Military products are separated into categories based on general specifications. The general specifications for product types will usually have all of the specific variations identified. Within these general categories are minimal specifications that must be met or exceeded in order to qualify for inclusion in general specification. The specifications are determined by testing in accordance with other military standards which are very specific. Often times there are various levels of testing which can further narrow down products for specific conditions.

As a rule, the part numbering scheme for mil-spec components will follow a predetermined pattern. This ensures that a single mil-spec number can be used regardless of the manufacturer. It also insures that the specifications will be these same.

While commercial potentiometers are usually available in thousands of combinations, the corresponding mil-spec versions are much more limited in scope and are listed within the mil-spec. When comparing specifications for any product, military or commercial, it is important to know what standards were used to determine the specification. When the specifications for a mil-spec potentiometer and commercial potentiometer are the same, they are usually marked with the mil-spec part number.

So in summary, you can have a commercial potentiometer that meets or exceeds the mil-spec but you have to make sure that the test procedures are clearly indicated in the literature and that the corresponding testing standards are the same as the mil-spec product.