Serving in a Different Way: Get to Know Our Veteran-Founded Brands

At U.S. Patriot, we are proud to serve those who serve our country. As a veteran-led company, we are passionate about equipping service members with the best, most reliable gear they can depend on. We believe the strongest gear and the smartest equipment solutions come from real world experience. That is why we actively partner with veteran-led brands. We do this not only to support fellow veterans, but because their products are shaped by lived service and hard-earned lessons. They took what they learned in training, on deployments, and in the field and turned it into better gear for today’s service members. We are proud to put that excellence in your hands.
We are honored to highlight veteran-founded and veteran-run brands that embody this spirit. Learn the stories behind the brands we carry and the people who built them. These are not just companies. They are the work of individuals who transform real world military experience into superior equipment.
These brands were built by veterans who understand that relying on your equipment is not a luxury. It is a necessity. Their products are engineered with the same purpose, precision, and accountability that defined their time in uniform. The result is gear that does more than function. It reflects the lessons of service, leadership, and resilience learned in the most demanding environments.
We prioritize supporting veteran-owned brands because they embody the values of this community. They show that innovation grows from experience and that service continues long after active duty ends. This is about sharing the stories of those who keep serving in a different way. Through thoughtful design, careful craftsmanship, and steady leadership, they equip today’s service members with the tools needed to perform when it matters most. We are proud to partner with these brands and to share their commitment to service.
Notable Brands Built by Veterans
The landscape of veteran-led innovation is rich with brands that merge real-world expertise and a commitment to quality. Each of the following companies is a testament to the enduring values learned in service—discipline, attention to detail, and a drive to meet the needs of those who serve. Their products reflect direct input from the field, ensuring tactical professionals, military personnel, and supporters receive solutions grounded in experience.
Belleville is a longstanding supplier of military boots to the U.S. armed forces. The line focuses on hot weather, temperate, and specialty styles with an emphasis on durability, regulation compliance, and stable support.
Born Primitive focuses on training and lifestyle apparel tailored for the military community. Their durable, functional basics transition seamlessly from intense training sessions to duty-related fitness, reinforcing performance and reliability when it matters most.
Crye Precision stands as an industry leader in combat uniforms and tactical nylon adopted by both U.S. and allied military units. The company’s advanced camouflage patterns, high-performance materials, and carefully considered ergonomics make Crye Precision gear a trusted choice for operational settings, reflecting an unwavering standard inspired by battlefield realities.
Eberlestock, founded by Olympic biathlete and Air Force pilot Glen Eberle, is built on performance, precision, and purpose. By integrating weapons and packs into a balanced system, the brand has earned the trust of soldiers, law enforcement, and outdoor professionals who rely on flawless gear under pressure. Guided by veterans and field feedback, Eberlestock designs equipment refined through real-world experience—delivering fit, access, and balance that help professionals move farther, faster, and with confidence. Get to know Eberlestock
GORUCK was founded by former Green Beret Jason McCarthy to create rugged, military-grade gear and build a community centered on teamwork and resilience. Through its legendary GORUCK Challenge events and durable, American-made rucksacks, the brand inspires people to embrace hardship, strengthen connections, and push beyond their limits—living out the true spirit of the Special Forces ethos.
GATORZ manufactures premium billet-aluminum eyewear with ballistic and duty-rated options. Designed for a secure fit under helmets and ear protection, their frames and lenses combine clarity, resilience, and adjustability to support the needs of military professionals.
HRT Tactical is recognized for its modular plate carriers and placards developed with end-user feedback at the forefront. Their gear features customizable configurations, enhanced ventilation, and mission-specific adaptability built for tactical users.
IR.Tools delivers infrared identification patches, thermal targets, and visual markers. Designed to reduce friendly-fire risks and enhance night operations, IR.Tools products integrate seamlessly with standard operating procedures and night-vision systems.
