R 141918Z SEP 26
MARADMIN 415/26
MSGID/GENADMIN/COMMARCORSYSCOM QUANTICO VA//
SUBJ/PROCUREMENT OF COMMERCIAL OFF THE SHELF (COTS) AMMUNITION AND
EXPLOSIVES (A&E)//
REF/A/DOC/MCO 8011.5B/8 JANUARY 2021//
REF/B/DOC/MCO 8000.8/14 MARCH 2012//
REF/C/DOC/MCO 5530.14A/5 JUNE 2009//
REF/D/DOC/MCO 5100.29C, VOLUME 8/5 AUGUST 2021//
REF/E/DOC/MCO 4400.201, VOLUME 7/2 MARCH 2020//
REF/F/DOC/NAVSEA OP5 REV 9/2 APRIL 2026//
REF/G/DOC/ARMY REGULATION 385-63-MCO 3570.1D/23 JUNE 2025//
NARR/REF A IS CLASS V(W) AMMUNITION POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND INFORMATION
FOR TRAINING, PROGRAMMED TESTING AND SECURITY.
REF B IS CLASS V(W) TOTAL LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT (TLCM). 
REF C IS THE MARINE CORPS PHYSICAL SECURITY PROGRAM MANUAL. 
REF D IS THE MARINE CORPS EXPLOSIVES SAFETY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM. 
REF E IS THE MANAGEMENT OF PROPERTY IN THE POSSESSION OF THE MARINE CORPS
FOR ARMS, AMMUNITION AND EXPLOSIVES (AA&E).
REF F IS AMMUNITION AND EXPLOSIVES SAFETY ASHORE. 
REF G IS THE COMBINED ARMY AND MARINE CORPS RANGE SAFETY POLICY.//
POC/SHELLY JANECKE/CWO3/PDM AMMO/PM CSS/PAE MC QUANTICO VA/TEL: 
571-254-8061/EMAIL: SHELLY.JANECKE@USMC.MIL//
POC/NAESHA BLANKS/WO/PDM AMMO/PM CSS/PAE MC QUANTICO VA/TEL: 
571-254-8006/EMAIL: NAESHA.BLANKS@USMC.MIL//
POC/MICHAEL JAMES/CIV/PDM AMMO/PM CSS/PAE MC QUANTICO VA/TEL: 
703-216-2512/EMAIL: MICHAEL.A.JAMES2@USMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. This MARADMIN cancels MARADMIN 455/23.
2. Purpose. To publish updated policy, procedures, and 
responsibilities for the procurement, handling, storage, and accountability
of Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) Ammunition and Explosives (A&E). This 
policy applies specifically to the Marine Corps Shooting Team (MCST) 
operating aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA, and Marine Corps Explosive
Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams requiring COTS A&E for the support of
installation air shows. This MARADMIN ensures COTS A&E procurement and
management align with established Class V(W) lifecycle, safety, and 
accountability in references A-G.
3. Background. 
3.a. Standard Class V(W) A&E are managed via assigned Department of 
Defense Identification Codes (DODIC). While DODIC-cataloged A&E meets most
Fleet Marine Force operational and training requirements, specific, highly
specialized missions necessitate the procurement of COTS solutions.
3.b. In accordance with MCO 3591.2, the MCST requires precision, 
match-grade COTS ammunition and ammunition components to fulfill its 
mission and remain competitive in joint, national, and international
marksmanship competitions.
3.c. Similarly, Marine Corps EOD teams require COTS A&E to safely generate
specific, predictable explosive effects during installation air shows and
approved public demonstrations.
3.d. The introduction of non-DODIC COTS A&E into Marine Corps armories and
magazines introduces unique safety, handling, and accountability 
requirements. This directive ensures that the unique procurement needs of
the MCST and EOD teams are met while maintaining strict, uninterrupted 
adherence to Class V(W) lifecycle management, explosive safety protocols,
and supply accountability.
4. Procurement. Product Manager Ammunition (PdM Ammo), Portfolio 
Acquisition Executive Marine Corps (PAE MC) is the sole authorized entity
for the procurement of all A&E, including COTS items. Outside of PAE MC, 
Marine Corps units are strictly prohibited from using Government Charge 
Purchase Cards, open purchase contracts, or any other unauthorized 
acquisition methods to obtain A&E. All procurement actions must be 
centrally managed by PdM Ammo.
4.a. COTS A&E Procurement Timelines.
4.a.1. To ensure sufficient time for commercial acquisition, contracting
actions, safety reviews, and Total Life Cycle Management compliance, strict
adherence to procurement lead times is mandatory. Requesting units (MCST
and EOD teams) must submit all COTS A&E procurement requests via Enterprise
Task Management Software Solution (ETMS2). The ETMS2 tasker must be 
formally submitted, routed, and received by PAE MC (PdM Ammo) no later than
six (6) months prior to the Required Delivery Date. Failure to meet this
six-month threshold may result in the delay or cancellation of the 
procurement.
