The Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) is responsible for administering supply management policies, to include cataloging, standardization, inventory control, storage, issue, and disposal of naval material. You, as a Hospital Corpsman, must be familiar with the methods of procuring and accounting for naval materials.

In this chapter we will discuss the proper procedures to use in estimating supply needs, procuring supplies and material, and accounting for supplies and operating funds. The last section of the chapter deals with contingency supply blocks and their maintenance.

NAVSUP MANUALS, PUBLICATIONS, AND DIRECTIVES

LEARNING OBJECTIVE : Recognize the purpose and content of key supply manuals and instructions.

To function well in the Navy supply system, you must be familiar with the NAVSUP manuals, publications, and directives that outline policy and procedures for different areas of supply. These manuals, publications, and directives are available in the Naval Logistics Library located on the NAVSUP homepage, www.navsup.navy.mil.

ALTERNATIVE TITLES FOR NAVSUP PUBLICATIONS

NAVSUP publications may be referred to in four different ways. For example, the Operating Procedures Manual Military Standard Requisitioning and Issue Procedure, and Military Standard Transaction Reporting and Accounting Procedure (MILSTRIP/MILSTRAP), NAVSUP P437, may be referred to in various publications and directives as NAVSUP Publication 437, NAVSUP P-437, NAVSUPPub 437, orNAVSUP437. However, when referencing this publication (or other NAVSUP publications), cite it as "NAVSUP P-437" (and the applicable paragraph number).

CHANGES TO PUBLICATIONS
Regardless of how well you have learned to use the various supply publications, if they aren't kept up to date, you may encounter problems when you attempt to order an item. Also, you may be unaware of an item that has been recalled. Enter changes promptly when they are received to ensure that the latest information is being used. Always read accompanying instructions before making changes.

NAVAL SUPPLY SYSTEMS COMMAND (NAVSUP) MANUAL

The NAVSUP manual is designed to institute standardized supply procedures and consists of the following four volumes:

Volume I C Introduction to Supply
Volume II C Supply Ashore
Volume III C Retail Clothing Stores and Commissary Stores

Volume IV C Transportation of Property

OPERATING PROCEDURES MANUAL FOR MILITARYSTANDARDREQUISITIONINGAND PROCEDURES (NAVSUPP-437) AND MILITARY STANDARD TRANSACTION REPORTING AND ACCOUNTING PROCEDURES (MILSTRIP/ MILSTRAP)

The MILSTRIP/MILSTRAP manual issues policy on the MILSTRIP/MILSTRAP system. This publication takes precedence over conflicting provisions contained in other supply system manuals or directives. The manual covers system management, requisitioning procedures for ashore activities, inventory control, financial matters, and other topics. The publication provides forms, formats, and codes, and serves as a comprehensive reference for persons involved in preparing or processing MILSTRIP documents. Since NAVSUP P-437 is not distributed afloat, afloat MILSTRIP/MILSTRAP operations are incorporated into NAVSUP P-485.

MILSTRIP/MILSTRAP DESK GUIDE, NAVSUP P-409

The NAVSUP P-409 was published as a handy reference for personnel responsible for originating and processing MILSTRIP/MILSTRAP documents, since NAVSUP P-437 is a large, comprehensive, three- volume publication. This small booklet contains common definitions, coding structures, and abbre- viated code definitions used on a day-to-day basis. Blank space is provided for entering commonly used routing identifiers, funding codes, project codes, and locally assigned codes.

AFLOAT SUPPLY PROCEDURES, NAVSUP P-485

The Afloat Supply Procedures, NAVSUP P-485, establishes policies for operating and managing afloat supply departments and activities. It helps supply personnel understand and perform their individual tasks. Although this publication is designed primarily for nonautomated supply procedures, a significant amount of the information it contains also applies to automated systems.

The procedures contained in this publication are the minimum essential for acceptable supply management and are mandatory unless specifically stated as optional. The publication encompasses the procedures outlined in the NAVSUP Manual, volumes I, II, and V, and NAVSUPP-437 as they apply to afloat situations. It covers organization and administration, material identification, material procurement, material receipt, custody and stowage, material expenditure and shipment, inventory management, transportation, and special material.

NAVY MEDICALAND DENTALMATERIAL BULLETIN, NAVMEDLOGCOM NOTICE 6700

The Navy Medical and Dental Material Bulletin, NAVMEDLOGCOM NOTICE 6700, is issued monthly via the NAVMEDLOGCOM homepage, www-nmlc.med.navy.mil, by the Commander, Naval Medical Logistics Command. It contains information of importance and interest to medical supply departments, such as changes in stock numbers, addition and deletions, availability of excess equipment, and notification of material unfit for use and disposal instruction. Revisions to this publication should be read carefully for any changes to your files or References.