DoD-MIL- Specs Standard Review: MIL-STD-129

MIL-STD-129 is a military mandated policy for shipping/storage of supplies and equipment. The U.S. Department of Defense uses the MIL-STD to get them as close as possible to achieving standardization objectives. Mandated MIL Specs are generally enforced to make sure that defense items accurately meet specific similarity requirements like, consistency, amount of ownership, logistics system compatibility, and commonly defense-related objectives. Between 1994 and 1995 the Department of Defense slowed down the strict policies for commercial standards like Q9000, but after 1995 a significant expansion was observed in using DoD MIL Specs. This was after the revision of the MIL Specs standard, now in use for the non-defense branches of the government as well as all connected technical organizations. Therefore, non-military companies can use the detailed MIL Specs from the design to final manufacturing, quality control in the maintenance stages as well, including non-military products.

You can find the exact MIL Specs in many places, obtainable as free downloadable versions online. MIL Specs are downloadable only if public distribution is permitted. In spite of this, non-government organizations developed their own proprietary standards and are required to be purchased.

MIL-STD-129
MIL-STD-129 is primarily military required marking for storage or shipping. The standardization marking must be present on all ammunition and equipment that is supplied via shipments, require the MIL-STD-129 standard compliant barcode, and the specific directions for marking and labeling.

DoD constantly updates the MIL Spec standards that for example caused such a discrepancy that was observed in MIL-STD-129, and a marking system was not accurate and resulted in a complication at Consolidation and Containerization checkpoints. Consequently, MIL-STD-129 was updated when revision P got introduced in January of 2006. The successive standard suggested to, access DoD MIL Specs from a Gov website where comparison and catalogue necessary to determine which updated MIL Specs are available.

Unit Containers:
Unit containers must contain shelf life markings for deteriorative products as read in MIL-STD-129 standard. Aside from the start of shelf life markings, the markings must indicate the dates expiration. A NSN barcode is required for unit containers as well as part number, item description, date of preservation, quantity, contract number, unit of issue, and method of preservation code details are also required to be listed in plain text form.

Exterior Containers
Exterior containers must be marked same as unit containers with one exception as the product description marking is not required. The CAGE Code, Contract Number and NSN are required in barcode form.

Intermediate Containers:
Intermediate containers are the same as unit container standard with one exception, located in the serial number section. When serial numbered products are more than five, the standard of exterior containers are applicable for the intermediate container.