This piece of gear can withstand temps between -40 and 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
It’s designed to go undetected.
And, according to legend, it can fill in as a 2-inch fuse and be used during emergency tracheotomies.
Troops have used it in war zones, but you can also find it on the desk of federal employees.
Only one piece of equipment can live up to these claims: the Skilcraft U.S. government pen.
The pen with U.S. GOVERNMENT stamped across its sleek black tube was first manufactured in 1968 by blind workers through the National Industries for the Blind — a result of the 1938 Wagner-O’Day Act that required the government to buy certain products made by blind workers in an effort to create jobs, according to the Washington Post.
The pen itself was prompted by a 16-page federal specifications document for a retractable ballpoint pen with a replaceable ink cartridge, according to the NIB website.
One of the requirements was that the pen must write continuously for 1 mile in a wide range of temperatures.
The government pen has even deployed to war zones, designed to fit undetected in military uniforms, according to the Washington Post.
WTOP reported that the pen has been used in every conflict since Vietnam.
Happy birthday, trusty pen.
Charlsy is a Reporter and Engagement Manager for Military Times. Email her at cpanzino@militarytimes.com.
