At Best Startup California we track over 300,000 Californian startups and over 1,500,000 people who hold key positions in these companies. We use this directory of startups to highlight top employees, founders and organisations we think deserve more appreciation than they are currently getting.
We’ve ranked the top 90 Military companies in California, United States. The companies, startups and institutions listed in this article are all exceptional companies, well worth a follow. We have included links to their websites, socials and CrunchBase (if you’re interested in their financials).
We selected the organisations listed in this article based on:
- Track record
- Executive leadership
- Market share
- Innovation
- ESG rating
Our Data – We source our data from OSINT (open source intelligence) and public directories such as Crunchbase, SemRush and many more. The data from these sources should be treated with a degree of caution and verified yourself.
Top Military Companies & Startups (California, United States)
Geosite
Business operations platform that links the power of spatial data and analytics to business operations, incident management, and planning.
Founder(s): Rachel Olney
Location: Palo Alto, California, United States
Industries: Analytics, Geospatial, Internet of Things, Logistics, Mapping Services, Military, SaaS
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Tempo Automation
Tempo Automation is transforming the way companies innovate and bring new electronic products to market.
Founder(s): Jeff McAlvay, Jesse Koenig, Katherine Scott, Shashank Samala
Location: San Francisco, California, United States
Industries: Automotive, Consumer Electronics, Electronic Design Automation (EDA), Electronics, Industrial Manufacturing, Internet of Things, Manufacturing, Medical Device, Military, Semiconductor
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Citadel Defense Company
Citadel develops autonomous counter drone solutions for Defense, Government, and Commercial customers.
Founder(s): Daniel Magy, Henrik Borgstrom, Joseph Makol
Location: San Diego, California, United States
Industries: Artificial Intelligence, Drone Management, Drones, Government, Law Enforcement, Machine Learning, Military, Physical Security, Public Safety, Security
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Specular Theory, Inc.
Award-Winning VR/AR/AI training applications for Defense and Commercial Enterprise. A SBIR Phase III company. Based in Los Angeles, CA
Founder(s): Morris May, Ryan Pulliam
Location: Venice, California, United States
Industries: Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality, Enterprise, Enterprise Applications, Gaming, Media and Entertainment, Military, Software, Virtual Reality
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Frost & Sullivan
Frost and Sullivan is a business growth consultation company focused on increasing brand demand.
Founder(s): Dan L. Sullivan, Lore A. Frost
Location: Mountain View, California, United States
Industries: Aerospace, Automotive, Consulting, Information Technology, Internet, Marketing, Military, Security
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Mission Mule
Remote military field sensor systems
Founder(s): Daniel Carelli, Martin Slosarik, Zane Mountcastle
Location: Livermore, California, United States
Industries: B2B, Drones, Military
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Ravyn Technology Corporation
Ravyn is a manufacturer of defense articles.
Founder(s): Saad Mirza
Location: El Segundo, California, United States
Industries: Aerospace, Commercial, Government, Manufacturing, Military
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NewSpace Networks
NewSpace Networks develops software products for space-based systems.
Founder(s): John Metzger, Robert Cleave, Shaun Coleman
Location: San Jose, California, United States
Industries: Aerospace, Military, Software
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SEACOAST SCIENCE
SEACOAST SCIENCE develops chemical sensor and chemical detection devices for use in a chemical warfare situation.
Founder(s):
Location: Carlsbad, California, United States
Industries: Chemical, Military, Sensor
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Together We Served
Together We Served is an online community for army, navy and airforce veterans to meet, interact and share.
Founder(s): Brian Foster
Location: Chatsworth, California, United States
Industries: Communities, Digital Media, Military, Social Network
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Outpatient App
Outpatient is a Digital Health Platform for Medical Task and Care Coordination
Founder(s): Brian Corey, Peter Yewell
Location: Danville, California, United States
Industries: Family, Health Care, Information Technology, Messaging, mHealth, Military, Mobile Apps, Productivity Tools, Software
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Valorant Health
Next-generation digital health operating system for Government Health Systems.
Founder(s): Ahmed Qureshi
Location: Berkeley, California, United States
Industries: GovTech, Health Care, Home Health Care, Information Technology, Military, Personal Health
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Pacific Defense
Pacific Defense designs, engineers and manufactures defense electronics products and solutions.
