About Marine Approved
Welcome to Marine Approved, your trusted source for Marine-tested tactical gear reviews, survival equipment guides, and firearms expertise.
Founded by real U.S. Marines, our mission is to help you find reliable gear you can trust your life on. From rifle optics and knives to EDC tools, concealed carry gear, and outdoor survival kits — we’ve got you covered.
Why We’re Different
Marine Approved was founded by active duty U.S. Marines and continues to be run by veterans and subject-matter experts who live and breathe the outdoor and tactical lifestyle. Our team includes experienced military veterans, hunters, shooters, and survival enthusiasts who bring real-world knowledge to every review.
We focus on gear we’ve personally tested, used, or researched extensively in the field. If you have any questions, please reach out in the comments or through the contact form here.
Meet the Founding Squad
Marine Approved was created by a group of U.S. Marines who wanted to share their field experience and passion for quality gear with others who value reliability, performance, and integrity.
The original team included veterans from multiple MOS backgrounds — riflemen, machine gunners, snipers, and combat engineers — each bringing hands-on knowledge from real-world use of tactical and survival equipment. Their collective experience helped shape Marine Approved into a trusted resource for honest, field-tested reviews.
Derek is in the center of the photo.
Derek Goins – (0311) Infantry Rifleman
Derek Goins is a former 0311 infantry team leader and Designated Marksman with 3rd BN 5th Marines. He served a combat tour in Sangin, Afghanistan in 2010 in Helmand Province as well as a tour in the Pacific with the 31st MEU. After serving with the Marine Corps, Derek got an education at one of the top gunsmithing schools in the nation and has worked as a gunsmith for firearms and airguns since 2013. Derek is also an avid hunter, traditional archer, outdoor photographer, and obsessive gun nut.
Corporal Pike in Afghanistan
Travis Pike – (0331) Infantry Machine Gunner
Travis Pike is a former Marine machine gunner who served with 2nd Bn 2nd Marines for 5 years. He deployed in 2009 to Afghanistan and again in 2011 with the 22nd MEU(SOC) during a record-setting 11 months at sea. Pike has trained with the Romanian Army, the Spanish Marines, the Emirate Marines and the Afghan National Army. He’s an NRA-certified pistol instructor and teaches concealed-carry classes. A proud supporter of the Second Amendment, he enjoys helping others find the right gear to exercise their freedom safely and effectively.
Sergeant McMahon
SGT McMahon is a former 0317 Scout Sniper with 1st BN 2nd Marines. He served as team leader for a scout sniper team during the 22nd MEU. Shortly after leaving the Marine Corps, McMahon became a contractor for the U.S. Army, testing small arms and large-caliber weapons for potential military contracts. In his spare time, Vinny is an avid gun collector, hunter, and outdoorsman.
Sergeant Mitchell in Iraq
Aaron Mitchell is a former Combat Engineer with the 4th Marine Division. After serving his time in the Marines, he attended the University of Alabama and obtained a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He has worked for multiple companies, including NASA, and currently works as a Flight Test Engineer for the Department of the Army. Some of his passions include hiking, cycling, running, competing in long-distance triathlon races, shooting, camping, and helping others!
Corporal Wabiszewski
Kevin “Corporal Wabo” Wabiszewski is a former mortar squad leader with 3rd Bn 4th Marines. After being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, he started Marine Approved while undergoing treatment at Wounded Warrior Battalion to stay connected with the community.
Megan has been an avid recreational and competitive shooter since she was a kid and is thrilled to combine that with her passion for writing. She competes in IDPA and NRL22 and is passionate about self-defense and teaching other women to protect themselves more effectively.
Our Story & Evolution
Since its founding, Marine Approved has evolved into a veteran-owned organization operated by subject-matter experts with real-world experience in the military, law enforcement, and outdoor survival. We continue to honor the site’s original mission — helping readers choose gear they can trust when it matters most. Every review is written or verified by people who’ve actually used the equipment in the field.
Our commitment to transparency, testing, and authenticity ensures every review lives up to the Marine Approved name.
Marine Approved Staff
Zayne Wodzenski
Zayne is a lifetime hunter, fisherman, and hiker from whitetail country in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. He spent six years in the U.S. Army, most of which was with Joint Special Operations Command, and is an expert in small arms fires. As Lead Editor, Zayne oversees editorial strategy, testing coordination, and quality control to ensure every Marine Approved guide meets the highest veteran-backed standards. He is also the owner of Buckwheat Group LLC, the publishing company that operates Marine Approved.
Contact: team@marineapproved.com
Our Mission
Our mission is to help readers find the absolute best gear and information. We have fun writing and keep our tone light-hearted, but at the end of the day we’re covering topics that matter — because the right gear can make all the difference.
Marine Approved is owned and operated by Buckwheat Group LLC, a Delaware-registered media company.
