Historically, friction between moving metal parts is reduced using petroleum and synthetic lubricants, sometimes with additives to enhance viscosity. Commercially, these are produced under trade names like STP Oil Additive. other compounds manufactured under trade names such as Slick 50 add coatings of teflon to the metal surface. Although these methods reduce friction and metal wear in certain applications, they do not allow for continued lubrication of the metal parts for periods of time when the primary lubricant may be rendered ineffective or lost.

Militec-1 metal conditioner forms a chemical barrier to the metal surfaces with a molecular coating of oil. This allows the metal surfaces to remain lubricated even after the oil is removed. A surface treatment also provides lubrication to the metal components during start-up periods when the metal is normally unprotected. Additionally, the molecular bonding provides corrosion protection to the metal surfaces if exposed to saltwater contamination. These factors contribute to the survivability of a machine or combustion engine (or their components) in the event of catastrophic failure of the oil reservoir. In April 1988, the Commander in Chief of the Atlantic Fleet Maintenance Office, Norfolk, VA initiated operational assessments of the Militec-1 metal conditioner. The metal conditioner has used in shipboard P250 Mod 1 firefighting pumps, aircraft handling equipment (yellow gear) at a Naval Air Rework Facility, small boat diesel engines, a variety of diesel, gas and two-cycle internal combustion engines,several types of gearboxes, and main propulsion shaft bearings. It has not been used in gas turbines.

In July 1988, the Combat Support System, Marine Corps Research, Development, and Acquisition Command, Quantico, VA conducted an evaluation of the Militec-1 metal conditioner with 1OW30 oil in the M-l5lA2 engine of a general purpose ground transport vehicle. The test vehicle, carrying full combat weight, operated without oil under full engine load for over 25 minutes and 12 miles with no loss of power.

The Submarine Materials Review Board of the Navy Environmental Health Center evaluated Militec-1 for specific health hazards when used in air compressor lubricating oil.

Based on the Board's recommendations the Navy Medical Command concurred with the use of the Militec-1 metal conditioner under the limited usage category which covers hydrocarbon materials such as lubricants. Only normal precautionary safety measures were recommended when handling the metal conditioner.

Militec-1 metal conditioner has also been used by U. S. Marine Corps in automatic weapons to decrease jamming and prevent corrosion.