Mil-Spec Monkey: "A patch must be good for the viewer."

Mil-Spec Monkey (MSM) is known by almost everyone of us. Those are the well-made patches that people like to have. "The Monkey" is the nickname of the man behind the patch miracle. SPARTANAT was the first German-speaking medium to interview him and wanted to know what the fabric badges are all about and what Mil-Spec Monkey plans to do next.

SPARTANAT: In your opinion, what makes a good patch?

MIL-SPEC MONKEY: The question is very difficult to answer because when it comes to what makes a good patch, the decision usually lies in the personal opinion of the viewer. Most will probably agree that it needs to have good quality that best represents an original design. Equally important is the color, but it gets quite "tricky" because you need a certain light and the choice of colors is ultimately limited. It can be worth it to look at the design in camouflage colors to see if the contrast still works. The meaning of a patch is different for each person who looks at it. Some will pass as unit badges, others can simply be stupid, but everyone who looks at them can laugh about it.

SPARTANAT: Your MSM patches are famous and are worn around the world. When did you start and did you ever think you would be so successful?

MIL-SPEC MONKEY: Originally, at the end of 2005, I simply helped a few friends in various tactical forums. I designed a few patch designs for them and educated myself on how to produce those things. It was initially more of a hobby to support friends, and I never thought it would eventually become a real business.

SPARTANAT: What is your personal background? Where does your interest in the military come from?

MIL-SPEC MONKEY: I attended college and studied 3D graphic design and video game art. Like many boys, I have always been interested in the military and grew up with GI-JOE and the like. Although I wanted to join the military, my parents insisted that I go to college after high school. After completing that, I got involved in the computer game project "America's Army", produced by the Army. There I was able to contribute my knowledge and skills and was at least somewhat part of the military.

SPARTANAT: We have seen you in a few training videos with a weapon. Is there anything you want to fundamentally change in your life?
MIL-SPEC MONKEY: I don't have any grand life-changing ideas, but training puts everything a bit into the perspective of the tough lives many of the tactical guys lead to provide us security. There is much to learn and one can always expand their skills. You don't just attend one class and then be satisfied for the rest of your life.

SPARTANAT: Are you in contact with the training community? With Travis Haley and/or Christ Costa?
MIL-SPEC MONKEY: I have been fortunate to interact with many great people in the training community, including taking some very good courses with Travis Haley. I have also been with Costa by now and I help him make his cool patches. 🙂

SPARTANAT: What is the future of MSM?
MIL-SPEC MONKEY: For MSM, I hope to expand our tactical offering so that we can offer fun patches as well as field equipment. Long-term, we want to be able to mix the MIL/LE and civilian markets together, so that the average consumer can access the quality and features of Mil-Spec Gear.

SPARTANAT: Which patch is actually your personal favorite?
MIL-SPEC MONKEY: Uh, that's a tough decision, but I particularly like the 5-01-11 Patch. But overall, there are quite different patches for different situations. At least one for each...

MIL-SPEC MONKEY got his nickname from the time when he used to DJ as Monkeyboy. And since he is rather small and lively, the nickname somehow fits, "The Monkey" says with a touch of self-irony. After moving from the Midwest to the West Coast, he stopped the DJ thing and all that remained was Monkey as a name and then a logo. With patches, MSM has made its breakthrough, and he also has a modest approach to it: "I know they don't change the world, but I am already very happy when they manage to bring a smile to the lips of those who see them, even if times are not always pleasant." MSM has a lot of reviews on his website and you can also visit his store. There you can find more and more stuff besides patches.