US Army Ordnance Department

History. The US Army organization that formerly, for over 100 years, had responsibility for the design, manufacture and procurement from private industry of weapons, ammunition and vehicles, for the training of personnel in their use, and for their storage, issue and maintenance. The Ordnance Department also served both the Navy and Air Force as directed by higher authority... 

The formation of the Ordnance Department resulted from four events following cessation of hostilities in 1784. In 1785, the Secretary of War was charged with taking into his care all military stores, equipment, and supplies of the US Army. Second, a Surveyor of Ordnance was authorized in 1789. Third, Congress provided for the erection and repair of magazines and arsenals, and for the establishment of national armories. Fourth, in 1795, a Purveyor of Public Supplies was appointed to conduct the procurement of all military and naval stores necessary for the service of the USA. Finally, the establishment of the Ordnance Department as a separate corps was effected by Congressional Act of 14 May 1812... 

Reference Dictionary of Abbreviations and Symbols, Ordnance Department Research and Development Division,FortBliss,Texas(1949) 6)Anon,US Ordnance Corps, Complete Rounds Charts, No 5981(Jan 1950) 7)Anon,US Department of the Army/ Special Regulations SR 320 80 1 Office Symbols, Washington,DC(May 1951) 8)Anon,... 

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