NOT MEASUREMENT

SENSITIVE
MIL-STD-709D
w/CHANGE 1
03 May 2011
SUPERSEDING
MIL-STD-709D
16 March 2009

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
DESIGN CRITERIA STANDARD
AMMUNITION COLOR CODING

Comments, suggestions, or questions on this document should be addressed to: Commander, U.S. Army
ARDEC, ATTN: RDAR-QES-E, Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey 07806-5000 or
ardecstdzn@conus.army.mil. Since contact information can change, you may want to verify the currency
of this address information using the ASSIST online database at https://assist.daps.dla.mil.
AMSC N/A

FSC: 1395

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A. Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

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MIL-STD-709D
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FOREWORD
1. This Military Standard is approved for use by all Departments and Agencies of the Department of
Defense.
2. This standard covers the procedure for establishing ammunition color coding.
3. The changes in this document update the definitions for practice (LIGHT BLUE) and dummy
(BRONZE) ammunition and also included a LIGHT ORANGE color for exploding and/or bursting
grenades without HE. A future and more comprehensive update to this standard is in progress, which will
address discrepancies between NATO, USAF, and USN color standards and update the color definitions
for all ammunition.

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CONTENTS
PARAGRAPH

1.
1.1
1.2
2.
2.1
2.2
2.3
3.
4.
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
5.
6.
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6
6.7
6.8
6.9

PAGE

FOREWORD

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SCOPE

1
1
1
1
1
2
2
3
3
3
21
21
24
24
24
24
24
24
24
24
24
24
25
25
25
26

Scope
Classification
REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
General
Government Documents
Order of Precedence
DEFINITIONS
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Colors
Application of color coding
Special Coding
Materials
Data Marking
Packaging and Packing
DETAIL REQUIREMENTS
NOTES
Intended Use
Acquisition requirements
International standardization agreement implantation
Tracer
Color Effect
Definitions
Subject term (key word) listing
Revision/amendment history
Changes from previous issue

TABLE
I
II
III

PAGE
Ammunition Color Code and Application for Tier I
Ammunition Color Code for Tier II
Application of Color Coding for Tier II

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19
22

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1. SCOPE
1.1 Scope. This standard covers a color coding system for ammunition.
1.2 Classification. The following ammunition tiers use the color coding system:
a. Tier I Used for ammunition of a caliber .50 and below with the exception of
ammunition under 1.2.1.
b. Tier II Used for ammunition of a caliber 20mm and above with the exception of
ammunition under 1.2.2.
1.2.1 Exceptions to Tier I. This standard does not apply to the following ammunition:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.

Blank Ammunition
Proof or high pressure test ammunition
Revolver ammunition
Shotgun ammunition
.22 caliber
.30 caliber (carbine and rifle)

1.2.2 Exceptions to Tier II. This standard does not apply to the following ammunition:
a. Blank Ammunition
b. Cartridge cases
c. Propelling charges for fixed, semi-fixed, separated and separate loading
ammunition
d. Commercial ammunition and explosives
e. Sectionalized or display models
f. Ammunition devices required to be inconspicuous when exposed to close range
observation
g. Ammunition components and demolition accessories which normally do not
require color coding for identification purposes
h. Fuzes
i. Cartridge or propellant-actuated devices, initiators, igniters, detonators and other
components of aircrew escape systems or aircraft external stores ejection systems
j. Proof or high pressure test ammunition
k. Inert ammunition used in drill type training or for clearing automatic weapons and
for which no protective coating is required or which has a cadmium plate/chromate
treatment for the protective coating
l. War reserve and training nuclear weapons and their containers. Required marking
for these items are contained in the appropriate Joint Atomic Weapons Publications
m. Ammunition in containers adequately identified as to contents and which
ammunition is not visible to the user during handling or firing operations
2. REFERENCED DOCUMENTS.
2.1 General. The documents listed in this section are specified in sections 3, 4, or 5 of
this standard. This section does not include documents cited in other sections of this standard or
recommended for additional information or as examples. While very effort has been made to
ensure the completeness of this list, document users are cautioned that they must meet all

