What is the Military Standard (MIL-STD)?
The military standard, which is often referred to as MIL-STD, is a series of guidelines and requirements established by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) for military equipment and systems. The purpose of these standards is to ensure that the equipment meets certain specifications and performance requirements, and that it is compatible with other military equipment and systems. They cover a wide range of areas, including design, performance, testing, and maintenance. Each rating is assigned a number and a letter code, which indicates the specific area of focus. MIL-STD ratings are important for ensuring that military equipment is reliable, durable, and interoperable. They provide a standard framework for testing and evaluating equipment, which helps to ensure that it meets the needs of the military and can be deployed in a variety of environments and situations. In addition to military equipment, some commercial products also use MIL-STD ratings to indicate their durability and reliability. For example, some ruggedized laptops and tablets may be rated to MIL-STD-810 to indicate that they are built to withstand harsh environments and rough handling. Overall, MIL-STD ratings are an important tool for ensuring the quality and reliability of military equipment. They provide a standardized framework for testing and evaluating equipment, which helps to ensure that it can meet the demands of military operations.

MIL-STD-810G vs MIL-STD-461E
MIL-STD-810G and MIL-STD-461E are the two types of military standards widely used among our products. MIL-STD-810G is a standard that outlines the environmental engineering considerations and laboratory test methods for military equipment, while MIL-STD-461E outlines the electromagnetic compatibility requirements for military equipment. MIL-STD-810G provides guidance on testing equipment for its ability to operate in various environmental conditions such as temperature extremes, altitude, humidity, vibration, shock, and exposure to dust, sand, and salt fog. This standard helps ensure that military equipment can withstand the rigors of different environments and remain operational in extreme conditions. Testing to this standard involves exposing the equipment to various environmental conditions and measuring its ability to function as intended.

On the other hand, MIL-STD-461E is focused on ensuring that military equipment is designed to operate reliably in the presence of electromagnetic interference (EMI) and to limit the equipment's emissions of electromagnetic interference. This standard provides guidelines for testing equipment for its susceptibility to EMI and its ability to operate in the presence of EMI. The testing may include measuring the electromagnetic emissions from the equipment and its susceptibility to interference from other sources of electromagnetic radiation. Both MIL-STD-810G and MIL-STD-461E are important standards for military equipment, and they complement each other. Equipment that meets MIL-STD-810G standards for environmental ruggedness can also be tested to MIL-STD-461E to ensure that it meets electromagnetic compatibility requirements. By meeting both standards, military equipment can function reliably in harsh environments while also operating in the presence of electromagnetic interference.

What do the Letters Stand for? 
In the context of MIL-STD-810G and MIL-STD-461E, the letters G and E represent different revisions or versions of the military standards.

The "G" in MIL-STD-810G stands for "version G" of the standard. It is the most current version of the MIL-STD-810 series, which specifies environmental test methods and engineering guidelines for military equipment.

On the other hand, the "E" in MIL-STD-461E stands for "revision E" of the standard. It is also a current version of the MIL-STD-461 series, which provides requirements and test procedures for the electromagnetic compatibility of electronic equipment used by the U.S. Department of Defense.

In both cases, the letters G and E are used to identify a specific version or revision of the standard, indicating that there may have been earlier or different versions of the standard in use.

Benefits of Having MIL-STD Testing / Compliance
There are several benefits of adhering to MIL-STD guidelines and achieving MIL-STD certification for products, including:

1. Quality Assurance: MIL-STD certification ensures that products meet stringent quality standards, ensuring that they perform as intended and are reliable in their intended use.

2. Increased Reliability: MIL-STD certification helps to increase the reliability of products, ensuring that they are able to withstand the stresses and demands of their intended applications, including extreme temperatures, humidity, vibration, and shock.

3. Risk Mitigation: By meeting MIL-STD requirements, companies can mitigate the risk of product failures or malfunctions, which can be especially important in applications where failure could result in serious consequences.

4. Compliance with Government Requirements: MIL-STD certification may be required for products sold to government agencies or used in government contracts, making it necessary for companies that want to participate in these markets.

5. Competitive Advantage: Achieving MIL-STD certification can provide a competitive advantage by demonstrating a commitment to quality and reliability, which can be important in industries where quality and reliability are critical factors in purchasing decisions.

6. Cost Savings: Adhering to MIL-STD guidelines can help to identify potential quality issues earlier in the product development process, reducing the risk of costly recalls or warranty claims.

What are the Differences Between Testing and Compliance? 
MIL testing and MIL compliance are related but distinct concepts. MIL testing refers to the process of testing products to ensure that they meet MIL-STD guidelines, which are established by the US Department of Defense for the design, testing, and manufacturing of military equipment and systems. These tests are designed to evaluate the product's performance under various conditions and stressors, such as extreme temperatures, vibration, shock, and humidity. The purpose of MIL testing is to verify that a product meets the requirements specified in the relevant MIL-STD. MIL compliance, on the other hand, refers to a product's adherence to MIL-STD guidelines. A product that is MIL compliant has been designed, tested, and manufactured in accordance with the relevant MIL-STD. Compliance with MIL-STD guidelines is often necessary for products that are intended for military or government use, as well as for certain high-risk applications in other industries.

Who Conducts the Tests? 
MIL-STD tests are typically performed by independent testing laboratories or by the manufacturer's own testing facility. These testing laboratories are accredited by various organizations, such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA), and the International Accreditation Service (IAS). Accreditation ensures that the testing laboratory meets certain quality and technical competence standards.

How are Tests Conducted? 
The specific methods used to conduct MIL-STD tests will depend on the type of test being performed. However, there are some general steps that are typically followed during the testing process:

1. Test Planning: Before testing can begin, it is necessary to develop a test plan that outlines the objectives, methods, and acceptance criteria for the test. The test plan should also identify any specialized equipment or facilities that are needed to perform the test.

2. Test Preparation: Once the test plan has been developed, the testing laboratory will prepare the equipment and test specimens as needed. This may include installing sensors or instrumentation on the test specimen or configuring specialized equipment to perform the test.

3. Test Execution: During the test, the testing laboratory will subject the test specimen to the specified environmental or operational conditions. For example, a MIL-STD-810 test may subject the test specimen to extremes of temperature, humidity, vibration, and shock to evaluate its performance under harsh conditions. Similarly, a MIL-STD-461 test may subject the test specimen to electromagnetic fields to assess its electromagnetic compatibility.

4. Data Collection: As the test is being performed, the testing laboratory will collect data from sensors and instrumentation that have been installed on the test specimen. This data will be used to evaluate the performance of the test specimen under the specified conditions.

5. Data Analysis and Reporting: After the test is complete, the testing laboratory will analyze the data collected during the test to determine whether the test specimen meets the specified acceptance criteria. The laboratory will then prepare a test report that summarizes the test results, identifies any issues that were encountered, and provides recommendations for improving the performance of the test specimen.

MIL-STD guidelines and tests are designed to ensure that products meet strict quality and reliability standards established by the US Department of Defense. By adhering to these guidelines and conducting MIL-STD tests, manufacturers can improve the overall quality of their products, enhance safety, comply with government regulations, and gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace. MIL-STD tests are typically conducted by independent testing laboratories or by the manufacturer's own testing facility, and the specific methods used will depend on the type of test being performed. Ultimately, adherence to MIL-STD guidelines and conducting MIL-STD tests can help manufacturers to produce high-quality, reliable products that meet the needs of their customers in various harsh and extreme environments.