Why isn't the numbering of all the Regulations, Field Manuals, Guides, TMs and etc sequential?

2016-05-15T16:08:27-04:00

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2016 4:14 PM

2016-05-15T16:14:25-04:00

Because Army. Sorry, that's all I've got.

Response by SFC Pete Kain made May 15 at 2016 4:15 PM

2016-05-15T16:15:38-04:00

They are to somebody, heck just roll with it.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made May 15 at 2016 5:12 PM

2016-05-15T17:12:58-04:00

Don't know about the TMs but there's a DoD Standard Subject Identifier (SSI). It basically lists the numbers you're supposed to use in preparing letters, instructions, etc. Doesn't cover everything.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2016 5:44 PM

2016-05-15T17:44:32-04:00

Mainly because each series covers a specific set of areas. For example, in the Air Force, the 36-Series of publications covers all matters personnel. 36-2903 is the Air Force Instruction for Dress and Appearance of Military Personnel, 36-2201 covers training.

Response by PO1 Rick Serviss made May 16 at 2016 4:40 AM

2016-05-16T04:40:18-04:00

They are broken down by subject areas?

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made May 16 at 2016 6:59 AM

2016-05-16T06:59:25-04:00

They use a filing system as opposed to a sequential system. #XXXX revA dtd DDMMYYYY. This means that unless superceded by a more tailored (smaller) or a broader (larger) Manual or Reg, you will always be able to find it.

http://www.military-info.com/freebies/D5.htm (TM)

It gets convoluted when you get into regs because they apply to specific areas, so the numbering is more akin to the Dewey Decimal System. Reg X applies to something particular so it has number 6-X, while reg Y applies to something else getting 6-Y.

The codes used designate very specific pieces of information. In theory every piece of correspondence produced from Memo to Manual will have "a" code on it, so that we know how to file it.

Manual Numbering System (U.S.War Department 1944)

a. The basic number will be as follows: 1. Army Air Forces. 2. Cavalry. 3. Chemical Warfare Service. 4. Coast Artillery Corps. 5. Corps of Engineers. 6. Field Artillery. 7. Infantry. 8. Medical Department. 9. Ordnance Department

Response by SFC John Hill made May 16 at 2016 7:07 AM

2016-05-16T07:07:26-04:00

There is a method to the madness, see: DA PAM 25–40 Army Publishing Program Procedures, Chapter 8 Numbering and Indexing Publications