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Train to use weapons and ammunition with educational resources from munitions suppliers

Munitions suppliers offer a lot of information on the use of particular military ordnance they produce. This information can teach those who work with munitions about the technology, its impact, and how it is best used in military situations.

I recommend: ATK provides data and specs on all of the military munitions it supplies for law enforcement and government organizations. Sig Sauer, a munitions manufacturer, provides training courses on all types of military munitions products that it makes.

Learn to handle military ammo through military training

The best way to learn about handling military ammunition is to train with military organizations. Each branch of the military provides some type of munitions training, ranging from safety to the proper use of many types of munitions. Military organizations also provide additional training for planning and testing ammunition.

I recommend: The Marine Corps. provides extensive ammunition and explosives training for marines who want to work on its environmental and explosives safety team. The Air Force also has a program for munitions response that covers topics such as planning, safety and range.

Attend training programs provided by military ammunition manufacturers and civilian organizations

To learn about safety issues regarding munitions, you can also train with military ammunition manufacturers and other organizations that work with military munitions. These programs are often open to military personnel, as well as state and local law enforcement.

I recommend: The National Tactical Officer Association teaches military personnel and law enforcement agencies how to use, as well as defend against, military grade ammunition. ATT-Tactical offers training courses on topics that range from small munitions to submachine guns. Certification is awarded for all courses.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you want to learn more about the types of military gun supply available to both the military and law enforcement agencies, there are many books and online resources available that provide listings.

Guide to Munitions

Fortify the perimeter with weapons and ammunition

By Lisa J. Jackson, Writer / Editor

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The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Go direct to the source with munitions manufacturers

The best resource for top quality and affordable military munitions is a manufacturer that targets the aerospace and defense industry. Second to that is a manufacturer that stays on the cutting edge of technology and can meet all government standards and guidelines for developing applicable munitions.

I recommend: Warren-Knight Instrument Company manufactures munitions. Alliance Tech Systems (ATK) has a leadership position in conventional munitions and rocket motors. Olin's Winchester manufacturing division has brand-specific munitions available.

Ready, aim, shoot with army ammunition suppliers

There may be a local ammunition supplier who can fulfill your needs, but many online resources are able to ship an order directly to your door. Shop from home through a munitions supplier to save money and time.

I recommend: Check out the extensive firearms and ammunition inventory at Military Gun Supply. American Ordnance LLC is a top manufacturer and supplier of military ammunition for domestic defense companies and entities approved by the U.S. State Department. Sig Sauer is a supplier of firearms and ammunition for military, civilian, and law enforcement customers.

Find the best prices on military ammunition

Every budget can use a little help. Get the same quality and calibers of military ammo for a lower price by shopping around and finding a munitions supplier specializing in military surplus ammunition. Keep brand names in mind as you shop since a recognized name may have a higher price tag than a lesser-known brand that will work just as well.

I recommend: Coleman's Military Surplus carries a large supply of Army/Navy military surplus products. AIM, Inc., and A1 Ammo are mail-order munitions suppliers with large inventories. With the constantly changing inventory at Government Surplus Auction, you may be able to find what you need at a very reasonable price.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Munitions is a catch-all term for military weapons, ammunition, equipment and stores. Equipment and stores can come in handy for your business if it involves any type of camping, gyms, white water rafting, sports or travel.

Guide to Munitions Key Terms

Get to know the exciting world of munitions

By M. Krasniak, Freelance Writer/Editor

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Ammunition

Ammunition, or ammo, is a munitions term that refers to the material fired from firearms, such as bullets and shells.

I recommend: This information on ArticlesBase.com explains what ammunition is and the different types available.

Rifle

A rifle is a gun that has a barrel of at least 16 inches in length and is shoulder fired. The term 'rifle' refers to the 'rifling' or striations that are inside the barrel of the gun, or the part that the ammunition passes through.

I recommend: Gunners Den has an informative page on rifles that includes information on the different types of rifles and the parts of the rifle.

Machine gun

A machine gun is an automatic gun that can fire hundreds of bullets a minute in rapid succession. You can mount this gun on a tripod-like stand or it can be portable. It is a very common weapon in the military.

I recommend: There is a lot of information on machine guns on HowStuffWorks, including a video showing machine guns in action.

Hand grenades

As the name suggests, hand grenades are time-delayed munitions thrown by hand. This explosive device has a safety 'pin' that keeps the weapon from detonating until the pin is pulled and the grenade is thrown.

I recommend: This helpful guide from the Federation of American Scientists lists the common characteristics of hand grenades in addition to providing detailed descriptions and diagrams of the different types available.

Chemical weapons

Chemical weapons are munitions that consist of toxic chemicals that cause varying degrees of injury, from vision discomfort to attacks on the central nervous system that can lead to death. Chemical weapons can be in solid, liquid or gas form.

I recommend: Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom gives a comprehensive description of chemical weapons and chemical warfare.

Biological weapons

Any naturally occurring organism such as a virus, bacteria, toxin or fungi used to harm people is called a biological weapon. The poisons get to people in many ways, such as in powder form (used in the 2001 anthrax attacks) or through ingesting tainted foods.

I recommend: eMedicineHealth has a detailed explanation of biological weapons as munitions as well as an interesting time line of the use of biological weapons.