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specified requirements of documents cited in sections 3, 4, or 5 of this standard, whether or not
they are listed.
2.2 Government documents.
2.2.1 Specifications, standards, and handbooks. The following specifications, standards,
and handbooks form a part of this document to the extent specified herein. Unless otherwise
specified, the issues of these documents are those cited in the solicitation or contract.
FEDERAL STANDARDS
FED-STD-595/11136
FED-STD-595/12246
FED-STD-595/14187
FED-STD-595/17043

FED-STD-595/17100

FED-STD-595/17178

FED-STD-595/26493
FED-STD-595/30117
FED-STD-595/30140
FED-STD-595/31136
FED-STD-595/31158
FED-STD-595/31302
FED-STD-595/32246
FED-STD-595/33538
FED-STD-595/34088
FED-STD-595/34108
FED-STD-595/34138
FED-STD-595/34449
FED-STD-595/34558
FED-STD-595/35109
FED-STD-595/35240
FED-STD-595/36231
FED-STD-595/37038

FED-STD-595/37142

FED-STD-595/37875

Red, Gloss
Orange, Gloss
Green, Gloss
Misc (Black, White, Gold,
Silver, Violet), Gloss
Misc (Black, White, Gold,
Silver, Violet), Gloss
Misc (Black, White, Gold,
Silver, Violet), Gloss
Gray, Semi-gloss
Brown, Flat
Brown, Flat
Red, Flat
Red, Flat
Red, Flat
Orange, Flat
Yellow, Flat
Green, Flat
Green, Flat
Green, Flat
Green, Flat
Green, Flat
Blue, Flat
Blue, Flat
Gray, Flat
Misc (Black, White, Gold,
Silver, Violet), Flat
Misc (Black, White, Gold,
Silver, Violet), Flat
Misc (Black, White, Gold,
Silver, Violet), Flat

(Copies of these documents are available online at https://assist.daps.dla.mil/ or from the

Standardization Document Order Desk, 700 Robbins Avenue, Building 4D, Philadelphia, PA
19111-5094.)
2.3 Order of precedence. Unless otherwise noted herein or in the contract, in the event of
a conflict between the text of this document and the references cited herein, the text of this
document takes precedence. Nothing in this document, however, supersedes applicable laws and
regulations unless a specific exemption has been obtained.

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3. DEFINITIONS.
3.1 Binary agent. Lethal agent produced by the reaction of non-lethal chemical
constituents when mixed within ammunition.
3.2 Binary munitions. Ammunition which contains two or more chemicals that remain
separated until use. The ammunition is not lethal or explosive until mixed on demand or by shock
(set back or impact).
3.3 Improved Conventional Munition (ICM). Ammunition which embodies a unique
design to control the number, size, and distribution of fragments produced when functioned.
3.4 Incapacitating agent. An agent that produces temporary physiological or mental
effects, or both, which will render individuals incapable of concerted effort in the performance of
their assigned duties.
3.5 Riot control agent. A chemical that produces temporary irritation or disabling effects
when in contact with the eyes, skin, or when inhaled.
3.6 Dummy ammunition. Inert ammunition used for maintenance operations and training
purposes.
3.7 Inert Ammunition. Ammunition void of all energetics such as propellant fill and
primer.
3.8 Training Ammunition. Ammunition types (Ball, Tracer, Short Range, Blank Dim
Tracer, Overhead Fire, Inert and Dummy) used to support training strategies.
4. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.
4.1 Colors.
4.1.1 Ammunition color. Colors of the ammunition color code and their interpretation
shall be as shown in Table I and Table II. Colors used for camouflage or other purposes shall be
distinctively different from those of the code, unless otherwise provided herein.
4.1.2 Color description. The colors specified herein shall match those of the
corresponding numbers in FED-STD-595, as shown in Table I and Table II, except that the first
digit of the number may be changed in accordance with the ammunition requirements for a gloss,
semi-gloss or a lusterless finish.
4.1.3 Olive Drab Green. Except as listed in Table III, the color Olive Drab Green,
hereafter called Olive Drab, FED-STD-595/34088, shall have no color coding significance within
the scope of this standard.