Founder(s):
Location: El Segundo, California, United States
Industries: Manufacturing, Military
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DynaOptics
Miniature advanced optics using IP-protected freeform lens technology for mobile phone cam, self-driving auto, military/UAV, IoT, security
Founder(s): Chris Jackson, Kelvin Cheo, Li Han Chan
Location: Palo Alto, California, United States
Industries: Automotive, Computer Vision, Consumer Electronics, Internet of Things, Law Enforcement, Manufacturing, Military, Mobile Devices, Photography, Software
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Armor Holdings
Armor Holdings is a manufacturer and provider of security products, vehicle armor systems and security risk management services.
Founder(s):
Location: Riverside, California, United States
Industries: Manufacturing, Military
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Secure Communication Systems
Secure Communication Systems, Inc. (Secure) provides custom rugged computer solutions, build-to-print and custom contract manufacturing
Founder(s):
Location: Santa Ana, California, United States
Industries: Aerospace, Manufacturing, Military
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National Security Technology Accelerator
Technology accelerator driving government innovation.
Founder(s): Tim Greeff
Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
Industries: Assistive Technology, Government, Incubators, Military
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Miwall
Miwall is a wholesale distributers of ammo at low price and high quality.
Founder(s):
Location: Grass Valley, California, United States
Industries: Law Enforcement, Military, Retail, Sporting Goods
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Trivec Avant
Trivec Avant design and manufactures antenna systems for U.S. and foreign military as well as commercial integrator and manufacturers.
Founder(s):
Location: Huntington Beach, California, United States
Industries: Government, Machinery Manufacturing, Manufacturing, Military, Security
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Meggitt Defense Systems
Meggitt Defense Systems specializes in the design, development, integration, production, and support of defense systems.
Founder(s):
Location: Irvine, California, United States
Industries: Aerospace, Industrial, Manufacturing, Military, Security
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The Glitterati
Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft SharePoint, Microsoft Azure
Founder(s): Ron Jones
Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
Industries: Cloud Computing, Cloud Data Services, Cloud Infrastructure, Cloud Management, Consulting, GovTech, Management Consulting, Military, National Security, Software
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UtopiaCompression
UtopiaCompression delivers advanced military communications and networking capabilities.
Founder(s):
Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
Industries: Information Technology, Military, Network Hardware, Wireless
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Unical Defense
Unical Defense provides full-service aftermarket component parts solutions for military aircraft.
Founder(s):
Location: City Of Industry, California, United States
Industries: Aerospace, Law Enforcement, Manufacturing, Military
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Advanced Coating Technologies, Inc.
Advanced Coating Technologies (ACT) is one of the country’s leading service providers of surface technologies and coating solutions.
Founder(s):
Location: Valencia, California, United States
Industries: Aerospace, Automotive, Dental, Industrial, Manufacturing, Medical, Military
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AKELA
AKELA provides technology products and services for security and law enforcement.
Founder(s):
Location: Santa Barbara, California, United States
Industries: Law Enforcement, Military, Public Safety, Security
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Escape Communications
Escape Communications designs wireless platforms and satellite communications products for military and commercial use.
Founder(s):
Location: Torrance, California, United States
Industries: Commercial, Communications Infrastructure, Military, Satellite Communication, Telecommunications, Wireless
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Mil-Spec Magnetics
Mil-Spec Magnetics is a manufacture of magnetic components for the defense and aerospace industry.
Founder(s):
Location: Pomona, California, United States
Industries: Aerospace, Machinery Manufacturing, Manufacturing, Military
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NIGHT OPTICS USA
Night Optics USA, Inc is a Manufacturer and distributor of Night Vision, Thermal, for law enforcement and military applications.
Founder(s):
Location: Huntington Beach, California, United States
Industries: Manufacturing, Military, Service Industry
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Tri-Tech International
Tri-Tech International manufactures memory systems, batteries and fiber cables for the military, government and aerospace partners.
Founder(s):
Location: San Juan Capistrano, California, United States
Industries: Aerospace, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Manufacturing, Military
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Able Aerospace Adhesives
Able Aerospace Adhesives is a global supplier of specialty aerospace chemicals and related products.
