Demilitarization (DEMIL) Codes
Demilitarization (DEMIL) codes are crucial for the proper disposal, recycling, or reutilization of various types of equipment and items. These single letter codes serve as guidelines for identifying control requirements that are necessary for material items of supply that are awaiting release from NATO military control, making it very useful to have a general understanding of them so that sensitive items are handled securely. This comprehensive guide will aim to provide an in-depth understanding of DEMIL codes, their importance, and their role in military asset management.
The Importance of Demilitarization Codes
DEMIL codes play a vital role in managing military assets by:
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Ensuring the security and confidentiality of sensitive items: DEMIL codes help protect sensitive information and technologies from falling into the wrong hands, thereby maintaining national security.
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Promoting environmentally responsible disposal practices: The codes provide guidelines for the proper disposal, recycling, or reutilization of military items, minimizing the impact of such processes on the environment.
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Facilitating efficient and accurate tracking: DEMIL codes help track and manage military assets throughout their lifecycle, contributing to better inventory control and resource allocation.
How do DEMIL Codes Work and What Categories Exist?
As stated before, DEMIL codes consist of a single letter, each having a unique required physical destruction process. These codes also identify items that require specialized capabilities or procedures, as well as denote items which may not require DEMIL, but instead require Trade Security Controls. Below, we will provide a more in-depth explanation on the main demilitarization codes that you may come across.
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Code G: Code G is a high severity code, and it covers United States Munitions List (USML) or Commerce Control List (CCL) military items where demilitarization is required. This code applies to both unclassified and classified ammunition and explosives (AE) items.
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Code P: Code P is a high severity code, and it covers USML items such as security classified materials. The demilitarization of these items is destruction to reduce any risk of reconstituting classified information, including removing any sensitive markings or information. Communication Security (COMSEC) items are required to be processed as denoted in the Defense DEMIL Manual, and this code cannot be used on ammunition and explosives items.
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Code F: Code F is a high severity code concerning USML or CCL military items where demilitarization is required. Unlike Code G, this code serves to identify special provisions like environmental, safety, and health hazards, as well as concerns required occupational expertise, and specific disposition directions.
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Code D: Code D is a high severity code that concerns USML or CCL military items where demilitarization is required. When this code is assigned, the item and its components will need to be destroyed to prevent restoration or repair to a usable condition. This demilitarization process must have a US government representative witness present unless otherwise authorized by the DoD demilitarization program manager.
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Code C: Code C is a high severity code concerning USML or CCL military items where demilitarization is required. With this code, all key point items will have to be removed and demilitarized in accordance with Code D. Key points cover designed parts, alignment points, components, attachment fittings, or areas where the goal is to ensure that nothing can be feasibly restored.
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Code E: Code E is a medium severity code that is reserved for exclusive use by the DoD DEMIL program office. Instructions for this code must be furnished by the DoD DEMIL program office as well.
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Code B: Code B is a medium severity code that concerns USML items, and it is a process used worldwide. With Code B designation, the item will need to undergo a mutilation process until it becomes scrap.
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Code Q: Code Q is a low severity code for Commerce Control List Items (CCLI). With this designation, items outside of the United States will have to be mutilated to the point of scrap. In the United States, mutilation is required when the DEMIL Integrity Code (IC) is “3,” while mutilation is not necessary when the DEMIL IC is “6.”
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Code A: Code A is a low severity code which concerns items that have not been modified or redesigned and which are identical in design, structure, composition, and utility to an equivalent item in the commercial market. No demilitarization, mutilation, or End Use Certificate (EUC) is required. These items may require an export license from the US Department of Commerce.
