Re: Military Specifications

[Bernie McCann <BernieMc -at- AOL -dot- COM>]

Don;

In a message dated 98-08-08 13:03:42 EDT, you write:

<<
 Can anyone on this list point me to a good source of information on
 Military Specifications for Technical Manuals?

This is rather a tall order, as military manuals are produced by military
organizations around the globe.

 Though I have been a technical writer for the past 30 years and have
 frequently seen job postings requiring familiarity with Mil-Specs, what
 they consist of and what is required to become "familiar" with them is
 still a mystery.

Your use of the terms "Mil-Specs" suggests the use of American Military
Specifications for Technical Publications.  These specifications run into many
volumes, in fact, many shelves! (and each country has its own, and often each
branch of the military, ie, air, land and sea, has its own!).  Incidently, 30
years and no military specs, how come?    ;-)

 Are Military Specifications for Technical Manuals something that span
 volumes of information or are they contained in some phamphlet or
 brochure-size publication?

Sometimes they are available in leaflet form, but then, the "leaflet" will
only contain a small amount of information.  This form being to facilitate the
issue of changes.

 Does anyone know where they might be viewed online?

I've yet to hear of this possibility.  The specifications themselves are
military documents and, therefore, you will have to show a need to know.
Nevertheless, if you prove the need to know, they would be available from the
library of your nearest military establishment.  If you were looking for a
foreign military specification, it should be available from the embassy of
that country (might take a while though).

Anyone who has not had the experience of studying military writing
specifications has a hole in their education, in my opinion!    ;-)
  >>

Bernie

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