scope:

MIL-HDBK-723A contains technical information and data pertaining to the wrought products of three ferrous materials; wrought iron, carbon steels, and low alloy steels

MIL-HDBK-723 A was developed for the Department of Defense (DOD) in accordance with standard procedure and in compliance with policies and requirements of the Defense Standardization Program (DSP).

DOD Directive 4120.3-M establishes and, together with Defense Standardization Manual 4120.3-M, "Standardization Policies, Procedures and Instructions", implements the DSP. Because of the comprehensive description of the DSP provided in these documents a detailed discussion is not presented here. However, the following definition of standardization, taken from DOD Directive 4120.3-M, in effect summarizes the DSP.