scope:

This document outlines standard processes for the development and documentation of military packaging, as distinct from commercial packaging. This standard covers methods of preservation to protect material against environmentally induced corrosion and deterioration, physical and mechanical damage, and other forms of degradation during storage, multiple handling, and shipment associated with the military distribution system. A decision chart is included for developing these packaging requirements (see Figure 1).

For purposes of this standard, military distribution system is defined as the processes by which materiel, not intended for immediate use, is stored and/or moved within or between DOD facilities.

The requirements of this standard shall only be applied to the packaging of items that are expected to enter the military distribution system. Items not going into stock shall be packaged in accordance with standard commercial practice as defined in ASTM-D3951. Items not covered by this standard include, but are not limited to, the following:

a. Items intended for immediate use

b. Items for not mission-capable supply

c. Items intended for depot operational consumption.

d. Small parcel shipments (CONUS), not-for-stock

e. Direct vendor deliveries (CONUS)

Exceptions to the above criteria are items intended for delivery-at-sea, items delivered during wartime, or items requiring reusable containers.

This appendix outlines the procedures to be followed to insure compliance with the requirements of the Container Design Retrieval System (CDRS). This appendix is a mandatory part of this standard. The information contained herein is intended for compliance, as applicable.

This appendix establishes and defines codes to be used in describing military packaging methods and materials when developing packaging data as prescribed in Appendix E. This appendix is a mandatory part of this standard. The information contained herein is intended for compliance.