US Navy Insensitive Munitions (IM)
Munitions Reaction Evaluation Board
(MREB)
Ken Tomasello
Insensitive Munitions Office
Naval Ordnance Safety and Security Activity
Indian Head, MD
Heather Hayden, PhD
Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Explosive Ordnance Disposal
Technology Division
Indian Head, MD
ABSTRACT
In August 2017, the Naval Ordnance Safety and Security Activity (NOSSA)
issued NOSSA Instruction (NOSSAINST 8010.1A, Munitions Reaction Evaluation Board
(MREB). This instruction is an update to the original NOSSAINST 8010.1 of July 2009
which created the US Navy unified board for scoring Insensitive Munitions (IM), Hazard
Classification (HC) and basic safety tests. The guidance provided by this instruction
ensures consistent evaluation of ordnance hazard assessment test plans and scoring
technical performance (i.e., test/no-test and reaction level) of hazard testing in support
of IM compliance, HC and Weapon System Explosive Safety Review Board (WSESRB)
review processes for munitions. NOSSAINST 8010.1A clarifies and updates the
operating philosophy of the MREB including: Leadership, Membership, Meetings,
Authority and Responsibility, and Documentation for the Board. This paper describes
the background of formation of the unified US Navy board, reviews the applicability of
the instruction and provides highlights from the instruction.
Statement A: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
