Ammunition Test

Cardinal Rule

Expose the minimum number of people, to the minimum amount of explosives, for the minimum amount of time consistent with safe and efficient operations

Detonation

High explosive, supersonic shockwave, extensive fragmentation

Deflagration

Rapid burn, subsonic blast wave, typical of propellants

Net Explosive Weight (NEW)

total amount of energetic material contained in a single item expressed in terms of comparable weight of TNT. Measured in both lbs and kg. Indicates how far a potential explosive effect will reach if an item detonates

Munitions Supply Mission

to provide the correct type and quantity of Class V to the force utilizing the principles of sustainment

Strategic Level Ammunition Support Organizations

Army Material Command (AMC), Defense Ammunition Center (DAC), USTRANSCOM, Capability Program Executive Ammunition & Energy (CPE A&E)

Operational Level Ammunition Support Organizations

Theater Sustainment Command, Corps Sustainment Command, Army Field Support Brigade, Army Field Support Battalion

Tactical Level Ammunition Support Organizations

Supply Platoon, Distribution Company (BSB), FSC Distribution Platoon/Section

6 Ammunition Loads

Basic, Combat, Sustainment, Operational, Combat Configured, Mission Configured

Basic Load

quantity of nonnuclear ammunition that is authorized and required by each Service to be on hand for a unit to meet combat needs until resupply can be accomplished. Issued to and carried by the individual Soldier

Combat Load

standard quantity and type of munitions an individual weapon, crew-served weapon or a weapons platform and its munitions carriers are designed to hold

Sustainment Load

the munitions needed to initiate and support a force’s operation until resupply can be provided

Operational Load

the munitions that Army units require to support or conduct a broad range of day-to-day operational missions

Combat Configured Load

a mixed ammunition package designed to provide for the complete round concept, type of unit, type of vehicle, capacity of transporter, and weapons system

Mission Configured Load

prepositioned munitions as far forward as the tactical situation permits. Usually built in the ASP by the Modular Ammo Company and/or Ordnance Company. Faster than CCLs but only covers one specific mission type (Offensive or Defensive but not both)

Ammunition Support Activity (ASA)

locations that are designated to receive, store, maintain, and provide munitions support to Army forces

Ammunition Supply Point (ASP)

the primary ASA at echelons above brigade; located at the operational level of sustainment. Operated by a Modular Ammunition Company or Platoon. Receives ammunition as determined by the TSC or CSC. Receives retrograde ammunition for return to CONUS. Field, semi-fixed, or permanent storage area of various sizes. Configures ammunition into combat or mission configured loads.

Modular Ammunition Transfer Point (MATP)

used in the most forward operating locations, located at the tactical level. Established to facilitate the receipt and transfer of all types of ammunition from echelons above brigade ASAs to units within the BDE. Ammo is delivered as configured loads or single DODIC sets as necessary to the FSCs. Small, temporary holding areas operated by the supply platoon of distro company.

Ammunition Transfer Holding Point (ATHP)

founds in BSB distribution companies for CAB and functional BDEs

Quantity Distance (QD)

distance between the Potential Explosion Site (PES) and the Exposed Sites (ES)

Inhabited building (IBD)

Provides the greatest protection for personnel and property. Distance between non-ammunition operations inhabited buildings and explosive storage locations

Public Traffic Route Distance (PTRD)

Provides protection for motor vehicles and railcars. Distance  between public traffic routes and explosive storage locations

Intra-Line Distance (ILD)

Expect severe injuries or depth to occupants of the exposed site. Distance between ammunition operations buildings and explosive storage locations

Inter-magazine Distance

Personnel will be killed by direct action of blast. Distance between ammunition storage locations

Maximum Credible Event (MCE)

the worst single event that is likely to occur from a given quantity and disposition of ammunition and explosives. Events must be realistic, with a reasonable probability of occurrence considering the explosion propagation, burning rate characteristics, and physical protection given to the items involved

Hazards Neutralized by QD

Blast overpressure, Blast Fragmentation, Fire and excessive heat from fire

Master Gunner Guidance

Where do you find total rounds required to eliminate enemy weapon systems?

Required Supply Rate (RSR)

estimated amount of ammunition needed to sustain tactical operations, without ammunition expenditure restrictions, over a specified time period

Controlled Supply Rate (CSR)

rate of ammunition that can be supported, considering availability, facilities, and transportation