America’s military is known for its can-do attitude and combat readiness, but branches like the Army and Air Force are also known for their advanced technology. America has one of the most technologically advanced fighting forces on the planet, and many items used by soldiers are manufactured to military specifications, also known as mil-spec. Consumer products also sometimes carry the mil-spec designation, and manufacturers often advertise their products as mil-spec to denote toughness and reliability – but do you really need mil-spec hardware?
Defining Characteristics Of Mil-spec Items
There are two components to consider when seeking to classify an item as mil-spec: fit and function. The purpose of designating an item as mil-spec is to let the user know that the item will fit with other items in the same category. Essentially, assigning a mil-spec designation is a standardization process so that you can know what will work with an item and what may not. The military requires all items to hold utility and efficiency, so when an item is classified as being manufactured to military specifications, this means that the item is designed within tight tolerances to fit with other mil-spec items of a similar classification.
Function is another part of the equation. Mil-spec items need to be able to withstand different environments, rough treatment, shifts in temperature and other variables that may be encountered in the field of service. This doesn’t mean that mil-spec items are necessarily tougher or more sturdy than consumer versions of the same item, but in many cases, one goal of mil-spec classification and design is to create an item that can perform under various conditions without losing efficiency or effectiveness.
How Are Mil-spec Standards Determined?
The U.S. Department of Defense is responsible for outlining standards for mil-spec manufacturing. This is done through a number of programs and agencies, including the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and the Defense Standardization Program (DSP). These entities create the standards against which items are measured in order to be classified as meeting mil-spec standards. You can also research standards through the government’s Acquisition Streamlining and Standardization Information System (ASSIST).
Do Mil-spec Items Last Longer?
When something is manufactured according to military specifications, it may last longer, but this will depend on the standard to which it is manufactured. The DLA includes thousands of specifications for mil-spec items, so just because something is advertised as being manufactured to mil-spec standards doesn’t necessarily mean that it is somehow better or worse than a comparable non-mil-spec item. If manufacturing does not adhere to the right standards or include all standards for an item, the designation may not mean anything.
It is possible, however, that items that are manufactured to the correct mil-spec standard for their classification and designation will last longer and require fewer repairs. Then again, how the item is handled and cared for can also make a difference. Even if something is manufactured to military specifications, this doesn’t make it indestructible. You can still break or destroy mil-spec items if you do not follow proper care and safe handling instructions.
Do Consumer Products Go Through Military Testing?
As stated above, some manufacturers of consumer products will use the mil-spec designation to market their products to customers. In many cases, this is done purely to advertise that a product is able to stand up to harsh conditions, but it does not necessarily mean that the item actually conforms to official military standards.
You’re encouraged to research the testing and manufacturing standards of any brand that advertises items as mil-spec since non-military companies generally will not have their products inspected and tested by military governing bodies. Some private companies serve as military contractors and could have access to testing standards that traditional manufacturers do not, but this is once again going to be something to research with each individual manufacturer.