Magpul engineers weapons accessories and carry solutions trusted by professionals worldwide. With a portfolio including magazines, stocks, grips, and slings, every Magpul product is rigorously designed for dependability and ergonomic advantage in demanding operational environments.
Mission Made offers reliable on and off duty apparel and equipment purpose-built for military and first responder environments. From uniform essentials, gloves and packs to accessories, Mission Made blends practical design with robust construction, delivering essential gear trusted for daily operations.
Nine Line Apparel is a lifestyle brand deeply rooted in the veteran community. Their morale tees, custom unit and event shirts, and family initiatives help strengthen bonds within the service community, supporting causes that matter to those in uniform and their loved ones.
North American Rescue specializes in tactical medical products developed to mitigate preventable combat casualties. The company’s kits, tourniquets, and evacuation solutions align with TCCC principles, supporting military teams in providing lifesaving care under extreme circumstances.
Ruck Sox was founded by U.S. Army veteran Killian Nowrey near Fayetteville, North Carolina, and was built from real ruck experience to stop blisters before they start. Made with high merino wool content for moisture control and temperature regulation, each pair minimizes friction and hotspots so service members can go farther with less pain. Made in North Carolina and backed by a lifetime guarantee, Ruck Sox delivers mission-grade comfort while supporting local textile jobs. (available in store)
Tactical Medical Solutions (TacMed) delivers advanced trauma kits, tourniquets, and simulation tools tailored for battlefield and first-response environments. Their portfolio emphasizes rapid hemorrhage control and scalable medical response, ensuring essential care capability from the individual to the team level.
Tactilian creates U.S.-made flag magnets and accessories designed for service members, veterans, and patriots to display their pride on vehicles and gear. Their magnets are engineered for durability and respectful representation, supporting veteran causes while standing up to the rigors of daily use.
Tru-Spec delivers authentic, performance-driven apparel built to meet the demands of those who serve. Guided by real-world feedback from military and law enforcement professionals, the brand continues to innovate military uniforms and apparel that’s durable, functional, and trusted when it matters most.
Velocity Systems is a leading name in ballistic protection and scalable carrier solutions. Their soft armor, plates, and Mayflower Research & Consulting nylon equipment enable modular security with a focus on user-driven innovation and adaptability for diverse mission profiles.
Viking Tactics leverages operational expertise to develop training resources and mission-first gear. Notable for adjustable slings and smart accessories, Viking Tactics products improve weapon handling and kit efficiency, shaped by firsthand experience in demanding field conditions.
VIKTOS brings together veteran insight and forward-thinking design to create tactical apparel, gloves, and footwear. Their product line is known for balancing mobility, durability, and low-profile styling—attributes recognized by service members looking for range-ready, versatile options.
Wiley X designs ballistic-certified eyewear trusted by military professionals worldwide. Constructed to meet stringent impact and clarity standards, their eyewear provides essential eye protection for both operational environments and rigorous training.
Every one of these veteran-founded companies reflects the same central truth: when service members carry their ethos into private enterprise, they raise standards, innovate solutions, and deliver equipment that truly serves those in harm’s way. These brands not only elevate the industry but actively give back—through hiring initiatives, community involvement, and products that honor the trust placed in them by military and first responder professionals.
A Legacy of Continued Service
The stories of these distinguished veteran-founded brands above are powerful examples of how military service shapes leaders and innovators. These brands were not created in a boardroom; they were forged in the field, born from real-world experience, and built with a sense of purpose that can only come from having served. They represent a commitment to excellence, a deep understanding of the mission, and a desire to support the community they came from.
By supporting these veteran-founded and veteran-run brands, you are doing more than just purchasing high-quality gear. You are investing in the legacy of service, honoring the skills and values cultivated in the military, and recognizing the immense contributions that veterans continue to make to our country. We encourage you to explore their products, learn their stories, and choose gear that is built with a purpose. By doing so, you support the innovators who continue to serve in a different, but equally impactful, way.