The system of identifying ammunition by the use of color codes, marking, and lettering is intended to be a ready identification to determine the explosive loads and hazards presented by each. A color-coding system is used to indicate the primary use of ammunition, the presence of a hazardous (explosive, flammable, irritant, or toxic) filler, and/or the color of tracers, dye loads, and signals. Current color coding for ammunition of 20-mm and larger is contained in MIL-STD-709, OP 2238 (latest revision), and WS 18782. The lettering, stenciled or stamped on ammunition, includes all the information necessary for complete identification and is marked in compliance with NATO standards and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. In addition to standard nomenclature and lot numbers, lettering may

Table 2-1.-Ammunition Color Coding

CONVENTIONAL AMMUNITION INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (CAIMS)

LEARNING OBJECTIVE Recall the purpose of and procedures for using the CAIM system.

The maintenance of an accurate inventory of all explosive ordnance held by a fleet unit is the primary concern of everyone involved. The current CNO requirement is that units maintain a 99.5 percent inventory accuracy rate. Foundational to this requirement is the maintenance of the onboard ammunition stock record commonly referred to as the "ammunition ledger" or just "the ledger. " As ammunition is received expended, or transferred, the ledger is updated to reflect the change. 'These changes are then reported to the SPCC, Ammunition Division, for entry into the central computer. Each of these activities is a function of the Conventional Ammunition Integrated Management System (CAIMS). As a Gunner's Mate, you are involved in this process in two ways. First, you are responsible for making sure ammunition received, expended, or transferred is accurately identified by NALC/DODIC and lot number and that these quantities are reported to the ledger custodian as soon as possible after the event. Second, you may be tasked to maintain the ledger, especially at the second class petty officer level.

CAIMS is designed to be a management tool for all levels of the Navy that are concerned with inventory management. The CAIMS Manual, SPCCINST 8010.12, describes the system in detail and the procedures to be used by each type of activity in maintaining and reporting ammunition inventory information. In the following sections, we expand on the major elements of this system, describing their functions and how they interrelate.

AMMUNITION STOCK RECORD

The ammunition stock record (or ledger) is a fleet unit's master record of all ammunition stocks held, as well as a record of past transactions and inventories held The ledger consists of a master stock record card (MSRC) for each NALC or DODIC held by the unit and an ammunition lot or serial/location card for each different lot or serial number.