Major Mike’s Military Surplus and Camping Supplies is a rare gem for outdoor enthusiasts, cold-weather workers, and history buffs. The store is tucked away in a small gray castle in Culver and specializes in selling military surplus items, camping gear, war memorabilia, and survival items.
Mike Cissna, aka Major Mike, has always held a deep love for all things military. After 13 years of service, Cissna retired from the Indiana Guard Reserve in 2016 and immediately followed that with a stint in the United Veteran Reserve Corps. His previous experience also includes acting as chaplain in the Guard Reserve.
As a child, Cissna would often browse surplus stores, searching for hidden goodies among the racks of sturdy boots and army greens. “There aren’t many surplus stores these days, but the military has always been a passion of mine,” he says. “When I was a kid, we’d even drive quite a way and make that our destination. I always felt surplus stores held unique treasures.”
Cissna worked as an occupational therapist, but the onset of the COVID pandemic sparked a need for change. His nostalgic fondness and military service fueled the dream of opening his own surplus store. The closure of two local-area stores provided the market opening that he needed. Cissna purchased their remaining inventory and set up shop in a gray castle, officially opening doors in 2021.
Major Mike’s offers a variety of unique items for purchase, including cold-weather gear, MREs (meals ready to eat), protective hiking boots, canteens, sleeping bags, cookware and much more. “We have a little bit of everything,” Cissna says. “We want to support anybody and everybody who might do outdoor work or just those with adventure on the mind. We see hunters, snowplow workers, construction guys, adventure hikers – you name it.”
A certified Rothco dealer, Major Mike’s also carries many of the well-known company’s items in store, but he also has access to order from their 4,000-product catalog. “Rothco is well-known in the industry,” Cissna says. “They opened in 1953 and were the original manufacturers for what was called Vietnam jungle boots. They helped to set the industry standard for tough.” He encourages customers to strike up a conversation if they’re interested in Rothco items that they don’t find on his shelves, promising to do his best to order any items direct from the retailer.
Cissna also prides himself on offering war memorabilia dating back to World War I. “We keep a variety of interesting items,” he says. “We’ve got stuff from World War II, and a few items from Korea and Vietnam. There’s also some contemporary options from things that troops used in Afghanistan and Iraq. It runs the gamut.” Many items are unique and were acquired at military auctions.
With winter quickly approaching, Cissna has stocked the shelves with some new seasonal items, including new Rothco outdoor gear and military-grade cold-weather gear. “Our cold-weather gear is absolutely amazing,” he says. “It’s rated levels 1 to 6 and you can layer it on for any condition.” The store will also stock cold-weather gloves, fur-lined hats, and waterproof, cold-weather boots.
Major Mike’s Military Surplus and Camping Supplies is located at 12983 State Road 17 in Culver. You can find the store’s catalogue and more information at majormikesmilitarysurplus.com.