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MIL-STD-709D
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TABLE I. Ammunition Color Code and Application for Tier I

TIER

CALIBER

COLOR

STANDARD

INTERPRETATION

5.56mm

Silver

FED-STD-595/17178

Identifies completely
inert small caliber
ammunition designed
for use in activities
such as assembly,
testing, handling,
training, etc.

5.56mm

Green

FED-STD-595/34138

Identifies ball
ammunition for combat
use and training

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TYPE

Body

COLOR APPLICATION
Projectile
Picture

Dummy

Silver

Silver

Ball

None

Green Tip

MIL-STD-709D
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TABLE I. Ammunition Color Code and Application for Tier I Continued

TIER

CALIBER

5.56mm

5.56mm

COLOR

Red

Orange

COLOR APPLICATION
Projectile
Picture

STANDARD

INTERPRETATION

TYPE

FED-STD-595/11136

Identifies tracer
ammunition for combat
use and training with
trace to target
capability

Tracer

None

Red Tip

FED-STD-595/12246

Identifies tracer
ammunition for combat
use and training with
trace to target
capability

Tracer

None

Orange Tip

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Body

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TABLE I. Ammunition Color Code and Application for Tier I Continued

TIER

CALIBER

COLOR

COLOR APPLICATION
Projectile
Picture

STANDARD

INTERPRETATION

TYPE

Armor
Piercing

None

Black Tip

Short
Range
Training

None

Light Blue

5.56mm

Black

FED-STD-595/37038

Identifies an armor
piercing ammunition
or indicates an armor
piercing capability

5.56mm

Blue

FED-STD-595/15000s
FED-STD-595/25000s
FED-STD-595/35000s

Identifies short range

training ammunition

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MIL-STD-709D
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TABLE I. Ammunition Color Code and Application for Tier I Continued

TIER

CALIBER

5.56mm

5.56mm

5.56mm

COLOR

STANDARD

INTERPRETATION

Silver &
Blue

natural zinc/aluminum
FED-STD-595/15000s
FED-STD-595/25000s
FED-STD-595/35000s

Identifies close
combat mission
capability kit dye
marking ammunition
for rifles

Silver &
Red

natural zinc/aluminum
FED-STD-595/11000s
FED-STD-595/21000s
FED-STD-595/31000s

Identifies close
combat mission
capability kit dye
marking ammunition
for rifles

Silver &
Yellow

natural zinc/aluminum
FED-STD-595/13000s
FED-STD-595/23000s
FED-STD-595/33000s

Identifies close
combat mission
capability kit dye
marking ammunition
for rifles

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TYPE

Dye
Marking

Dye
Marking

Dye
Marking

Body

COLOR APPLICATION
Projectile
Picture

Silver

Translucent
Dome with
Blue
Marking
Compound

Silver

Translucent
Dome with
Red
Marking
Compound

Silver

Translucent
Dome with
Yellow
Marking
Compound

MIL-STD-709D
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TABLE I. Ammunition Color Code and Application for Tier I Continued

TIER

CALIBER

5.56mm

5.56mm

5.56mm

COLOR

STANDARD

INTERPRETATION

TYPE

Silver &
Blue

natural zinc/aluminum
FED-STD-595/15000s
FED-STD-595/25000s
FED-STD-595/35000s

Identifies close
combat mission
capability kit dye
marking ammunition
linked for machine
guns

Dye
Marking

Silver &
Red

natural zinc/aluminum
FED-STD-595/11000s
FED-STD-595/21000s
FED-STD-595/31000s

Identifies close
combat mission
capability kit dye
marking ammunition
linked for machine
guns

Dye
Marking

Silver &
Yellow

natural zinc/aluminum
FED-STD-595/13000s
FED-STD-595/23000s
FED-STD-595/33000s

Identifies close
combat mission
capability kit dye
marking ammunition
linked for machine
guns

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Dye
Marking

Body

COLOR APPLICATION
Projectile
Picture

Silver

Blue Dome
with Blue
Marking
Compound

Silver

Blue Dome
with Red
Marking
Compound

Silver

Blue Dome
with
Yellow
Marking
Compound

MIL-STD-709D
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TABLE I. Ammunition Color Code and Application for Tier I Continued

TIER

CALIBER

7.62mm

7.62mm

COLOR

Silver

Orange

COLOR APPLICATION
Projectile
Picture

STANDARD

INTERPRETATION

TYPE

FED-STD-595/17178

Identifies completely
inert small caliber
ammunition designed
for use in activities
such as assembly,
testing, handling,
training, etc.

