Malfunction/Defect Reporting

CLASS V(W) MALFUNCTION AND DEFECT REPORTING

1. Malfunction: Failure of an ammunition item to function in accordance with the design, intent, and expected performance when fired, launched, or otherwise employed as specified. Malfunctions include the abnormal or premature functions of an item as a result of normal handling, maintenance, storage, transportation, or tactical employment. Ammunition malfunctions do not include incidents resulting from negligence, improper use as intended, user error, etc. However, reporting of these incidents is required since they provide useful data in evaluating future incidents.
   
   Malfunctions shall be reported as indicated in the two categories below:
    
   1. Malfunctions involving injuries/fatalities/weapons damage or resulting in a local suspension will be telephonically reported immediately to MARCORSYSCOM, (PM Ammo) DSN 378-8756 or commercial 703-432-8756 during working hours, and to the Headquarters Marine Corps, Operations/Command Center (DSN) 225-5454 or commercial 703-695-5454 during non-working hours. This is essential to ensure that other Marines training with like ammunition worldwide are protected from possible further injuries. In accordance with MCO 8025.1E, the malfunction report must be submitted via Naval Message within 24 hours of the incident. The initial telephonic report does not negate the requirement for submission of the required Naval Message submission.
       
   2. All other malfunctions not involving injuries/fatalities/weapons damage (i.e., duds, misfires, etc) shall be reported via Naval Message within 96 hours of the malfunction. In the event that Naval Messaging is not available, Malfunction Reports in the format provided will be submitted via email to: SMCAmmoMalfunctions@usmc.mil, AmmoMail@usmc.mil, FLBK-MALF@navy.mil, LGR_NSWC_INSERVAMMO@navy.mil and DLGR_NSWC_INSERVAMMO@navy.mil.
       
   3. Class V(W) Malfunction And Defect Reporting in weapons damage or personnel injury, the Range Safety Officer, the Commander, or individual in charge of the firing unit shall:
       
      1. Cease firing the ammunition lots involved.
          
      2. Call RANGE SAFETY at 760-830-7112.
          
      3. Call Explosive Safety Officer at 760-830-8464.
          
      4. Collect the minimum data required using NAVMC 10155 immediately report details of incident and submit malfunction report-to MARCORSYSCOM (PM Ammo) via Naval Message in accordance with instructions contained in Ammunition Malfunction Reporting Instructions.
          
      5. Secure/protect the malfunction site to prevent removal or relocation of ammunition/weapon components, debris, or residue (e.g., cartridge cases, projectile/barrel fragments, etc.) involved in the malfunction. MARCORSYSCOM (PM Ammo) will notify the malfunction location/unit within 24 hours from receipt of the initial report as to whether or not an on­site investigation will be conducted and whether the secured site can be released. Due to the operational tempo between multiple units and schools competing for ranges, range control needs to be aware of the requirement to secure the site of the incident and not schedule/conduct any training until notified by the investigating personnel assigned by MARCORSYSCOM (PM Ammo).
          
      6. Contact the Center Magazine Area Operations Section 760-830-8840 and relate all available information on the malfunction. The Officer0in-Charge will make a determination to locally suspend the ammunition lot(s) involved. Examples of justification to recommend local suspension include casualty, weapon damage, airburst/premature function, numerous misfires, or duds (not previously identified in an AIN). If the determination is made to suspend the lot(s), the unit will return all unused stocks of the involved lot(s) to the supporting CMA for exchange if available. Unsafe ammunition will not be transported or returned. Notify Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) at 760-830-6885 or 760-401-5841 and RANGE SAFETY at 760-830-7112 in accordance with local procedures for the disposition of ammunition deemed unsafe for storage/transport.

2. Defect: An imperfection which may prevent an item from functioning as intended or result in a malfunction. Defects include, but are not limited to, crack cartridge case; loose primer; missing safety pin; deteriorated or leaking propellant bags or containers; presence of excessive rust/corrosion; and obvious external damage, etc.
   
   Ammunition Defects shall be reported as indicated below:
    
   1. Defective ammunition shall be retained for possible evaluation/investigation and reported to Marine Corps Systems Command Program Manager for Ammunition MARCORSYSCOM (PM Ammo) utilizing the same distribution list provided for Malfunction Reports, see Sample Defect Message.
       
   2. Class V(W) Malfunction And Defect Reporting in weapons damage or personnel injury, the Range Safety Officer, the Commander, or individual in charge of the firing unit shall:
       
      1. Cease firing the ammunition lots involved.
          
      2. Call RANGE SAFETY at 760-830-7112.
          
      3. Call Explosive Safety Officer at 760-830-8464.
          
      4. Collect the minimum data required using NAVMC 10155 immediately report details of incident and submit malfunction report-to MARCORSYSCOM (PM Ammo) via Naval Message in accordance with instructions contained in Ammunition Defect Reporting Instructions.
          
      5. Contact the Center Magazine Area Operations Section 760-830-8840 and relate all available information on the malfunction. The Officer0in-Charge will make a determination to locally suspend the ammunition lot(s) involved. Examples of justification to recommend local suspension include casualty, weapon damage, airburst/premature function, numerous misfires, or duds (not previously identified in an AIN). If the determination is made to suspend the lot(s), the unit will return all unused stocks of the involved lot(s) to the supporting CMA for exchange if available. Unsafe ammunition will not be transported or returned. Notify Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) at 760-830-6885 or 760-401-5841 and RANGE SAFETY at 760-830-7112 in accordance with local procedures for the disposition of ammunition deemed unsafe for storage/transport.
          
      6. In accordance with MCO 8025.1E, If the lot is locally suspended the ASP will submit a message within 24 hours. See Sample Defect Message.
          

Tools

MCO 8025.1E

Flash Malfunction Defect Report (Excel file, download only)

NAVMC 11893 Ammo Malfunction Report

NAVMC 11894 Ammo Defect Report

Sample Defect Message

Sample Malfunction Message

contacts