The standard comprises six parts, with each part divided into sections and chapters. The six Parts are:

PART 1 - Control and Management

Part 1 contains the general introduction for the use of the complete standard. It also provides guidance on the control and management of the total environmental engineering task. The focus of this guidance is a process which can accommodate different procurement strategies and a range of test types including acceptance, safety and reliability testing. The content and layout of the documentation that underpins the control and management process is also explained.

PART 2 - Environmental Trials Programme Derivation and Assessment Methodologies

Part 2 provides guidance on the derivation of environmental trials programmes to be used in materiel type approval tests or assessment campaigns for the purpose of demonstrating compliance against environmental requirements. It includes a process for developing a sequential test programme and presents a series of idealised generic usage profiles. It also provides links to related processes for evaluating the ability of materiel to meet extended life requirements.

PART 3 - Environmental Test Methods

Part 3 provides a series of environmental test methods for use during the design, development and acceptance of defence materiel. It includes sections covering test methods for mechanical, climatic, chemical and biological, and accident and hostile environments. The test methods are presented in a prescriptive and mandatory style so that they can be readily invoked by the user of this standard. As far as has been possible the test methods included are those internationally agreed and published, such as those in CENELEC Standard EN 60068 (converted from IEC 68) and NATO STANAG 4370.

PART 4 - Natural Environments

Part 4 provides guidance on the specification of natural climatic environments to be anticipated in Service. It also provides general information and guidance on climatic conditions that occur naturally; that is, those generated by the forces of nature, such as temperature, humidity, pressure, rain, dust and sand. As far as has been possible the information included is internationally agreed and published in NATO documents, such as AECTP 200 Leaflet 2311 (STANAG 4370).

PART 5 - Induced Mechanical Environments

Part 5 provides information on induced mechanical environments that materiel may experience as a result of deployment on various host platforms such as ships and aircraft, and/or by its mode of transportation and storage. It also provides guidance on data gathering techniques that can be used to characterise the environment likely to be experienced by materiel. Guidance is also provided on test tailoring methods. As far as has been possible, the information included is internationally agreed and published in NATO STANAGs such as STANAG 4370.

PART 6 - Induced Climatic, Chemical and Biological Environments

Part 6 provides information and guidance on those climatic, chemical and biological environments that are induced in materiel; that is, those generated by the materiel's exposure to climatic, chemical and biological environments arising from its configuration, and/or its deployment on various host platforms such as ships and aircraft, and/or by its mode of transportation and storage. As far as has been possible, the information included is internationally agreed and published in NATO STANAGs such as STANAG 4370.