U.S. Government standards are mandatory, which is much different than industry standards. Government standards relating to procedure, compatibility and manufacture, including the military, are mandatory. This is especially true for government contracts and supply. Government standards originate with various federal and state agencies.
Industry standards are voluntary, but when they exist, they must be followed. Civil and criminal laws may govern industry standards especially when the standards were not or are not met.
U.S. Defense Technical Information Center's gateway to unclassified technical reports and specifications. Formerly DITC Public STINET.