milspec

Milspec, short for military specification, refers to standards and requirements used to ensure that parts, materials, and processes meet the needs of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied militaries. The term is used broadly in procurement and industry to indicate ruggedness, reliability, and interoperability. In U.S. practice, formal documents include MIL-STD standards (military standards) that define general requirements, and MIL-DTL or MIL-PRF documents that specify particular product types or performance criteria. MIL-STD-810, for example, outlines environmental testing methods; MIL-STD-461 covers electromagnetic compatibility; MIL-STD-883 concerns microelectronic devices. MIL-DTL detail specifications specify the exact design and test criteria for a product family, whereas MIL-PRF documents set performance requirements that suppliers must meet.

The use of mil-spec is not a guarantee of DoD ownership or use; many suppliers market products as mil-spec to signal ruggedness without indicating DoD procurement status. True DoD acquisitions usually require a certificate of conformance and inspection against the relevant MIL standards, and the standards can be updated or superseded over time. International equivalents exist, such as NATO STANAGs, and civilian standards may complement mil-spec requirements in dual-use applications.

In practice, mil-spec gear is common in equipment such as communications, optics, and field hardware, but the term is often used broadly to describe durable, well-tested products rather than a formal endorsement.