IDF adopting NATO codification system

The NCS is a system used by NATO to identify and classify supplies of member nations. It was designed to facilitate cooperation between countries and organizations.

By YAAKOV KATZ
idf 88 (photo credit: )
idf 88
(photo credit: )
In another sign of bolstering ties between Israel and the western military alliance, the IDF has decided to formally adopt the NATO Codification System (NCS).
The NCS is a system used by NATO to identify and classify supplies of member nations. It was designed to facilitate cooperation between countries and organizations, which transfer equipment between them, and as a result to enhance military, peacekeeping and disaster-relief operations.
Israel signed an agreement to adopt the NCS in 2006 but only recently began shifting its stock numbering to the NATO Stock Number (NSN), a 13-digit numeric code used to identify anything from spare parts, ammunition, weaponry and printers.
The plan is being overseen by the IDF Logistics Corps and the first branch to adopt the NCS is the Ground Forces Command.
"This will be beneficial for us in terms of cooperation and procurement and will also help Israeli defense industries sell their products to NATO member countries," a Logistics Corps officer explained.
Israeli-NATO ties have increased dramatically in recent years. Chairman of the Military Committee, Adm. Giampaolo Di Paola visited Israel in November and the Israel Navy has announced plans to deploy a missile ship with Active Endeavour, a NATO mission to patrol the Mediterranean Sea and prevent terror and weapons smuggling later this year.
Israel is also seeking to receive an upgraded status following the conclusion of a Strategic Concept review the military alliance is currently conducting that will enable Israeli officials to participate in top NATO forums, although not a part of the alliance.
Israel is a member of the Mediterranean Dialogue, which was created in 1994 to foster ties with Middle Eastern countries like Israel, Jordan, Egypt and Morocco.