Does the Military Use Paracord?

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Yes. The military has used paracord since World War II, first as parachute suspension line and later for lashing gear, securing equipment, building shelters and making field repairs. Cord made to military specifications such as MIL-C-5040H Type III is still issued today, and paracord is now widely used by civilians as well.

Below is a look at the history and uses of paracord across different military branches, plus tips on where to buy it if you plan to sell it.

Paracord has a range of applications, not just within the military. Learn more about it here.

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The Military Origins of Paracord and Early Applications

Paracords that meet military specifications are made of 100 percent nylon (both the outer sheath and inner core strands). Commercial paracord, on the other hand, is usually a mixture of nylon and/or polyester.

There’s a reason why paracords are also called parachute cords. During World War II, American paratroopers used quality paracord as parachute suspension lines (or ropes), which connect the canopy and harness of a parachute.

Once paratroopers landed, they would cut these cords from their parachute. Then, they would use them later for all types of applications, such as lacing their combat boots and erecting emergency shelters. Even after they’re no longer used as suspension lines, the military—and even civilians—still use them as an all-purpose utility cord.

Here are some key uses of paracord during this period and in future conflicts:

1. Deployment of Paratroopers:

As we mentioned earlier, paratroopers heavily depended on paracord suspension lines to help them effectively control their descent during airborne operations. It was only around the late 1990s that the military stopped using paracord for this purpose.

Paracord was replaced with newer materials, such as Kevlar and Technora synthetic fibers. These newer materials have a higher tensile strength, which makes them more suitable for modern military heavy-duty applications.

2. Emergency Repairs:

There are different ways soldiers can use mil-spec 550 paracord for emergency repairs on the battlefield. For instance, they can use it to securely hold military equipment or their gear in place if the straps are damaged. Or, if they lose the poles or straps of their tent or portable shelter, they can use paracord to secure the structure.

3. Emergency Medical Care:

When soldiers are on the battlefield, they might not receive immediate medical care to save their lives. Fortunately, they can use paracord as a first-aid tool.

Paracord can be a tourniquet to stop severe bleeding. It can also function as a sling for a fractured arm. In some cases, soldiers use paracord to make a splint to prevent further injury to broken bones and to reduce pain.

4. Camouflage and Concealment:

Paracord proves to be a useful tool for concealing soldiers to prevent enemy detection. There are different ways soldiers can do that. For instance, they might use high-quality paracord to attach grass, leaves, and/or twigs to their ghillie camo. They might also use it to secure their camouflage tarps, so that they or their equipment stay hidden from the enemy.

5. Equipment Recovery:

When soldiers need to retrieve important equipment that has fallen into inaccessible places, they can make a makeshift rope out of paracord to pull it back to a safer location. Soldiers can also make paracord leashes to ensure that they can easily retrieve their equipment if it slips from their hands.

6. Survival Tool:

The inner core of 550 paracord consists of several strands, also known as the “guts.” You can untangle these high-strength strands, so you can use them for different applications and purposes, such as creating fishing lines, holding together an improvised shelter, and making small game traps. Some paracord products include a strand that helps start fires easily.

Read the full history and uses of paracord here.

Benefits and Limitations of Paracord in a Military Operation

Benefits of paracord in military operations:

1. Strength and Durability

The paracord soldiers use isn’t the same as commercial paracord products. They need to meet the strict requirements set by the USA military. Mil-spec paracord is usually divided into six categories, each with a different minimum strength-to-weight ratio capability:

• Type I: 95 lbs (43 kg)
• Type IA: 100 lbs (45 kg)
• Type II: 400 lbs (180 kg)
• Type IIA: 225 lbs (102 kg)
• Type III: 550 lbs (250 kg)
• Type IV: 750 lbs (340 kg)

2. Range of Uses

The US military no longer uses paracord for modern square parachutes. However, its versatility makes it an indispensable tool in various military operations. Today, paracord is used in the military for:

• Field emergency repairs of equipment, gear, clothes, and shelters
• Emergency and survival situations
• Creating camouflage screens, structures, and nets
• Constructing or securing improvised shelters and tents
• Securing equipment and gear to air and land vehicles to prevent damage or loss

3. Accessible

It’s not difficult to find and buy good-quality paracord. You can easily buy it from camping retail stores online, B2B e-commerce platforms, and the manufacturer’s website. It’s usually affordable, which ensures soldiers have access to it without straining military budgets.

