TM Numbering Specification

Like everything in the military the numbering scheme for manuals follows a precise nomenclature. From the TM number you can determine what the manual is designed to provide and what equipment it is for.

For example:

TM 11-5815-283-35
TM	Technical Manual
11	Signal Equipment
5815	Teletype and Facsimile Equipment
283	AN/FGC-70X
35	Field and Depot Maintenance
P	Repair Parts and Special Tools

The Chart below Explains the Designators

Technical Manual Designations
SEC	DEF
TM	Manual Type TB - Technical Bulletin TM - Technical Manual TO - Technical Order
11	Equipment Designation 11 - Signal
5815	Class of Equipment 5805 - Telephone and Telegraph Equipment 5815 - Teletype and Facsimile Equipment 5820 - Radio and Television Communications Equipment (except airborne) 5821 - Radio and Television Communications Equipment (Airborne) 5825 - Radio Navigation Equipment (except Airborne) 5826 - Radio Navigation Equipment (Airborne) 5830 - Intercommunications & Public Address Systems (except Airborne) 5831 - Intercommunications & Public Address Systems (Airborne) 5835 - Sound Recording and Reproducing Equipment 5840 - Radar Equipment (Except Airborne) 5841 - Radar Equipment (Airborne) 5845 - Underwater Sound Equipment 5895 - Miscellaneous Communications Equipment
283	Specific Equipment Designator
35	Indicator of Coverage 10 - Operators Manual 12 - Operator and Organizational Maintenance Manual 14 - Operator, Organizational Maintenance & Field Maintenance 15 - Operator, Organizational Direct Service, and General Service 20 - Organizational Maintenance (Second Echelon) 24 - Organizational, Direct Service, and General Service Maintenance 25 - Organizational, Field and Deport Maintenance 34 - Direct Service and General Service Maintenance Manual 35 - Field and Deport Maintenance 50 - Calibration Procedure P - Repair Parts & Special Tools