The following is a guide for classifying packaging defects:
Critical. A condition where the packaging or the absence of packaging components can cause hazardous or
unsafe conditions for persons using, handling, transporting, or maintaining the ammunition.
Major. A condition where containers are damaged, weathered, or decayed to the extent that the contents
cannot be adequately protected, the containers require replacement, or their contents cannot be readily
removed. A major defect also exists when the cap or closure is damaged or insecure to the extent that the
contents cannot be adequately protected, and when the contents are loose to the extent that the item cannot be
adequately protected during handling and transportation.
Minor. A condition where containers are weathered or deteriorated to the extent that maintenance is normally
required prior to the issue or use of the ammunition. Examples of minor packaging defects include wet,
moldy, or mildewed inner containers (except metal ones) and improper or inadequately-sealed fiber
containers.
Incidental. Any packaging defect other than critical, major, or minor. Such defects are corrected during
routine maintenance. Examples of incidental packaging defects are broken or missing handles or cleats and
broken, missing, or ineffective hardware, banding, or packing components. For a packaging defect to be
classified as incidental, the contents must be safe and adequately protected for storage and shipment.
Defects resulting from markings that are missing, illegible, incorrect, or misleading are classified as follows.
Critical. A condition where the markings can result in hazardous or unsafe conditions for persons using or
maintaining the item (such as an incorrect delay time, an incorrect color or type of smoke or signal, or HE
ammunition with practice markings).
Major. A condition where the markings can cause misuse or failure (such as an incorrect model or type of
round or fuze or an HE marking instead of HEAT).
Minor. A marking defect other than critical or major that should normally be corrected before issuing the
ammunition. Examples of minor marking defects are an incorrect or missing lot number and a missing or
incorrect Department of Transportation (DOT) name on the item or packing.
Incidental. Any marking defect other than critical, major, or minor. Such defects are corrected during routine
maintenance. Incidental marking defects include illegible or missing markings (such as nomenclature, NSN,
DODIC, cube, or weight) and incorrect weight format or placement.
Tools Used During Inspections
The tools used to detect and classify defects include gauges and other precision measuring instruments.
As a general policy, every lot of ammunition that can be gauged must be gauged at least once during its storage
life cycle. However, ammunition lots for which the specified gauges are not immediately available must not be
reclassified to a lesser condition code, nor should shipments to users be denied pending gauging.
Gauges are requisitioned expeditiously by ammunition surveillance organizations for ammunition on hand or due
in from new production. Gauging is accomplished whenever possible during RIs or at the next regularly-
scheduled PI. For a lot that has been gauged at least once during its storage life cycle, the use of gauges during
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