Dummy

Silver

Silver

FED-STD-595/12246

Identifies tracer
ammunition for
combat use and
training with trace to
target capability

Tracer

None

Orange Tip

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TABLE I. Ammunition Color Code and Application for Tier I Continued

TIER

CALIBER

COLOR

COLOR APPLICATION
Projectile
Picture

STANDARD

INTERPRETATION

TYPE

Armor
Piercing

None

Black Tip

Short
Range
Training

None

Light Blue

7.62mm

Black

FED-STD-595/37038

Identifies an armor
piercing ammunition
or indicates an armor
piercing capability

7.62mm

Blue

FED-STD-595/15000s
FED-STD-595/25000s
FED-STD-595/35000s

Identifies short range

training ammunition

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MIL-STD-709D
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TABLE I. Ammunition Color Code and Application for Tier I Continued

TIER

CALIBER

7.62mm

7.62mm

COLOR APPLICATION
Projectile
Picture

COLOR

STANDARD

INTERPRETATION

TYPE

Blue &
Red

FED-STD-595/15000s
FED-STD-595/25000s
FED-STD-595/35000s
FED-STD-595/11000s
FED-STD-595/21000s
FED-STD-595/31000s

Identifies short range

training tracer
ammunition

Short
Range
Tracer
Training

None

Light Blue
projectile
& Red Tip

Identifies overhead
fire tracer
ammunition for
training

Tracer
Overhead

None

Red Tip

Red

FED-STD-595/11136

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TABLE I. Ammunition Color Code and Application for Tier I Continued

TIER

CALIBER

7.62mm

9mm

COLOR

Purple

Silver

COLOR APPLICATION
Projectile
Picture

STANDARD

INTERPRETATION

TYPE

FED-STD-595/37142

Identifies dim tracer

ammunition for
combat use and
training with trace to
target capability
when night vision is
used

Dim
Tracer

None

Purple Tip

FED-STD-595/17178

Identifies completely
inert small caliber
ammunition designed
for use in activities
such as assembly,
testing, handling,
training, etc.

Dummy

Silver

Silver

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TABLE I. Ammunition Color Code and Application for Tier I Continued

TIER

CALIBER

9mm

9mm

9mm

COLOR

STANDARD

INTERPRETATION

TYPE

Blue &
Red

FED-STD-595/35240
FED-STD-595/31302

Identifies practice
tracer ammunition
used for training of
shoulder fired rocket
launcher

Practice
Tracer

Silver &
Blue

natural zinc/aluminum
FED-STD-595/15000s
FED-STD-595/25000s
FED-STD-595/35000s

Identifies close
combat mission
capability kit dye
marking ammunition

Silver &
Red

natural zinc/aluminum
FED-STD-595/11000s
FED-STD-595/21000s
FED-STD-595/31000s

Identifies close
combat mission
capability kit dye
marking ammunition

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Dye
Marking

Dye
Marking

Body

COLOR APPLICATION
Projectile
Picture

None

Blue
projectile
& Red Tip

Silver

Translucent
Dome with
Blue
Marking
Compound

Silver

Translucent
Dome with
Red
Marking
Compound

MIL-STD-709D
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TABLE I. Ammunition Color Code and Application for Tier I Continued

TIER

CALIBER

9mm

.50 cal

STANDARD

INTERPRETATION

Silver &
Yellow

natural zinc/aluminum
FED-STD-595/13000s
FED-STD-595/23000s
FED-STD-595/33000s

Identifies close
combat mission
capability kit dye
marking ammunition

Dye
Marking

Silver

Translucent
Dome with
Yellow
Marking
Compound

FED-STD-595/17178

Identifies completely
inert small caliber
ammunition designed
for use in activities
such as assembly,
testing, handling,
training, etc.

