Ammunition identification is an important part of ordnance handling and administration. Ammunition identification tells you the service/nonservice type of ammunition, class of explosive contained in the round, Mark (Mk) and modification (Mod) numbers, lot numbers, and color codes representing the explosive hazards.

The Department of Defense Identification Code (DODIC) is a four-digit code assigned by the Defense Logistics Services Center (DLSC). It identifies ammunition and explosive items (non-nuclear) within the supply system applicable to all the armed forces. The Navy Ammunition Logistic Code (NALC) is a four-digit code assigned by Ships Parts Control Center (SPCC). It identifies Navy-unique items of ordnance. The DODIC and NALC are interchangeable terms and are included as part of the letter identification contained on ammunition and ammunition components. These codes are used specifically for  logistic control and ammunition administration. If an ammunition item or ammunition component has been modified, a DODIC/NALC code is assigned to the modified item. For example, Mk 105 Mod O is assigned code A811 and Mk 105 Mod 1 is assigned code A894. A complete listing of DODICs and NALCs Navy Ammunition Logistics Codes, NAVAIR 11-1-116B/TW010-AA-ORD-030.

Painting is the application of the final body coating to ammunition, ammunition components, or ammunition containers by authorized activities. Usually, paint color identifies the  use or explosive hazards of the ammunition; however, sometimes it has no meaning. 

Marking

Marking is the application of colored spots, bands, or symbols on ammunition, ammunition components, or ammunition containers. Markings, by their color or shape, identify ammunition fillers or the presence of specific ammunition components. Chemical filler ammunition, ammunition components, and ammunition containers are identified by bands that are color-coded. Marking symbols placed on a line parallel to the colored bands identifies chemical fillers. 

Lettering

Lettering is the use of letters, words, abbreviations, or numerals on ammunition, ammunition components, or ammunition containers. Lettering is put on ammunition by die stamping, stenciling, decals, etching, or rubber-stamping. Lettering identifies the type, mark and modification, ammunition lot number, and loading information of the ammunition item. Lettering applied in black or white has no color-code significance.

The Mk number is an Arabic numeral and represents a basic design. A modification (Mod) number to represent a less than major change in design follows it. For example, the mark/modification number assigned to a general-purpose bomb without a change to the basic design is Mk 82 Mod O. If a minor change to the basic design is incorporated, it is designated as Mk 82 Mod 1. If further changes are incorporated, the modification designations are assigned in sequence, Mod 2, Mod 3, Mod 4, and so forth. Some explosive devices and ordnance or armament (such as cluster weapons and bomblets used in cluster weapons) are designated by groups of letters and numbers. An example of this type designation is BLU-7A/B. U.S. Army ammunition retains the Army identifier that uses a letter, numeral, and letter and numeral system. For example, the model is designated M23. The first modification of this model is designated M23A1, and subsequent modifications are designated by M23A2, M23A3, etc. If the Navy and Army jointly developed an item, the letters AN (Army/Navy) precedes the model identifying designation. For example, a model is designated AN-M173. The first modification of this model is designated AN-M173A1. Later modifications are designated as AN-M173A2, AN-M173A3, etc.