Founder(s):
Location: Valencia, California, United States
Industries: Aerospace, Military
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StoreLocal
Storelocal is a provider of storage and warehousing solutions for personal, business, military and vehicle storage.
Founder(s):
Location: Newport Beach, California, United States
Industries: Commercial, Military, Self-Storage, Warehousing
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Panel Products
Panel Products is a Military Simulation and Training Industry’s need for high quality, cost effective simulated aircraft Bezels.
Founder(s):
Location: Carson, California, United States
Industries: Commercial, Manufacturing, Military, Service Industry
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IXI Technology
IXI Technology is a dynamic company that consistently delivers efficient data communications solutions for various industrial sectors.
Founder(s):
Location: Yorba Linda, California, United States
Industries: Industrial, Military, Software
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S.O.Tech
S.O.Tech is a sewing company that manufactures tactical gear, police gear, and face masks for military and law enforcement personnel.
Founder(s):
Location: Carson, California, United States
Industries: Manufacturing, Military
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Tactical Night Vision Company
Tactical Night Vision Company is an online store that distributes a wide range of night vision equipment and accessories.
Founder(s):
Location: Loma Linda, California, United States
Industries: E-Commerce, Military
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Tactical Night Vision Company
Tactical Night Vision Company is an online store that distributes a wide range of night vision equipment and accessories.
Founder(s):
Location: Loma Linda, California, United States
Industries: E-Commerce, Military
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Aerol
Aerol is a high-end design, engineering, machining, and fabrication company.
Founder(s):
Location: Rancho Dominguez, California, United States
Industries: Aerospace, Military
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Scout Environmental
Scout Environmental offers environmental consultancy services.
Founder(s):
Location: Encinitas, California, United States
Industries: Environmental Consulting, Industrial, Military
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DFNDR Armor
Dfndr Armor develops and manufactures advanced lightweight body armor for the U.S. military, law enforcement, and U.S. civilians.
Founder(s):
Location: Camarillo, California, United States
Industries: Email, Law Enforcement, Manufacturing, Military, Public Safety
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United States Army Reserve
It is a key element in The Army multi-component unit force, training with Active and National Guard units as a fully integrated team.
Founder(s):
Location: Fort Bragg, California, United States
Industries: Military
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Predicate Logic
Predicate Logic specializes in system engineering, cybersecurity, service support, logistics and training for military communications.
Founder(s):
Location: San Diego, California, United States
Industries: Cyber Security, Intelligent Systems, Logistics, Military, Training
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Nasco Aircraft Brake
Nasco Aircraft Brake is a supplier of aircraft wheel and brake components for the military and commercial aircraft markets.
Founder(s):
Location: Gardena, California, United States
Industries: Aerospace, Commercial, Military, Sales
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The Black Vault
The Black Vault is an online portal that provides information about government, science, military, defense and current events.
Founder(s):
Location: Castaic, California, United States
Industries: Government, Military, Online Portals
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American States Utility Services
American States Utility Services provides water and wastewater services to military installations across the country.
Founder(s):
Location: San Dimas, California, United States
Industries: Infrastructure, Military, Waste Management, Water
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The Rosie Network
The Rosie Network is a non-profit organization that supports veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs.
Founder(s):
Location: Ramona, California, United States
Industries: Association, Communities, Military, Non Profit
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Franklin Young International
Franklin Young International provides exchange services for the army and air force.
Founder(s):
Location: Upland, California, United States
Industries: Government, Military, Security
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Soderberg Manufacturing Company
Soderberg is a lighting hardware and electronics manufacturing company.
Founder(s):
Location: Walnut, California, United States
Industries: Aerospace, Electronics, Hardware, Lighting, Manufacturing, Military
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Heavy Equipment Parts
Heavy Equipment Parts deliver parts and equipment for military organizations and large companies.
Founder(s):
Location: Hayward, California, United States
Industries: Delivery, Military, Transportation
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Wiggins Lift
Wiggins Lift manufactures and distributes marine lifts and agricultural equipment.
Founder(s):
Location: Oxnard, California, United States
Industries: Agriculture, Automotive, Manufacturing, Military
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Aardvark
Aardvark is a well-known distributor and system integrator that specializes in federal and military tactical operator protection.
