Skip to content
HistoryToolsMCRAMMSign in
PolicyPolicy change

COTS Ammunition and Explosives Policy Updated for Shooting Team and EOD

MARADMIN 415/26·September 14, 2026·3 min read·Official source
Listen to this article5 min
0:00 / 4:56

The Marine Corps has published updated policy for procuring, storing, handling, and accounting for commercial off-the-shelf ammunition and explosives (COTS A&E). This replaces MARADMIN 455/23. The policy applies to two narrow audiences: the Marine Corps Shooting Team (MCST) at MCB Quantico and EOD teams that need commercial explosives for installation air shows and approved public demonstrations. If you are not in one of those two communities, this MARADMIN does not require action from you.

Heads up: Unless you are assigned to the MCST or an EOD team supporting air shows, this policy does not affect your day-to-day.

Who it affects

This policy is written for the Marine Corps Total Force, but the operational requirements are specifically limited to:

  • MCST at MCB Quantico, which needs match-grade commercial ammunition for joint, national, and international marksmanship competitions.
  • Marine Corps EOD teams that use commercial explosives to produce controlled effects during installation air shows and approved public demonstrations.

Weapons Training Battalion (WTBN) at Quantico is also named as the primary authority for inter-agency transfers of excess COTS ammunition to the MCST.

What you need to do

For MCST and EOD personnel with a COTS A&E requirement:

  1. Submit your procurement request through ETMS2 (Enterprise Task Management Software Solution). Route it formally through your chain of command so it is received by PAE MC (Product Manager Ammunition) no later than six months before your required delivery date. Late requests may be delayed or cancelled.
  2. Attach a memorandum signed by your first O-5 commander (or designated individual, with the appointment letter included). The memo must detail the requirement, brand name, acceptable substitutes, quantities, unit of issue, and a delivery POC.
  3. If your unit needs to store COTS A&E, submit a "Non-DoW Ammunition Storage Request" through the Environmental and Explosive Safety Portal to PdM Ammo before receiving anything. A formal storage authorization letter from PdM Ammo is required before storage begins.
  4. For EOD air show events, explosives safety site approval requests must also go to PdM Ammo for review and endorsement to the Department of War Explosives Safety Office (DOWESO), again no later than six months before the event.
  5. Gain all COTS A&E into OIS-MC (Ordnance Information System, Marine Corps) immediately upon receipt and track it to expenditure. Use local or management codes where standard DODICs or NSNs do not apply.

For everyone else: Nothing to do. Just know it changed.

Hard rule for all units: No unit, anywhere, may use a Government Charge Purchase Card, open purchase contracts, or any other unauthorized method to buy ammunition or explosives. PdM Ammo is the only authorized procurement authority for all A&E, COTS or otherwise.

Key dates

  • Six months prior to required delivery date: ETMS2 procurement request must be received by PAE MC.
  • Six months prior to event execution: Explosives safety site approval requests must be submitted to PdM Ammo for EOD air show events.

The official version

This policy is published in MARADMIN 415/26. It cancels MARADMIN 455/23. Key governing references include MCO 8011.5B (Class V(W) policies), MCO 8000.8 (Class V(W) lifecycle management), MCO 5100.29C Vol. 8 (explosives safety), MCO 4400.201 Vol. 7 (AA&E property management), NAVSEA OP5 Rev 9 (ammunition and explosives safety ashore), and AR 385-63/MCO 3570.1D (range safety policy).

POCs at PdM Ammo, PAE MC Quantico:

  • CWO3 Shelly Janecke: shelly.janecke@usmc.mil / 571-254-8061
  • WO Naesha Blanks: naesha.blanks@usmc.mil / 571-254-8006
  • Michael James (Civ): michael.a.james2@usmc.mil / 703-216-2512

This is written by a reservist, for reservists. It is not an official publication of HQMC or MARFORRES. Always verify guidance with your command or unit S-1 before acting on any article or summary.

Resources & references

The documents this bulletin points to, with a plain-English note on why each matters. Links marked CAC required need a government login.

  • Class V(W) Ammunition Policies, Procedures and Information for Training, Programmed Testing and Security (MCO 8011.5B)Reference

    This order governs Class V(W) ammunition policy for training and security. This MARADMIN requires COTS A&E procurement and management to align with it.

  • Class V(W) Total Life Cycle Management (MCO 8000.8)Reference

    This order covers the total life cycle management of Class V(W) ammunition. Compliance with it is a core requirement of the COTS A&E procurement process described in this MARADMIN.

  • Marine Corps Physical Security Program Manual (MCO 5530.14A)Reference

    This manual establishes Marine Corps physical security requirements. It is one of the foundational references governing how COTS A&E must be handled and secured.

  • Marine Corps Explosives Safety Management Program (MCO 5100.29C, Volume 8)Reference

    This directive governs explosives safety management across the Marine Corps. It is directly cited for accountability of transferred COTS A&E and for site approval requirements at non-standard locations such as air shows.

  • Management of Property in the Possession of the Marine Corps for Arms, Ammunition and Explosives (MCO 4400.201, Volume 7)Reference

    This order covers accountability and property management for AA&E. Units accepting transferred COTS A&E must formally gain and account for those assets in accordance with this reference.

  • Ammunition and Explosives Safety Ashore (NAVSEA OP5 Rev 9)Reference

    This publication sets safety standards for ammunition and explosives stored or used ashore. It is required for site approval when COTS A&E is used outside standard certified live-fire areas such as flight lines and air show venues.

  • Combined Army and Marine Corps Range Safety Policy (Army Regulation 385-63 / MCO 3570.1D)Reference

    This joint Army and Marine Corps directive governs range safety policy. It applies when COTS A&E is authorized for use on operational training ranges, and it defines the approval roles of CG TECOM and local installation commanders.

  • MARADMIN 455/23 (cancelled by this message)MARADMIN

    This is the previous version of the COTS A&E procurement policy that this MARADMIN supersedes. Reservists should be aware it is no longer in effect and this MARADMIN replaces it.

policyaccountabilitydrilllegal

Take it to drill

A one-page brief you can print or save. Built for SNCOs to brief their Marines.