What does NSN stand for?

The term NSN stands for National Stock Number. This is the standardized 13-digit alphanumeric code used by the U.S. government and NATO to identify and categorize items of supply. The NSN ensures that all materials and equipment have a distinct identifier that facilitates the procurement, management, and logistics of military supplies. It allows for efficient tracking and inventory management, ensuring that items can be ordered and supplied accurately across various branches of the armed forces and necessary inventory systems. Recognizing the NSN is crucial for repair parts management and understanding supply chains within military operations.