Dummy

Silver

Silver

Silver

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TYPE

COLOR APPLICATION
Projectile
Picture

COLOR

Body

MIL-STD-709D
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TABLE I. Ammunition Color Code and Application for Tier I Continued

TIER

CALIBER

.50 cal

.50 cal

COLOR

Gray &
Red

Gray &
Green

STANDARD

INTERPRETATIO
N

TYPE

Body

COLOR APPLICATION
Projectile
Picture

FED-STD-595/26493
FED-STD-595/11136

Identifies an armor
piercing incendiary
tracer ammunition
or indicates an
armor piercing
incendiary tracer
capability

Armor
Piercing
Incendiary
Tracer

None

Gray &
Red Tip

FED-STD-595/26493
FED-STD-595/14187

Identifies an armor
piercing incendiary
ammunition or
indicates an armor
piercing incendiary
capability

Armor
Piercing
Incendiary

None

Gray &
Green Tip

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TABLE I. Ammunition Color Code and Application for Tier I Continued

TIER

CALIBER

.50 cal

.50 cal

COLOR

Gray &
Purple

Blue

COLOR APPLICATION
Projectile
Picture

STANDARD

INTERPRETATION

TYPE

FED-STD-595/26493
FED-STD-595/37142

Identifies an armor
piercing incendiary
dim tracer
ammunition or
indicates an armor
piercing incendiary
dim tracer capability

Armor
Piercing
Incendiar
y Dim
Tracer

None

Gray &
Purple Tip

FED-STD-595/35109

Identifies short range

training ammunition

Short
Range
Tracer
Training

Blue

Light Blue

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TABLE I. Ammunition Color Code and Application for Tier I Continued

TIER

CALIBER

COLOR

STANDARD

INTERPRETATION

TYPE

.50 cal

Blue &
Red

FED-STD-595/35109
FED-STD-595/31158

Identifies short range

training tracer
ammunition

Short
Range
Tracer
Training

.50 cal

Amber
Sabot &
Silver
Penetrator

ULTEM1000 sabot
plastic & natural
tungsten alloy

Identifies saboted
light armor penetrator
ammunition

Saboted
Light
Armor
Piercing

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Body

COLOR APPLICATION
Projectile
Picture

Blue

Light Blue
projectile
& Red Tip

None

Amber
Sabot &
Silver
Penetrator

MIL-STD-709D
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TABLE I. Ammunition Color Code and Application for Tier I Continued

TIER

CALIBER

COLOR

STANDARD

.50 cal

Red Sabot
& Silver
Penetrator

ULTEM1000-6015
sabot plastic & natural
tungsten alloy

INTERPRETATION

Identifies tracer
saboted light armor
penetrator
ammunition

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TYPE

Saboted
Light
Armor
Piercing
Tracer

Body

None

COLOR APPLICATION
Projectile
Picture

Red Sabot
& Silver
Penetrator

MIL-STD-709D
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TABLE II. Ammunition Color Code for Tier II
TIER

COLOR 5/

STANDARD

II

Yellow

FED-STD-595/33538

II

Brown

FED-STD-595/30117
or
FED-STD-595/30140

II

Gray 1/ 6/

FED-STD-595/36231

II

Dark Red

FED-STD-595/31136

II

Dark Green
1/

FED-STD-595/34108

II

Violet

FED-STD-595/17100

II

Black 1/ 3/

FED-STD-595/37038

II

Silver /
Aluminum

FED-STD-595/17178

II

Light Green
1/

FED-STD-595/34558
or
FED-STD-595/34449

II

Light Red

FED-STD-595/31158

II

White 1/ 2/ 3/

FED-STD-595/37875

INTERPRETATION
Identifies High Explosive (HE)
ammunition or indicates the
presence of a high explosive
Identifies low explosive items or
components or indicates the
presence of a low explosive
Identifies chemical ammunition
containing a toxic chemical,
incapacitating or riot control
agent
Identifies a riot control agent
filler
Identifies a toxic chemical agent
filler
Identifies an incapacitating agent
filler
Identifies an armor defeating
ammunition or indicates an
armor defeating capability
Identifies countermeasure
ammunition (e.g. radar echo,
leaflets)
Identifies screening or marking
smoke ammunition
Identifies incendiary
ammunition or indicates the
presence of highly flammable
material (liquids, jellies, solids),
designed to produce damage by
fire
Identifies illuminating
ammunition or ammunition
designed to produce a colored
light

