
During World War II, the U.S. faced a shortage of natural rubber, prompting the government to invest in the development of synthetic alternatives.
These synthetic rubbers, such as neoprene and styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), are now used in a wide range of products, from tires to wetsuits.
24. Penicillin
While penicillin was discovered in 1928, it was during World War II that mass production techniques were developed to meet the demands of the military.
The widespread availability of this life-saving antibiotic revolutionized medicine and has since saved millions of lives.
25. T-Shirts
T-shirts, originally worn as undershirts, gained popularity among U.S. Navy sailors and Marines during World War I. The military’s adoption of the comfortable, lightweight garment led to its eventual rise as a casual wear staple in the civilian world.
Source:
1. MarketWatch
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.