9 Common Items That Were First Created for Military Purposes

A remarkable array of military creations has seamlessly integrated into civilian life. Below are some examples of military-inspired everyday products.

GPS

When you depend on the GPS app on your smartphone to navigate and avoid getting lost, you’re tapping into the same Global Positioning System satellites established by the U.S. Department of Defense in the early 1990s. Thanks to President Bill Clinton, GPS was opened to civilian use in 1996 and is currently managed by the U.S. Space Force.

Freeze drying

The widespread availability of Dippin’ Dots owes its origins to military innovation. The freeze-drying technology used to create this treat was originally developed during World War II to preserve medical supplies that needed refrigeration.

EpiPen

EpiPens, the auto-injecting devices that deliver a rapid dose of epinephrine to counteract severe allergic reactions, evolved from a military invention designed to protect soldiers from nerve agents and chemical warfare.

Cargo pants

British soldiers first wore cargo pants in the 1930s for their practicality in carrying essential military equipment such as ammunition. American forces soon followed, and by the 1990s, cargo pants became a popular choice among civilians.

Duct tape

Originally created in 1942 for military use, duct tape was designed to waterproof ammunition cases. Soldiers in WWII soon discovered its versatility for repairing equipment and other purposes.

Jerrycan

The canisters you use to transport gasoline for your lawnmower were first designed for the German military in the 1930s.

Jeep

The Jeep has evolved significantly since its inception as a vehicle for American troops during WWII reconnaissance missions. Modern versions of this iconic SUV now feature luxurious additions like leather-wrapped steering wheels and advanced touchscreen media systems.

Computer

ENIAC, the first programmable electronic computer, was developed for the U.S. military during WWII. Funded by the army, it was constructed for use in the Ballistic Research Laboratory to handle various computational tasks.

Microwave

In 1945, an American scientist discovered by chance that the radar transmitters employed by the U.S. Army during WWII emitted enough heat—in the form of microwaves—to cook food. This breakthrough led to the creation of the first microwave oven within two years.