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TABLE II. Ammunition Color Code for Tier II - Continued
TIER

COLOR 4/ 5/

STANDARD

II

Light Blue

FED-STD-595/35109

II

Orange

FED-STD-595/32246

II

Light Orange

FED-STD-595/32544

II

Bronze, Gold,
Brass

FED-STD-595/17043

INTERPRETATION
Identifies practice
ammunition/munitions (see 6.6.1)
May be used to identify
ammunition used for tracking and
recovery in tests or in training
operations (e.g. underwater mines
and torpedoes)
Identifies ammunition with the
potential to burst and/or explode
(i.e. ammunition with no HE,
ammunition that may contain low
explosives, etc.)
Identifies inert ammunition
designed for use in activities other
than practice (see 6.6.2)

Notes:
1/ The following colors when applied as stated have no color coding significance:
Colors GRAY, BLACK, GREEN or WHITE on underwater ammunition.
2/ The following colors when applied as stated have no color coding significance:
Colors WHITE on guided missiles, dispensers and rocket launchers.
3/ The following colors when applied as stated have no color coding significance:
Colors BLACK or WHITE when used for lettering or special marking.
4/ The following colors when applied as stated have no color coding significance:
Colors specifically applied to identify the color produced by smoke ammunition or
pyrotechnics.
5/ The following colors when applied as stated have no color coding significance:
Unpainted or natural color ammunition.
6/ The following colors when applied as stated have no color coding significance:
Color GRAY on air launched missiles.

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4.2 Application of color coding.
4.2.1 Color coding and repainting. Color coding of new production and of existing
stocks, when repainting, remarking or both repainting and remarking are required for
maintenance purposes, shall be in accordance with applicable ammunition drawings. These
drawings, in turn, shall incorporate the color coding requirements of this standard. Repainting of
current stocks merely to comply with this standard is not required.
4.2.2 Application of color. Color coding shall be applied to ammunition in the following
manners, except as provided in 4.3:
a. Preferably as the color of the normal protective coating (overall body color), or,
b. As the color of the main identification markings, or,
c. In the form of an appropriately colored circumferential band, approximately equal
in width to one half the caliber or diameter of the ammunition except the width need not
exceed two inches, or,
d. By means of discs or squares, of the appropriate color, which shall be as large as
possible consistent with the use and shape of the ammunition item.
4.2.2.1 Color combination. A combination of manners of application may be used when
Table I and Table II indicates a need for more than one color, for example, a high explosive
projectile having an armor defeating capability.
4.3. Special Coding.
4.3.1 Special colors and markings. Chemical ammunition containing toxic chemical,
incapacitating, or riot control chemical agents shall be colored gray (FED-STD-595/36231) as the
normal protective coating (overall body color). An appropriate colored band around the
circumference of the ammunition shall denote the type (class) of agent (i.e., toxic chemical,
incapacitating or riot control). In addition, the main identification details, including the name or
chemical agent symbol shall be marked in the same color as the band denoting the agent. Where
practical, in addition to the stencil, the chemical agent symbol shall be metal stamped (engraved)
in -inch or larger letters in the body of the munition. Camouflage paint shall never be use for
ammunition containing toxic chemical, riot control, or incapacitating agents. See Table III.

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TABLE III. Application of Color Coding for Tier II
TIER

AMMUNITION

COLORS
Marking 1/
Yellow
Black

II
II

High Explosive, (HE), except 20MM

High Explosive, (HE), 20MM

Body
Olive Drab
Yellow

II

Explosive Binary Munitions

Olive Drab

Yellow

II
II
II
II
II
II

High Explosive Plastic (HEP)

