What two entities make up the national stock number?

The national stock number (NSN) is a unique identifier used by the U.S. government to catalog and manage items of supply. It consists of two main components: the Federal Supply Classification (FSC) and the National Item Identification Number (NIIN).

The Federal Supply Classification is a system that groups items into categories based on their functional use. This classification helps in organizing and identifying items within the supply system. The NIIN is a unique nine-digit number that identifies a specific item of supply, and it is assigned to each item once its characteristics have been established. The combination of FSC and NIIN allows for efficient tracking, ordering, and management of items in military logistics and inventory management.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the structure of the national stock number. While factors like manufacturer details or cost might be relevant in different contexts, they do not contribute to the actual designation of an NSN. Therefore, understanding that the national stock number consists solely of the Federal Supply Classification and the NIIN is fundamental to managing and identifying military supplies.