Commandos or Ranger Joes?

CPT Jacob Swartout — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 22:05:18 -0400

For those who have been to Ft Benning, which military surplus store on Victory Drive is better in your own opinion and why?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2014 10:07 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 22:07:59 -0400

Ranger Joe's for ME!!

Response by SGT Richard H. made Sep 2 at 2014 10:18 PM

SGT Richard H. — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 22:18:13 -0400

Ranger Joe's is a Benning Icon.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2014 1:03 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 01:03:29 -0400

Commandos has a greater selection and is very user friendly for schools like Ranger School, OCS, RSLC...they have pre-packaged packing lists ready to go if you want.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Sep 3 at 2014 7:37 AM

MSG Wade Huffman — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 07:37:54 -0400

I've used Ranger Joes several times with no complaints. I've not used Commandos so I really can't speak of them.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2014 8:17 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 08:17:44 -0400

Commandos, hands down. This is not to suggest Ranger Joe's is bad. But the level of service provided by the Criss family is unsurpassed.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2014 4:22 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 16:22:07 -0400

Honestly both are phenomenal, I usually stick to Ranger Joe's but I have never had a bad experience at either. Also, the barber shop at Ranger Joe's is another regular visit for me every two weeks.

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Sep 3 at 2014 7:14 PM

CPT Jacob Swartout — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 19:14:12 -0400

I also liked US Cavalry and Eagles of War military surplus stores when I was at Ft Campbell.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Sep 3 at 2014 7:19 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 19:19:37 -0400

Commandos. They have way better selection at a better price. Ranger Joe's has good gear, but not as wide a selection but you are paying for the ambience there....

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2014 8:24 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 20:24:26 -0400

Before the internet was the monstrosity that it is today, I used to order from the US Cavalry Catalog.

Since the internet, I've used Ranger Joe's for most things. For Aviation specific things I use wings-aviation.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2014 8:32 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 20:32:57 -0400

Commandos is better based on price alone, but both are pieces of shit when it comes to marking up prices. I don't blame a business for meeting demand with their own profitability, but exceeding the market value by 300% or more simply because you know you can convince 18 y/o privates to do it is ridiculous. I don't know why military continue to patron those establishments knowing they have no respect whatsoever for their customers. No one that respects customers and has any semblance of integrity will sell a Soldier the same Garmin GPS (real example) for 300 dollars that the individual can get at the PX for 120 dollars and tell them it is a good deal.

Soap Box over.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Sep 3 at 2014 9:03 PM

COL Jon Thompson — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 21:03:24 -0400

I am partial to Commandos. When I was a young Lieutenant, it was ARCCO owned by Mr. Art Chriss. He sold it to US CAV and then many years later bought it back and opened Commandos. When I went in there a few years ago, I met Mr. Chriss again and he told me the story of why he bought the store back. They are always friendlier than at Ranger Joes and seem to have a wider selection of gear. That being said, I did meet the actual Ranger Joe and he was quite friendly. When I get to Fort Benning, I always hit both but start with Commandos

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 3 at 2014 10:01 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 22:01:44 -0400

Look out RallyPoint CPT Jacob Swartout is going commando!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2015 12:26 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Nov 2015 00:26:06 -0500

Commandos is way better. They offer free drinks and have just about everything you could ever need. They really cater to the soldier. If you were to to Ranger School they have two aisles of what you can take there. The best part is that they have roaming employees that are ready to help you. It is great. I still go to Ranger Joes for some stuff. I just got some boots. Ranger Joe's was cheaper.