Weight zones.
Rounds per package.
Package weight and cube.
Department of Transportation (DOT) hazardous materials information.
Ammunition color codes.
Standard Nomenclature
The standard nomenclature consists of the technical name and model number for the ammunition item (such as
"cartridge, 105-millimeter, high explosive"). Included as part of the standard nomenclature is sufficient additional
information to differentiate between items having the same item name. The following paragraphs describe the
kinds of additional information that are normally provided.
Model Number. A model number is assigned at the time an item is adopted for use and type-classified. It is
an essential part of the item nomenclature. A model number consists of the letter "M" followed by an Arabic
numeral (as in "M1"). When an item is accepted under development, the letter "X" is placed in front of the letter
"M" (as in "XM1"). When items have received a modification to the basic design, the letter "A" and an appropriate
Arabic numeral are added after the existing model number (as in "M1A1," "M1A2," and so on). When an item
undergoes an experimental modification, the letter "E" and an Arabic numeral are added after the original model
number (as in "M1E1," "M1E2," and so on).
Model and Type of Fuzing. The nomenclature will indicate whether an item is without a fuze ("W/O fuze"),
or with a fuze ("w/fuze"). If it has a fuze, the fuze model number and type (such as "w/fuze M256 PD") will be
indicated.
Weapon in Which Fired. This indicates the weapon or weapons for which the ammunition is designed, or
with which it can safely be used (such as "for Gun M2" or "for Howitzer M4, M4A1, M4A2").
National Stock Number (NSN)
A NSN is assigned when an item is approved for use. It is used to identify the established essential design
characteristics of the item that make it different from other items of supply.
The NSN is a thirteen-digit code (such as "1330-00-133-8244"). The first element of the NSN is the Federal
supply group (FSG). All ammunition items are in the FSG 1300 series, and guided missiles are in the FSG 1400
series. The last two digits of the FSG are the Federal supply classification (FSC) (such as "30"). The second
element of the NSN is a country code (CC). The CC is always 00 or 01 for US items. The last part of the NSN is
the National Item Identification Number (NIIN). The NIIN consists of the CC plus a seven-digit code (such as "00-
133-8244") used to identify design features, packing methods, and type of filler.
Department of Defense Identification Code
The DODIC is used as a suffix to the NSN. It consists of a letter and three numerals (as in "C705") or two letters
and two numerals (as in "PA66"). When suffixed to more than one NSN, the DODIC indicates that the items are
interchangeable for issue or use.
MM0145
1-2
Previous Page