Founder(s):
Location: La Verne, California, United States
Industries: Government, Military, Public Safety
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Surface Optics Corporation
Surface Optics Corporation offers a single engineering and manufacturing source for the characterization, control, and exploitation.
Founder(s):
Location: San Diego, California, United States
Industries: Manufacturing, Military, Property Management
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Anillo Industries
Anillo Industries is a military and chemical company located in Orange.
Founder(s):
Location: Orange, California, United States
Industries: Chemical, Manufacturing, Military
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Ginisis Group
Ginisis Group is an engineering management consultant firm. It is specialized in utilizing engineering principles and more.
Founder(s):
Location: El Segundo, California, United States
Industries: Information Technology, Management Consulting, Military, Software Engineering
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DSC Power Solutions
DSC Power Solutions design and manufacture custom power supply for industrial, aerospace and military industries.
Founder(s):
Location: Fountain Valley, California, United States
Industries: Aerospace, Industrial, Manufacturing, Military
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Troops Direct
Troops Direct ships any critically needed supplies on-demand to frontline forces anywhere on the globe.
Founder(s):
Location: San Ramon, California, United States
Industries: Charity, Military, Non Profit
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G I Josie
G.I. Josie offers non-clinical therapies and a serene environment for female veterans suffering from sexual trauma.
Founder(s): Laurabeth Messimer Lopez
Location: Castroville, California, United States
Industries: Military, Non Profit, Therapeutics
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California Screw Products
California Screw Products is a manufacturer of commercial and military aerospace products.
Founder(s):
Location: Paramount, California, United States
Industries: Manufacturing, Military
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Transparent Armor Solutions
Transparent Armor Solutions manufactures transparent armor for military vehicles applications.
Founder(s):
Location: Santa Ana, California, United States
Industries: Aerospace, Manufacturing, Military
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U.S. Protective Service
U.S. Protective Service is a law enforcement, military, and DOD security company that offers protective solutions.
Founder(s):
Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
Industries: Law Enforcement, Military, Security
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Strike Fighter Consulting
Strike Fighter Consulting is a military company that provides diverse expertise to the defense industry.
Founder(s):
Location: Ridgecrest, California, United States
Industries: Consulting, Military, Training
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RevUS
RevUS is a service provider and consultancy that provides expertise in the areas of unmanned systems and C4ISR technology integration.
Founder(s):
Location: San Diego, California, United States
Industries: Consulting, Drones, Military
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Environment Associates
Environment Associates provides laboratory testing services and equipment solutions to military, automotive, and commercial manufacturers.
Founder(s):
Location: Chatsworth, California, United States
Industries: Consulting, Military, Usability Testing
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Creative Technologies
Creative Technologies conceives, designs, delivers novel, immersive, cognitive simulation solutions for government and industry.
Founder(s):
Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
Industries: Government, Military, Service Industry
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Allegiant Giving
Allegiant Giving is a community-based service organization that supports veterans with education, employment, and entrepreneurship programs.
Founder(s):
Location: Rocklin, California, United States
Industries: Military, Personal Development, Social, Training
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R&A
R&A provides equipment, products and services for civil-military simulation, training and analysis across the world.
Founder(s): Dr. R. Jay Roland, Ellen F. Roland
Location: Monterey, California, United States
Industries: CivicTech, Field Support, Military, National Security, Software, Training
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Palo Alto VA Hospital
The VA Palo Alto Health Care System provides medical care from Sonora to Monterey and throughout the Bay Area.
Founder(s):
Location: Palo Alto, California, United States
Industries: Association, Health Care, Hospital, Medical, Military
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BCW Engineering
BCW Engineering manufactures phenolic and celcon scrapers for the aviation and military industries.
Founder(s):
Location: Saratoga, California, United States
Industries: Manufacturing, Military, Sales
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Lexicon Consulting
Lexicon Consulting provides logistical, facility and mission support, training and intelligence services to the Department of Defense.
Founder(s):
Location: El Cajon, California, United States
Industries: Facilities Support Services, Logistics, Military, Training
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RAS
RAS is a distributor of aircraft engine and accessory parts, including military aircraft, worldwide.
Founder(s):
Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
Industries: Military, Retail, Wholesale
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Johnson Aerospace
Johnson Aerospace is a supplier of a range of products, tools and spare parts to the aerospace and military industry.
