Insensitive Munitions

Overview

The term “Insensitive Munitions” (IM) implies that unanticipated stimuli will not produce an explosive yield, in accordance with MIL-STD-2105 (Hazard Assessment Tests for Non-Nuclear Munitions). IM minimizes the probability of inadvertent initiation and the severity of subsequent collateral damage to weapon platforms, logistic systems and personnel when munitions are subjected to unanticipated stimuli during manufacture, handling, storage, transport, deployment or disposal, or due to accidents or action by an adversary.

IM is a component of explosives ordnance safety described in 10 USC 2389, which specifies that it is the responsibility of DoD to ensure IM under development or procurement are safe, to the extent practicable, throughout development and fielding when subjected to unplanned stimuli, (e.g., electro-magnetic interference, vibration or shock). The Program Manager (PM), Systems Engineer and Lead Software Engineer for munitions programs and other energetic devices (such as ordnance, warheads, bombs and rocket motors) and munitions handling, storage and transport programs have an overriding responsibility to address safety aspects of their programs in trade studies, design reviews, milestone reviews and in JCIDS documents.

Role of the PM and SE

The PM and Systems Engineer for munitions programs, regardless of ACAT level, should have safety as a top consideration when performing trade studies or making program decisions. The PM and cognizant technical staff should coordinate harmonized IM/Hazard Classification (HC) test plans with the Service IM/HC testing review organizations. The Service organizations should coordinate the IM/HC with the Joint Services Insensitive Munitions Technical Panel (JSIMTP), Joint Service Hazard classifiers and the DoD Explosives Safety Board (DDESB), which is chartered by DoDD 6055.09E, Explosives Safety Management. Aspects of IM also apply to nuclear weapons but are not addressed here.

Insensitive Munitions Strategic Plan (IMSP)

The primary document to address IM is the Insensitive Munitions Strategic Plan (IMSP). The DoD Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for IMSP and the Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M), defined by Joint Business Rules, March 2011, define the content of the IMSP, which spans the Future Years Defense Plan (FYDP) and includes currently funded as well as unfunded requirements. The DoD Acquisition Manager’s Handbook for Insensitive Munitions contains the above-referenced documents and appendices for each Service’s policy and review board process.

The IMSP is the primary program output required by Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (USD(A&S))and the Joint Staff to provide evidence that the program is in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Both the Component-level and DoD-level IM review organizations can provide additional guidance and can assess the adequacy of the IMSP. In addition to the IMSP, the Analysis of Alternatives, Acquisition Strategy, Systems Engineering Plan, Test and Evaluation Master Plan, Risk Management Plan and other JCIDS documents called for in CJCSI 5123.01 and the JCIDS Manual (requires Common Access Card (CAC) to access website), address aspects of explosives ordnance safety, including IM.

Products and Tasks

Product Tasks
10-11-1: Document insensitive munition engineering aspects incorporated of the program
  1. Identify insensitive munitions safety aspects of the program.
  2. Assess the design of developed or procured insensitive munitions applicable for the program for the likelihood of unanticipated stimuli producing an explosive yield.
  3. Develop insensitive munitions / hazard classification (HC) test plans with the service insensitive munitions / hazard classification (HC) review organizations.
  4. Document system / program insensitive munition engineering aspects and related test plans, and submit for incorporation in the insensitive munitions strategic plan (IMSP).

Source: AWQI eWorkbook

Resources

Key Terms

Policy and Guidance

DAU Training Courses

DAU Communities of Practice

On this page

  1. Overview
  2. Role of the PM and SE
  3. Insensitive Munitions Strategic Plan (IMSP)
  4. Resources
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