High Explosive Anti-tank (HEAT)
Antipersonnel and anti-tank mines
Incendiary
High Explosive Incendiary (HEI)
Armor Piercing Incendiary (API)
Armor Piercing (AP)
(a) with bursting charge
(b) without bursting charge
Canister
Flechette loaded
Illuminating 9/
(a) separate loading
(b) fixed or semi-fixed
Practice (see 6.6.1)
(a) with low explosive to indicate
functioning
(b) with high explosive to indicate
functioning
(c) without explosive to indicate
functioning (may contain propellant)
Screening or Marking
Smoke Ammunition
(a) Filled with other than white
(b) Filled with white phosphorus
Inert ammunition designed for use in
activities other than practice (see 6.6.2)

Olive Drab
Black
Olive Drab
Light Red
Yellow
Black

Yellow
Yellow
Yellow
Black
Black
White

Black
Black
Olive Drab
Olive Drab

Yellow
White
White
White

Olive Drab
White
Light Blue

White
Black
White

II
II
II
II
II

II

II

II

Chemical
(a) Filled with a riot control agent
(b) Filled with an incapacitating agent
(c) Filled with a toxic chemical agent
other than binary gents.
(d) Filled with a toxic chemical binary
nerve

Band
2/ 3/ 4/ 5/
None
Broken Yellow
6/
Black
None
3/
None
Light Red
Light Red
None
None
7/ 8/
White
None

Brown
Yellow
None

Light Green
Light Green

Black
Light Red

None
10/ 11/

Bronze

Black

None

Gray
Gray

Dark Red
Violet

1 Dark Red 10/

1 Violet 10/

Gray

Dark Green

1 Dark Green
10/

Gray

Dark Green
1 Broken Dark
Green 10/ 12/
13/

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MIL-STD-709D
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TABLE III. Application of Color Coding for Tier II - Continued
Notes:
1/ The letters and figures normally used for the main identification details.
2/ A circumferential band of yellow diamond shaped figures is applied to semi-fixed and separate loading
Improved Conventional Munitions.
3/ A circumferential band of yellow triangular shaped figures is applied to mass scatterable mine loaded
semi-fixed and separate loading ammunition.
4/ Separate loading ammunition for shipboard use shall have a yellow band in addition to the yellow
marking.
5/ Bombs shall have one yellow band except thermally protected bombs shall have two yellow bands in
addition to the yellow markings.
6/ A circumferential broken yellow band, consisting of one-half inch segments separated by one-half inch
gaps, is applied to explosive binary munitions.
7/ A circumferential band of white diamond shaped figures is applied to ammunition containing flechettes.
8/ Yellow band is applied when the ammunition contains explosive designed to fracture the projectile.
9/ Both (a) and (b) color applications are standard. However, for land ammunition use, separate loading
ammunition shall be colored olive drab as the overall body color with a white band and the main
identification details marked white, and fixed and semi-fixed ammunition shall be colored white as the
overall body color with the main identification details in black.
10/ Yellow band is applied when a high explosive burster is present.
11/ Separate loading ammunition for shipboard use shall have black markings and a light red band.
12/ Toxic chemical agent ammunition containing a Binary nerve agent filling shall be indicated by a
broken dark green band having one-half inch segments separated by one-half inch spaces.
13/ Brown band is applied when a low explosive (e.g. expulsion charge) is present.
4.3.2 Missiles, missile components, and tactical submunition colors. Missiles, missile
components and tactical submunitions, which are overpacked in color coded launchers,
dispensers, warheads, projectiles, or rocket motors need not be color coded. However, when color
coding is applied, the color shall comply with this standard.
4.3.3 Use of HE and mass scatterable mines. Semi-fixed and separate loading artillery
ammunition containing mass scatterable mines shall be marked with a circumferential band of
triangular shaped figures to indicate both an HE use and mass scatterable mine loaded
ammunition. See Table III.

