numeric codes: the federal supply group and the federal supply class. The federal supply group identifies, by title, the commodity area covered by the classes within each group. An example of a Federal Supply Group and its classes is as follows: NATIONAL STOCK NUMBERS Every item in the Federal Supply Catalog is identified by a 13-digit stock number referred to as National Stock Number (NSN). The national stock number (NSN) for an item of supply consists of a four-digit federal supply classification (FSC group and class) and a nine-digit national item identification number (NIIN). The NIIN consists of a two-digit national codification bureau (NCB) code and seven digits that, in conjunction with the NCB code, identify each NSN item in the Federal Supply Distribution System. The National Item Identification Number is a nine-digit number that identifies each item of supply used by the Department of Defense. Although the NIIN is part of the NSN, it is used independently to identify an item within a classification. Unlike the FSC, the NIIN is assigned serially, without regard for the name, description, or classification of the item. An example NSN is: 3110-00-123-4567 NAVY ITEM CONTROL NUMBERS Navy Item Control Numbers (NICN) identify items of material (such as pencils, staplers, sutures, and medications) that are not included in the FSC but are stocked in the Navy supply system. These numbers are 13-digits and are assigned by inventory control managers. LOCAL ITEM CONTROL NUMBERS Technically, any item identification number assigned by an activity for its own use is a Navy Item Control Number. To distinguish between NICNs that are authorized in supply transaction documents and those that are not, the term Local Item Control Number (LICN) is often used. A full explanation of the composition of NIINs, NICNs, and LICNs is contained in Afloat Supply Procedures, NAVSUP P-485. COGNIZANCE SYMBOLS Although cognizance symbols are not part of the NSN, they are used as supply management codes that identify the Navy inventory manager for the specific category of material requisitioned. This symbol consists of two parts, one numeric and one alphabetic. For example, the symbol for all Navy-owned bulk medical material is “9L.” FEDERAL SUPPLY CATALOG, MEDICAL MATERIAL SECTION The Federal Supply Catalog contains all standard stock items available to agencies of the United States Government. It furnishes identification and management data for single-manager supply items. The sections of the catalog that are of special interest to the Hospital Corpsman are those dealing with medical items, as listed in the NAVSUP P-485, volume I, chapter 2. Each subsection deals with specific categories of material. The following is a description of the subsections of Federal Supply Catalog, Medical Material, 6500 section:  Introduction—provides a general overview of the contents and use of the catalog.  Alphabetical Index—contains a list of item names, colloquial names, synonyms, common names, and trade names, referenced to index numbers, that help locate an item within the subsection.  Glossary of Colloquial Names and Therapeutic Index (6505/6508 subsection only)—contains colloquial names, synonyms, and trade names arranged in alphabetical order and cross-referenced to appropriate National Item Names. Items are also classified by therapeutic use. 13-5 Group 65 Medical, Dental, and Veterinary Supplies and Equipment 6505 - Drugs Biological, and Official Reagents 6508 - Medicated Cosmetics and Toiletries 6510 - Surgical Dressing Material 3110 | Federal Supply Classification (FSC) 00- | National Codification Bureau Code 123-4567 | National Item Identification Number (NIIN)