It's hard to use the word 'real' when talking about generic military stuff because it's really hard to tell sometimes. I'm sure in the last 20 years a dozen or more companies have provided paracord for the military and I'm sure there are at least that many today providing knock offs made in Mexico or China. In many cases there is nothing wrong with the knockoffs.

OBG is right on the money too. It's made by the lowest bidder...or whoever can provide the quantities that the military wants to order it in. Can't supply 100,000 feet? They'll go to the next Tom, Dick, or Paracord Harry.

I like buying accessory cord from climbing supply places. It's actually rated for something and not just called '550 paracord' with no actual proof it's military spec or that it holds any particular weight. The climbing cord is usually much lighter. It's coarse however and doesn't have the internal threads. Both features are nice when you're making lanyards or using the cord for survival purposes.