Founder(s):
Location: Santa Clarita, California, United States
Industries: Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, Military, Retail, Wholesale
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Stris & Maher
Stris & Maher provides litigation services.
Founder(s):
Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
Industries: Government, Military, Privacy
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VDL-5 Technologies
VDL-5 Technologies is an IT and software company that specializes in development of IETMs for military applications.
Founder(s):
Location: El Cajon, California, United States
Industries: Information Technology, Military, Software
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Military Leadership Circle
The Military Leadership Circle is a group of military leaders who carry out the assigned tasks.
Founder(s): Matt Driskill
Location: Berkeley, California, United States
Industries: Military
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Move America Forward
Move America Forward is a nonprofit military charity organization that offers care packages, letters and support for the Armed forces.
Founder(s):
Location: Sacramento, California, United States
Industries: Charity, Military, Non Profit
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VA Long Beach Healthcare System
The VA Long Beach Healthcare System is one of the most diversified tertiary health … VA Long Beach Medical Center, Wellness Path.
Founder(s):
Location: Long Beach, California, United States
Industries: Association, Fitness, Health Care, Military, Social Assistance
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VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System is comprehensive health care facilities within the VA network within the VA network.
Founder(s):
Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
Industries: Association, Health Care, Military, Social Assistance, Wellness
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strengthinsupport.org
Strength in Support is strongly committed to providing accessible, high-quality programs to help veterans and their families thrive.
Founder(s):
Location: Laguna Hills, California, United States
Industries: Military
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Central Purchasing
Central Purchasing has been assisting commercial, civil, and military organizations around the world with their aviation needs.
Founder(s):
Location: Camarillo, California, United States
Industries: Air Transportation, Customer Service, Military, Transportation
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Air Instro
Air Instro was established in 1980 specializing in surplus of Military and Commercial aircraft parts and instruments.
Founder(s):
Location: Moorpark, California, United States
Industries: Air Transportation, Commercial, Military
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Lock, Stock and Barrel
Lock, Stock and Barrel offers acquisition and disposition of firearms, war memorabilia, reloading equipment and military tools.
Founder(s):
Location: Simi Valley, California, United States
Industries: Auctions, Military, Sales
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Western Safe Company
Western Safe is a long standing company in San Diego and services
Founder(s):
Location: San Diego, California, United States
Industries: Jewelry, Military, Restaurants
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WCG Solutions
WCG Solutions offers environmental engineering, defense acquisition, and consulting services.
Founder(s):
Location: San Diego, California, United States
Industries: Consulting, Environmental Engineering, Military
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The Write Connection
The Write Connection is a military and civilian Life support materials supplier company.
Founder(s):
Location: Agoura Hills, California, United States
Industries: Customer Service, Electrical Distribution, Military, Supply Chain Management
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DDS Rogue Squadron
DDS Rogue Squadron provides a set of technical expertise that are a top priority for the department.
Founder(s):
Location: Mountain View, California, United States
Industries: Military
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Environmental Chemical
ECC is an employee-owned company that serves in design-build, construction.
Founder(s):
Location: Burlingame, California, United States
Industries: Civil Engineering, Construction, Energy Management, Government, Military
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Korean War Memorial Foundation
Korean War Memorial Foundation is a historical memorial that commemorates the event and sacrifices achieved during the Korean War.
Founder(s):
Location: San Francisco, California, United States
Industries: Government, Military, Museums and Historical Sites, Non Profit
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Ariesys
Ariesys provides design, fabrication and testing of mobile and electronic products and cloud computing for industries & the military.
Founder(s):
Location: Rancho Cucamonga, California, United States
Industries: 3D Technology, Electronics, Military, Penetration Testing, Product Design
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Travis Air Force Base
The United States Air Force is the aerial and space warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces.
Founder(s):
Location: Travis Afb, California, United States
Industries: Government, Military
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TroopScore
TroopScore is a health care recommendation, ratings and review site for the military community.
Founder(s): Aaron Sanders
Location: Vallejo, California, United States
Industries: Consumer Reviews, Health Care, Information Services, Military
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SDMAC
SDMAC is a non-profit organization that support, promote and represent the common business and other interests of the military & officials.
Founder(s):
Location: San Diego, California, United States
Industries: Military, Non Profit, Sharing Economy
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