AMMUNITION IDENTIFICATION BYMARKINGS AND COLOR CODING

Ammunition is identified by markings and colorcoding on the items themselves, the containers, andthe packing boxes. In this appendix color codings arepresented in greater detail than markings becausethey are a more ready means of identification. Themarkings, the standard nomenclature of each item,together with its lot number, Federal Supply Class(FSC), national stock number (NSN), Department ofDefense Identification Code (DODIC), and Depart-ment of Defense Ammunition Code (DODAC), com-pletely identify each item and are used to maintainaccountable records. Communications between am-munition units frequently use an ammunition item’sDODIC; for instance, A071, which is 5.56 small armsammunition (see SB 708-3). Color coding can beused as a quick way to visually check and identify144

Appendix Dammunition. Look in TM 9-1300-200 and MIL-STD-709C for more details. This appendix also givesa basic explanation of markings and color coding.

MARKINGSAMMUNITION LOT NUMBER

Each item of ammunition is assigned a completeround or item lot number when it is manufactured oris at the load and assembly (LAP) plant. See MIL-STD 1168-A for complete description of the currentsystem. See MIL-STD 1168 for a complete discus-sion of the old lot numbering system. Figure D-1 is abasic break-down of a typical ammunition lot num-ber showing both the new and the old systems.

CONVENTIONAL AMMUNITION FEDERALSUPPLY CLASSES

Conventional ammunition is Federal SupplyGroup 13. Within this group, ammunition is furtherbroken down by two more numbers that identify thegeneral type or family the item falls into. Table D-1is a list of FSCs.

CONVENTIONAL AMMUNITION NATIONALSTOCK NUMBERING (NSN) SYSTEM

Each complete round or item of conventional am-munition or associated explosive component is iden-tified by its own national stock number (NSN). Aconventional ammunition NSN is made up of theFSC, a two-number code of the country that makesthe item, and the seven-number National Item Iden-tification Number (NIIN). See Figure D-2.

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Department of Defense Identification Code(DODIC). A DODIC is a single letter and threenumbers or two letters and two numbers in the caseof small guided missiles. It is attached at the end ofall NSNs to denote interchangeability of the item.Figure D-3 shows a conventional NSN with DODICadded showing interchangeability between variousmodel numbers and the designators of an ammuni-tion item.148

Appendix D

Department of Defense Ammunition Code(DODAC). This code includes the FSC of the am-munition, and the DODIC. The code is used on allusing-unit DD Forms 581 (Request for Issue andTurn-In), DA Form 3151-R (Ammunition StoresSlip), and most ammunition reports. It is used in-stead of the DODIC to reduce errors with ammuni-tion transactions. See Figure D-4.

COLOR CODINGThe main reason ammunition is painted is to pro-

tect it from rust. But, at the same time, the color ofthe protective coating and markings makes ammuni-tion items easy to identify and provides some camou-flage. Ammunition 20mm and larger is color-codedIAW MIL-STD 709C (See Tables D-2 and D-3 pp152 and 154). Figure D-5 shows typical markings foran artillery round of ammunition.

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Small arms ammunition is not color coded underMIL-STD 709C; however, either the small arm pro-jectiles themselves or at least the bullet tips arepainted a distinctive color so they can be identifiedat a glance. Figures D-6 through D-13 show the colorcodes for types of small arms ammunition up to andincluding .50 caliber. See also TM 9-1300-200 formore details.

The following significant features of the currentcolor coding standard should be noted:

Olive Drab (OD). With yellow markings, olivedrab indicates an HE round. However, OD isalso being used as a basic color for certain newrounds such as improved conventional muni-tions (ICM), the flechette antipersonnel round,and some new illumination rounds for specificfield artillery weapons.Overpacking. Ammunition overpacked incolor coded bombs, in unit dispensers, or inwarheads will not be color coded.Camouflage. Ammunition containing toxicchemical, incapacitating, or riot control chemi-cal agents shall never be camouflaged bypainting.Standard Department of Defense (DOD)Ammunition Color Code. The present stan-dard ammunition color code for 20mm andlarger ammunition is in MIL-STD 709C. Beaware, though, that there is still ammunitioncoded as specified by MIL-STD 709-B andMIL-STD 709-A. If this might be the case, seethe appropriate MIL-STD or TM 9-1300-200.

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