O-141 A Discussion on the Services, Details and Values of the MSIAC Products, to the International Arena of Munitions Safety

This paper and presentation will provide an overview of the NATO Munitions Safety Information Analysis Center (MSIAC) and the services, databases, design and analytical tools, and values it provides to its Member Nations, NATO, and the total international Munitions Safety (MS) community. MSIAC was created over 20 years ago as the NATO Insensitive Munitions Information Center (NIMIC) with the goal of spreading knowledge and facilitating and supporting developments in the international community regarding Insensitive Munitions. In 2002-2004, the nations comprising NIMIC directed that it became MSIAC with an enhanced focus on the total life cycle Munitions Safety aspects. This paper will address the rationale behind the transition from an IM centric organization to an overarching MS focused organization and the resulting changes in structure and goals. The paper will also address issues, concerns, or threats that MSIAC perceives as the emerging areas of interest for the international MS community and offer ideas for collaboration, development, or standardization of approaches to tests and assessment practices.