History of Military Packaging
Understanding Military Packaging
Creation of the category "military packaging" stemmed from a recognized need by the United States government. The category continues to evolve with the technological changes and distribution of its supplies. The handling of military packaging can have a strong influence on the outcome of military operations.
Packaging of military materials is a very complex process and one that many do not understand. The contribution military packaging makes is greatly underappreciated and often criticized. One small mistake can slow down the process tremendously, making it even more important that each step is performed correctly.
The need for specifically packaged military materials began when the U.S. Army lost a large amount of supplies in Iceland in 1941. This loss was due to bad packaging. The U.S. Navy also ran into a very similar problem in 1942. Packaging continued to be an ongoing problem for the Navy, Army and Marine Corps during the beginning of World War II. Recognizing a need for a change, the government had to find a solution quickly so that operations were not put at risk due to the loss of so many packages.
The Evolution of Military Packaging
Before World War II, the military did not realize that the current packaging was not designed to survive overseas operations. Materials were often packaged in cellophane which offered very little protection from moisture. Packages were lighter in weight and designed for aesthetic appeal.
When commercial packaging was being used to ship military materials, packages were often delivered broken and spilled, or ruined by the amount of moisture exposure. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, an order was issued for canned goods to only be packed in weatherproof solid fiberboard boxes, nailed wood boxes or wirebound boxes.
A Packaging and Crating Unit was created to develop and follow specifications as well as coordinate the inspection of these packages. The unit gave additional assistance to the areas of inventory control points, distribution depots and training.
Packaging continued to evolve as the Army and Navy joined together to create specific packaging guidelines. New markings were created on the packages to denote shipping information, cubic displacement, weight and services.
As the evolution continued, developments were made with not only packaging materials but the methods of preserving items as well as equipment. As new weapons systems were developed, new means for packaging were improved. Packaging codes were designed to provide guidance in all situations including emergencies.
Military Packaging Today
Today, military packaging is very structured, outlined and explained in detail. The smallest of mistakes in any process causes delays not only in delivery but in payment as well. Military packaging came about to ensure the survival of the U.S. military. Although often underappreciated, its contributions help play a part in the success of the military and their operations.
