Special Material Identification Codes A special material identification code (SMIC) adds information to the National Stock Number. The inventory managers assign the SMIC to provide visibility to selected items and to ensure maintenance of their technical integrity. The requests for assignment of SMIC codes are forwarded to NAVSUP for processing. The SMICs are made up of two alpha or numeric characters and are reflected in card columns 21-22 of MILSTRIP/MILSTRAP documents. The SMIC maybe assigned by an inventory manager to an item when it requires the following: l l l l control in source, quality, technical design or configuration requirements; control in procurement, stocking, and issue; special receipt, inspection, testing, storage or handling; and weapon system applicability. The following is an example of an NSN with SMIC The first character of the SMIC has no meaning by itself. For example, the second position “F” signifies fighter aircraft. The letter in the first position breaks down the general type of fighter aircraft into specific models. The following are some examples of these breakdowns: BF F-4 Fighter aircraft EF F-8 Fighter aircraft FF F-9 Fighter aircraft MF F-4 Fighter aircraft PF F-14 Fighter aircraft SF F-18 Fighter aircraft The second position of the SMIC  assigned by the Aviation Supply Office ASO identifies the applicable weapons system or equipment. Most of the SMICs you will use are ASO assigned codes, and these are the codes discussed in this chapter. If you need more information, refer to NAVSUP P-437, appendix 17, for a complete listing of assigned SMICs. The following is a listing of the second character of a SMIC that you will usually encounter: A  - C  - E  - F  - H - N - P  - Q - S  - T  - Attack aircraft Cargo/transport aircraft Special electronic aircraft Fighter aircraft Helicopters Jet engines Patrol aircraft Turbo prop engines Antisubmarine aircraft Trainer or cargo/transport aircraft The SMICs are made up of various combinations of letters and numbers. This combination of letters and numbers might be the same but have a different meaning when used by other inventory managers. Some of these inventory managers are SPCC Strategic Systems Project Office (SSPO), NAVAIR, Naval Mine Warfare Engineering Activity (NWEA), NAVSUP and Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). You must use NAVSUP P-437 as your reference when conducting technical research to make sure the information used is correct. NAVY ITEM CONTROL NUMBER As we have discussed in a previous  paragraph, NSNs are required for all items centrally managed or bought for supply system stock. With changes of equipment and products, the Navy buys new items from the suppliers. New items entering the Navy supply system are identified in time to permit assignment of NSNs before shipment. In numerous instances, the Navy Item Control Number (NICN) is used to identify the items before an NSN can be assigned Some items are permanent y identified by the NICN because of the nature of the items. The NICN designation includes the following: l l l l 3-9 Inventory Control Point ICP control numbers Kit numbers Publications and forms ordering numbers Local Navy Activity Control (NAC) numbers