MIL-STD-2073.pdf

This is an informational guide on packaging and marking standards for Department of Defense (DoD) contracts and solicitations, published by the Defense Contract Management Agency in March 2014.

The guide provides comprehensive guidance on military packaging and preservation requirements across different protection levels and methods. It explains that packaging requirements are typically located in specific sections of solicitations and contracts (Sections A through J), and can be referenced in Commercial Item Descriptions (CIDs), Military or Federal Specifications, aperture cards and drawings, special packaging instructions, DLA Master Solicitations, FAR and DFARS clauses, product specifications, Military Standard Drawings, industry standards (ASTM), and Packaging Requirement Codes. Hazardous materials must be packaged in accordance with applicable modal regulations (Title 49 CFR for land transport, IMO/IMDG for water, ICAO/IATA for commercial air, and AFMAN 24-204_IP for military air), and marked per MIL-STD-129. The guide details five basic preservation methods (Methods 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50) and corresponding packing levels (Level A and Level B), with Methods 31-45 providing specific packaging configurations for various container and protection combinations. Key standards referenced include MIL-STD-2073-1E (military packaging standard), ASTM D-3951 (commercial packaging for items intended for immediate use or depot consumption), MIL-STD-129 (military marking standards), MIL-DTL-117 (heat-sealable bags), and MIL-STD-147 (palletization). The guide includes sample worksheets, packaging requirement codes, inspection and quality assurance provisions, marking examples, and requirements for special markings such as shelf-life, project codes, Method 50 indicators, hazardous materials labels, and RFID tags.