Limitations of paracord in military operations:

1. Weight-Bearing Limitations

While it’s suitable for many heavy-duty applications, paracord has its limitations. The paracord used by the U.S. Military is the “Genuine MIL-C-5040 Type III Parachute Cord,” which has a tensile strength of 550 pounds. This means it can withstand a maximum static load of 550 pounds before it breaks.

Note: The maximum weight a paracord can carry or pull depends on different factors, such as the thickness of the cord, the material used, and the construction and weaving patterns.

2. Limited Heat Resistance

Paracord is usually made of nylon, which isn’t naturally fire-resistant. Nylon can burn or melt if exposed to temperatures ranging between 374°F (190°C) and 480°F (250°C). If this happens, it could compromise the strength and integrity of the paracord.

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How to Check Paracord Specs Before You Buy

Paracord is easy to find, but specs vary a lot between sellers. Before you buy, check the rated strength (Type III 550 cord is rated at 550 lb), the material, the number of inner strands, and whether the seller documents the specification. Only cord made and tested to MIL-C-5040H is true mil-spec; most commercial 550 cord is not. Here are common places to buy paracord and what to check at each:

1. Army Surplus Shops

Most army surplus shops get the goods they sell from the US military, which disposes of them if they no longer need them. Some of this cord may be genuine military issue, but ask for labels or paperwork before assuming it meets the military specification.

2. Camping and Outdoor Physical Shops

If there’s no army surplus shop near you, physical retail shops for outdoor and camping gear are great alternatives. These stores usually stock paracord, ropes, and cords in different colors and lengths; check the packaging for the strength rating and material.

3. E-commerce Platforms

Shopping online is probably one of the most convenient ways to buy anything these days, including paracord. Some of the best e-commerce platforms out there are Alibaba, Amazon, eBay, Made-in-China, and more.

4. Manufacturer Websites

Sometimes, buying directly from the manufacturer is a better idea because of several reasons: better pricing, easier warranty claims, and more reliable lead times. And if you own a camping and outdoor shop, you might want to consider sourcing paracord from manufacturers in China.

We know you might feel hesitant to buy paracord in bulk from manufacturers in China. And, honestly, we don’t blame you. There are a lot of misconceptions about China-made products.

If you’re open to suggestions for a reliable paracord manufacturer, we have one for you.

Paracord Manufacturer: Survfire

Company Introduction

Survfire is a professional manufacturer of outdoor and survival products, such as 550 paracord, reflective paracord, ferro rods, survival cards, and more. They have a large production facility in Jiangmen, Guangdong Province, China. They’ve been in business for over 15 years and have catered to customers in different parts of the world.

Best Paracord Product

Survfire’s main paracord is 4 mm, 550 lb type polypropylene cord, available in nearly 400 colors. Standard packs are 50 ft and 100 ft hanks or 300 ft and 1,000 ft spools, and custom lengths are available. It is a commercial cord: Survfire does not claim mil-spec certification.

Why Survfire?

Source: Survfire

Low Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)

You don’t need to order thousands of pieces of paracord if your budget doesn’t permit it. Depending on the type of paracord you want to buy, Survfire has a minimum order quantity of one to ten pieces, or 11 to 1,000 meters.

Shipping Options and Fast Delivery

On Alibaba.com, Survfire has a 98.1 percent on-time delivery rate. That says a lot about their commitment to shipping orders on schedule. What’s more, they offer door-to-door delivery to significantly reduce transit time.

Extra Services

Before you place a large order with them, Survfire can send you samples of their paracord to make sure it meets your specifications. They can also send photos of the paracord you ordered, which you can use for your business website.

What’s even better? All of the services we just mentioned are available to you free of charge.

Customer Support

And lastly, Survfire has great customer service. If you have questions or concerns, you can call them at 867506312068 or email them at support@byhoutdoor.com.

If you’re interested in importing paracord from China to the USA, make sure to read our helpful guide to avoid making costly mistakes.

Conclusion

So, does the military use paracord? Definitely!

The US military no longer uses it as parachute suspension lines, but they still use it in a wide range of applications—emergency repairs, setting up camouflage nets, securing equipment and gear, and more.

The great thing about paracord is that it’s accessible and affordable. You can buy it anywhere, but if you need a reliable manufacturer in China, Survfire is worth considering.

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