Interesting. MIL-STD-2219A has a history that goes back a bit. It originally combined several military welding standards, i.e., 8604, 1595, and others, used for aerospace applications. Then Ronald R. issued an executive order cancelling all military standard. The Navy work around was to issue MIL-STDs 248, 271, 278, 1688, etc. as Technical Publications. MIL-STD-2219 was handed off to SAE who treated it like a hot potato and handed it off to AWS.

AWS total botched the job and left out all the information needed to perform the guided bend tests needed to qualify WPSs and welders. They had an opportunity to harmonize D17.1 with other AWS standards, i.e., can you say AWS B2.1? They didn't and it is still the cluster of peanut butter it has always been. The recent revision of D17.1 at least added the data for guided bend tests, but it still suck puss from the boil.

The military reviewed AWS D17.1 and decided it was, well I already addressed that point. So, they reactivated MIL-STD-2219 and revised it. As far as I knew, it was still in effect. I could be wrong because as I said, it has been a while.

If your employer decides to include AWS D17.1 in the project specs, stay with it and don't try to mix the requirements from a couple of different welding standards. It is too confusing to your customers and to your vendors. Just make sure your drawings include the proper weld class. There are steps you can take to ensure everyone is singing from the same sheet of music. Include a matrix on your drawing that includes joint numbers for each weld joint, the joint type, base metal, weld class, and inspection requirements. Once you have reviewed a drawing or two and attempt to compile the matrix you will see the weaknesses in your drawing call outs.

Welding symbols are usually a weak link, so spend some time making sure the symbol is correct. ASME has a good short course that spends a good deal of time on welding symbols if you are weak in that area (PD359 Practical Welding Technology). Use the tail of the welding symbol to assign a joint number to each and every joint that corresponds to the numbers used in your matrix. This system allows you to assign different weld classes to each joint. There is no reason to require all welds to be class A if it is unnecessary. The matrix will also allow you to specify the WPS (for in-house work only) or the filler metal and welding process, as well as the inspection requirements.

Good luck. My e-mail address is listed in my profile if you need help.

Best regards - Al