4.a.2. ETMS2 procurement requests must include a formal memorandum signed 
by the first O-5 Commander in the unit's chain of command, or designated 
individual. If the signee is designated, the ETMS2 tasker must include a 
copy of the designation/appointment letter. This memorandum must include
background information about the requirements, a detailed list of 
requirements, including brand name and suitable substitute options, if 
any, quantity per item, unit of issue, and a point of contact for delivery
of the order. 
5. COTS A&E Transfers in support of the MCST.
5.a. Inter-Agency Coordination. The proximity of Weapons Training Battalion
(WTBN) to various federal law enforcement and security entities within the
National Capital Region provides unique opportunities for the transfer of 
excess COTS A&E to the Marine Corps at no cost. These transfers are 
authorized for the purpose of cost avoidance and to strengthen inter-agency
marksmanship and training relationships.
5.b. Technical and Safety Validation. Prior to the acceptance or use of any
transferred COTS A&E, the ammunition must be verified for safe use. To
mitigate risk, transferred COTS A&E must be:
5.b.1. Factory-loaded and retained in its original manufacturer packaging
(no remanufactured, reloaded, or hand-loaded ammunition is authorized).
5.b.2. Verified as compatible with the intended Marine Corps weapon
systems.
5.b.3. Cleared for use within the approved range safety templates and
surface danger zones.
5.c. Command Responsibility. The Commanding Officer (CO), WTBN, MCB
Quantico, is the primary authority for these transfers and assumes full
responsibility for:
5.c.1. Safe Employment. Ensuring the ammunition is used in a manner
consistent with established range safety and marksmanship directives.
5.c.2. Accountability. Ensuring all transferred assets are formally gained
and accounted for within the unit's ammunition property records in
accordance with references D and E.
6. Site Approval, Storage, Handling, and Use.
6.a. The use of COTS A&E in areas not certified for live-fire training
(e.g., flight lines or open areas used for air shows and demonstrations)
requires a Department of War Explosives Safety Office (DOWESO) site 
approval and validated Standard Operating Procedures in accordance with
references D and F. Explosives safety site approval requests must be 
submitted to PdM Ammo for review and endorsement to the DOWESO no later
than six (6) months prior to the execution of the event.
6.b. Storage Authorization. In addition to operational site approvals,
installations requesting to receive or store COTS A&E must submit a
"Non-DoW Ammunition Storage Request" through the Environmental and 
Explosive Safety Portal to PdM Ammo. Upon favorable review, PdM Ammo will
issue a formal storage authorization letter detailing the specific 
parameters, Net Explosive Weight limits, and hazard compatibility 
constraints for the storage of the COTS A&E. 
6.c. Operational Training Ranges. The employment of COTS A&E is strictly
prohibited on Marine Corps operational training ranges without explicit,
prior approval from the Commanding General, Training and Education Command
(CG TECOM) via Range and Training Area Management. In accordance with
reference G, once CG TECOM grants authorization, the local Base or Station
Commander retains the final approval authority for the actual conduct of
the event on their installation. 
6.d. Contractor-Led Events. For testing, demonstrations, or events where
Marine Corps personnel and government civilians act solely as observers
(i.e., not directly handling or employing the COTS A&E), the responsible
contractor must coordinate all necessary explosives safety documentation
directly with the local Base or Station Commander and the installation's
Range Safety organization.
7. Accountability and Compliance. 
7.a. Strict Adherence. Strict adherence to all established Class V(W)
accountability, physical security, and explosives safety directives is
mandatory. The authorization to procure, transfer, or employ COTS A&E does
not alleviate a CO's responsibility to maintain absolute control and
visibility over explosive hazards.
7.b. Systems of Record. All COTS A&E must be formally gained, meticulously
tracked, and expended within Ordnance Information System - Marine Corps 
(OIS-MC). Where standard DODIC or National Stock Numbers are not 
applicable, units will utilize appropriate local or management codes to 
ensure 100 percent accountability on unit property records.
7.c. Command Responsibility. Commanders at all levels remain ultimately
responsible for the safe handling, physical security, and precise
accounting of all COTS A&E in their possession. Failure to adhere to these
accountability procedures or the explosives safety parameters outlined in
Section 5 may result in the immediate suspension of COTS A&E procurement
and storage authorizations.
8. This MARADMIN is applicable to the Marine Corps Total Force.
9. Release authorized by Brigadier General Tamara Campbell, Deputy PAE
MC.//