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4.4 Materials. Color coding materials (e.g., paints, enamels, lacquers, marking inks,
decals, or strippable tapes) shall be as required by the applicable ammunition drawings and
specifications.
4.5 Data Marking. Data markings not otherwise specified herein, such as ammunition lot
number and national stock number (NSN), will be in the same color as other markings or in black
or white.
4.6 Packaging and Packing. Normally packaging and packing of ammunition do not
require color coding. Color coding is required for packaging and packing of chemical
ammunition, both lethal and toxic; the colors shall be in accordance with this standard.
5. DETAILED REQUIREMENTS.
5.1 Tier I color. 5.56mm, 7.62mm, and .50 caliber ammunition shall comply with the
color details and applications of Table I.
5.2 Tier II color. Caliber 20mm and above ammunition shall comply with the color
details and applications of Table II. Specific caliber 20mm and above ammunition shall comply
with the color details and applications of Table III.
6. NOTES
(This section contains information of a general or explanatory nature that may be helpful, but is
not mandatory.)
6.1 Intended use. Provide color coding system for combat and training ammunition,
except as noted in 1.2.1 and 1.2.2.
6.2 Acquisition requirements. Acquisition documents should specify the title, number,
and date of this standard.
6.3 International standardization agreement implementation. The standard implements
NATO STANAG 2953 Identification of Ammunition AOP-2 and NATO STANAG 2442
Ammunition Marking for Experimental and Test Ammunition. When changes to, revision, or
cancellation of this standard are proposed, the preparing activity should coordinate the action with
the U.S, National Point of Contact for the international standardization agreement, as identified in
the ASSIST database at https://assist.daps.dla.mil.
6.4 Tracer. The presence of a tracer should be indicated by a hyphenated letter T in the
nomenclature, e.g., HE-T. That letter may also be placed elsewhere on the ammunition singly or
as a circumferential band of Ts.
6.5 Color Effect. The color or colors produced by ammunition should be indicated by
symbol, when required for tactical reasons.
a. The color effect(s) should be indicated by the symbol C repeated at least three (3)
times in the color approximating that of the effect produced. When so used, these colors should
have no other coding significance.

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MIL-STD-709D
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b. Items ejecting more than one star should be marked by parallel rows of the symbol
C one row for each star and each row in the appropriate star color.
c. Items ejecting stars where the quantity is of no significance should be marked with
symbol MULTI.
6.6 Definitions.
6.6.1 Practice ammunition. Practice ammunitions/munitions are designed for use in
place of the combat equivalent to provide training, practice, or systems testing through activities
such as, but not limited to: launching, flying, firing, dropping, and prepositioning. These
ammunitions/munitions may or may not contain explosives to indicate functioning.
6.6.2 Non-practice ammunition (dummy). Non-practice (dummy)
ammunitions/munitions are completely inert and not designed or are intended to be used in
combination with energetic material. These munitions are representative of combat or practice
materiel and are used in activities such as, but not limited to: assembly, handling proficiency by
personnel without firing or launching, weapons testing or handling operations, instruction,
training, gauging, and maintenance.
6.7 Subject term (key word) listing.
Camouflage
Coating, protective
Finish
Gloss
Identification
Lusterless
Marking
Semi-gloss
6.8 Revisions/amendment history. The following is a record of changes incorporated
into this document:
Revision
A
B
C
C, Change 1
C, Change 2
C, Change 3
D

Change Description
Initial release
Include training and dummy ammunition
Include presence of explosive, training and dummy items
Update color codes for new production and existing items
Update Tables I and II
Add Table of Contents, update Tables I and II, add Section 6
Incorporate Changes 1 and 2, add small caliber color coding
Update USG document references, add Section 6.6 and 6.7,
update Table I

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Revision Date
27 June 1960
30 June 1967
13 October 1972
6 May 1976
01 February 1980
28 September 1984
13 November 2008
16 March 2009

MIL-STD-709D
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6.9 Changes notations. The margins of this standard are marked with vertical lines to
indicate modifications generated by this change. This was done as a convenience only and the
Government assumes no liability whatsoever for any inaccuracies in these notations. Bidders and
contractors are cautioned to evaluate the requirements of this document based on the entire
content irrespective of the marginal notations.
Custodians:
Army AR
Navy OS
Air Force - 02

Preparing activity:
Army - AR
(Project 1395-2011-001)

Review activities:
Army EA, MI, MR
Navy AS, MC, NP
Air Force 70, 99
Civil agencies:
GSA FAS
NOTE: The activities listed above were interested in this document as of the date of this
document. Since organizations and responsibilities can change, you should verify the currency of
the information above using the ASSIST Online database at https://assist.daps.dla.mil.

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