Throughout the course of American history, innovative concepts and creations have aided every monumental battle and war. Militant events have prompted the most daring inventors to produce valuable assets. Life-saving inventions from different eras in American history have garnered an immense amount of popularity—so much so that you’re likely to encounter them daily. From medical to automotive, take a look at a few military inventions that are now commonplace.
GPS
Whether you rely on your phone or a separate device to successfully get you from point A to point B, it’s likely you’ve appreciated the convenience of the Global Positioning System (GPS). GPS was established by the U.S. Department of Defense in the early 1990s. The system was accessible to civilians a short six years later in 1996.
Freeze-Drying
If you’ve ever freeze-dried your produce or enjoyed Dippin’ Dots, you can thank WWII-era inventors. Freeze-drying technology was invented to preserve medical supplies that required refrigeration. Freeze- drying made considerable waves in the medical field and ice cream industry—quite the range!
The EpiPen
One of the military inventions that are now commonplace, particularly for those who have serious allergies, is the EpiPen. The pen derives from a similar medical device created to protect soldiers from nerve agents and chemical warfare.
The EpiPen is life-saving tool; it’s responsible for diminishing the severity of an allergic reaction. The pen is an auto-injecting syringe that enables individuals to give themselves a quick shot of epinephrine while experiencing anaphylactic shock—hence the name EpiPen.
Jeeps
The Jeep’s role in the military was critical. The first Jeep was designed for reconnaissance missions, allowing for effective transportation of soldiers and equipment.
The vehicle performed so well in WWII that its originators, Willys-Overland Motors, created a civilian version of it. Jeep has evolved its most iconic vehicle since its conception pre-WWII to become the boxy, robust ride we all know and love today.
Duct Tape
Duct tape was a cheap and effective way to seal ammunition cases from moisture. Soldiers utilized the tape to mend clothing, too. Today, duct tape serves as a quick temporary fix for broken shoes, faulty plumping, other household needs, and even more.
