Broken Band
A broken band around the circumference of a munition indicates that it is a binary item. Binary items contain two
components that require mixing to achieve their intended effect. Either component may have specific hazards
associated with it. A dark-green broken band indicates the presence of binary toxic chemical agents. Note: Do
not confuse these bands with the weight zone markings previously discussed.
Broken Band of "T"s
A broken band of "T"s around the circumference of a munition indicates that it contains a tracer element. The
color of the "T"s will be marked in the same color as the tracer flame.
Broken Band of "C"s
A broken band of "C"s around the circumference of a munition indicates that it contains a color-bursting chemical.
The color of the "C"s will be the color of the burst. This marking will only be used on flash-type signal devices.
Broken Band of "D"s
A broken band of "D"s around the circumference of a munition indicates that it contains a dye load. The color of
the "D"s will indicate the dye color involved.
Solid Bands
Solid bands are used to indicate the presence of a specific hazardous filler that is not indicated by the primary-use
color code. For example, a WP smoke round would be painted light green to indicate a smoke cartridge. It would
have red markings to identify its incendiary characteristics (caused by the WP filler). It would also have a solid
yellow band to identify the HE hazard. The band colors and their meanings are as follows:
Yellow--high explosive.
Brown--low explosive.
Dark green--toxic chemical.
Dark red-riot--control chemical.
Violet--incapacitating chemical.
White--illuminating.
Black--armor-defeating.
The current color coding system uses a combination of base color, colored markings, and colored special
symbols to identify the hazards associated with a munition. With the special symbols it is easier to identify
additional hazards not previously included in the markings.
AMMUNITION COLORS
Olive-drab, the most common base color, has no identification significance. It is used primarily to protect and
camouflage the munition. The color white has no significance when used on guided missiles, mine dispensers,
and rocket launchers. Black or white lettering also has no identification significance.
MM0145
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