MIL-DTL-117 is a Department of Defense detail specification covering heat-sealable bags used for military preservation. It defines requirements for bag construction, materials, performance, dimensions, inspection, and marking. For buyers sourcing military packaging, understanding the specification starts with one basic question: Which bag Type fits the application?
The Type identifies the bag's duty level. From there, the Class identifies the protection characteristics, while the Style describes the bag's construction. Together, these designations define the configuration required for a particular packaging application.
What Does MIL-DTL-117 Govern?
MIL-DTL-117 establishes requirements for heat-sealable bags used to protect equipment and components during storage, shipment, and other stages of military logistics. The specification works alongside related material specifications, such as MIL-PRF-121, MIL-PRF-131, MIL-PRF-22191, and MIL-PRF-81705, which define the barrier materials used to construct qualifying bags.
A complete MIL-DTL-117 callout can include the specification revision, Type, Class, and Style. Those details matter because not every combination is an approved configuration.
The Class identifies the type of environmental or electrical protection required. Depending on the configuration, classes can address waterproofing, grease resistance, water-vapor protection, electrostatic protection, and shielding. The Style then identifies an opaque, transparent, or combination construction.
For buyers, however, the Type is the first major decision point.
Type I, Type II, and Type III: What Is the Difference?
Under MIL-DTL-117H, the primary duty levels include:
● Type I: Heavy Duty
Type I bags are designed for applications requiring a higher level of physical durability. They can be specified with classes offering waterproof, water-vapor-proof, greaseproof, or electrostatic protective properties.
● Type II: Medium Duty
Type II bags occupy the middle of the duty range. They are intended for applications that call for a defined barrier and moderate physical protection without the heavier construction associated with Type I.
● Type III: Light Duty
Type III bags are intended for lighter-duty applications. Depending on the specified Class and Style, they can offer waterproof or greaseproof protection while using lighter construction.
MIL-DTL-117H also includes Type IV, Extra-Heavy Duty, for applications requiring an additional level of physical protection. Buyers working from older specifications may encounter only Types I through III, so checking the exact revision referenced by a contract or drawing is important.
The Type should not be selected based on bag thickness alone. The material specification, Class, Style, dimensions, sealing requirements, and application all affect the final configuration.
What Changed With MIL-DTL-117H?
MIL-DTL-117H, issued April 30, 2001, superseded MIL-B-117G and represented an extensive revision rather than a minor wording update. The specification moved from the older MIL-B designation to the MIL-DTL format and reorganized the available bag configurations and associated barrier material requirements.
Among the changes was the reorganization of material classifications and Type, Class, and Style combinations. Some older MIL-B-117G configurations were deleted, while others were mapped to new MIL-DTL-117H designations. The revision also incorporated updated material specifications and clarified acquisition requirements, including details concerning the required Type, Class, Style, bag dimensions, labeling, and first article inspection when applicable.
MIL-DTL-117H was later updated through Amendments 1 and 2. Amendment 2, issued in December 2009, retained the four duty levels of Type I through Type IV.
Because military packaging requirements can be tied directly to a contract, drawing, or preservation method code, we recommend working from the exact specification revision cited in your documentation.
Which MIL-DTL-117 Product Do You Need?
The Type gives you a useful starting point when selecting a MIL-DTL-117 bag:
- Type I: A heavy-duty configuration is intended for applications calling for greater physical durability or a specific high-performance barrier construction.
- Type II: A medium-duty configuration is suited to applications requiring a balance between physical protection and packaging efficiency.
- Type III: A light-duty configuration is intended for applications that do not call for the heavier construction of Type I or Type II.
- Type IV: The extra-heavy-duty category applies when the applicable MIL-DTL-117 requirement specifically calls for it.
At Royco Packaging, we manufacture custom MIL-DTL-117 bags and work with MIL-SPEC barrier materials to match the required configuration. Our experience with military packaging allows us to work from an existing Type, Class, and Style callout or help determine the appropriate configuration based on the application and packaging requirements.
Talk to a Royco Packaging Specialist
Need help identifying the right MIL-DTL-117 configuration? Our packaging specialists can review your requirements, recommend an appropriate bag construction, and help with your custom packaging order.
Call us at 1-800-67-ROYCO or email sales@roycopackaging.com to discuss your project with our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MIL-DTL-117 the same as MIL-B-117?
No. MIL-DTL-117H superseded MIL-B-117G in 2001. Older drawings and contracts may still reference the MIL-B designation, so we recommend reviewing the exact requirement before ordering.
What does the Type mean in MIL-DTL-117?
The Type identifies the bag's duty level. Type I is heavy duty, Type II is medium duty, Type III is light duty, and Type IV is extra-heavy duty under MIL-DTL-117H.
Does the Type determine the bag's barrier properties?
No. The Type identifies duty level, while the Class describes specific protection characteristics. The Style identifies the bag's construction.
Can Royco manufacture custom MIL-DTL-117 bags?
Yes. We manufacture custom heat-sealable military bags in configurations based on the applicable MIL-DTL-117 requirements and specified barrier materials.
What information is needed to order a MIL-DTL-117 bag?
A specification callout should identify the applicable revision, Type, Class, Style, dimensions, and any additional requirements stated in the contract or packaging documentation.