{"id":15108,"date":"2023-07-27T09:56:50","date_gmt":"2023-07-27T01:56:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/byhoutdoor.com\/?p=15108"},"modified":"2026-10-22T11:59:35","modified_gmt":"2026-10-22T03:59:35","slug":"why-do-soldiers-wear-mil-spec-paracord","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.survfire.com\/es\/why-do-soldiers-wear-mil-spec-paracord\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Do Soldiers Wear Mil-Spec Paracord?"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Paracord<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Source: iStock<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soldiers carry paracord because it is light, strong and useful for dozens of field jobs: lashing gear, rigging shelters, securing equipment, improvising repairs and first aid, and even camouflage. Military paracord is made to the MIL-C-5040H specification, with Type III (550 cord) the best-known grade, and many soldiers wear it as a bracelet so it is always at hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

U.S. soldiers first used paracord as parachute suspension line in World War II, and the military still includes it in kits today. Commercial 550 cord sold for civilian use looks similar, but it is not necessarily made to the military specification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/span>The Military Origins of the Parachute Cord<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You might find yourself wondering, \u201cWhy is it called paracord?\u201d or \u201cWho made the first paracord?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paracord<\/strong><\/a> <\/span>is short for \u201cparachute cord.\u201d There\u2019s a good reason why it was called that. Back in World War II, the U.S. military manufactured the first lightweight and high-strength cord that was rigorously tested to meet military specifications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The original, U.S.-made paracord features a kernmantle construction. This means it has several core strands (normally seven) that are encased within an interwoven nylon outer sheath. This type of design preserves the strength of the cord even if you take out some of its inner strands for separate use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Back then, the military used this cord for the paratroopers\u2019 parachute lines. (Thus, the name parachute cord.) Once they land, paratroopers would cut these parachute lines and use them for a wide range of other applications, such as performing emergency fixes, securing or lowering equipment, and making improvised harnesses and slings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through the years, the U.S. military stopped using paracord in the paratroopers\u2019 parachute lines. This is mainly due to the development of state-of-the-art synthetic materials, such as Kevlar and Spectra. These specialized materials are more resistant to damage due to environmental factors (e.g., abrasion and UV rays) and have a superior strength-to-weight rating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paracord continues to serve the U.S. troops today. And in fact, it\u2019s regularly shipped to other countries where there are deployed soldiers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>The Important Characteristics of Mil-Spec Paracord Braided Rope<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Commercial 550 paracord is different from military-grade paracord (MIL-C-5040 Type III) in several aspects. Let\u2019s go over some of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Genuine military-spec cords are typically made entirely from high-quality nylon, with the core consisting of seven three-ply strands. Commercial paracord could have a similar construction, but its inner strands may be single- or double-ply. In addition, its strands could be made from polyester (or other materials) instead of nylon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Military-spec paracord goes through rigorous testing and quality control<\/strong><\/a> to meet strict military standards (such as MIL-C-5040). As a result, it can withstand most heavy duty applications. Commercial paracord isn\u2019t as strong as mil-spec cords and may not go through the same level of quality testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Manufacturers of military-grade paracord need to submit their products for testing and evaluation to independent laboratories. Typically, parachute cords that are compliant with military standards will have certifications. Commercial cords, on the other hand, may not necessarily carry such certifications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Military-spec paracord is incredibly strong and reliable because it needs to withstand highly demanding military and tactical applications. On the other hand, some types of commercial paracord are more suitable for general outdoor and non-critical tasks. However, that\u2019s not to say all commercial paracord is of low quality and isn\u2019t worth considering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>Tactical and Survival Uses of Paracord in the Field<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While it\u2019s no longer a suitable choice for parachute lines, paracord continues to be used by the military for different purposes. Some of its common survival and tactical uses include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n