SSIC Codes (SECNAV M-5210.2)

What SSIC Codes Are

Per SECNAV M-5210.2SECNAV M-5210.2, Standard Subject Identification Codes (SSIC) are numerical codes that classify Department of the Navy correspondence and records by subject. Every official document carries an SSIC code identifying its subject area.

SSIC codes drive.

• Correspondence routing
• File classification
• Records disposition schedules
• Retrieval and search
• Cross-referencing between related documents

A document without an SSIC has no organizational identity in the records system.

How SSIC Codes Are Structured

SSIC codes use a hierarchical numbering system.

Major Subject Areas (1000-Series)

Each thousand-block represents a major subject area.

Subdivisions

Each major area subdivides.

• 1000-1099: General personnel matters
• 1100-1199: Personnel administration
• 1200-1299: Pay and allowances
• And so on through specific subjects

Specific SSICs

Within subdivisions, specific four to five digit SSICs identify precise subjects.

• 1070.12 = Marine Corps Individual Records Administration Manual (IRAM)
• 1900.16 = Marine Corps Separation and Retirement Manual
• 5000.14 = Marine Corps Administrative Procedures (MCAP)

Common SSIC Codes for Personnel Admin

PAC and S-1 use these SSICs frequently.

Performance Steps

Step 1 - Identify the Subject

Read the document.

• What is the document about?
• What major subject area applies?
• What specific aspect of that area?

Step 2 - Locate the Matching SSIC

Reference SECNAV M-5210.2SECNAV M-5210.2.

• Use the table of contents for major areas
• Use the alphabetical index for specific subjects
• Find the most specific applicable SSIC
• When in doubt, use the more general SSIC

Step 3 - Apply the SSIC

Place the SSIC on the document.

• Naval correspondence: Top right corner of letter, after originator code
• File folders: SSIC as primary classification
• Database entries: SSIC field per system requirements
• Cross-references: List related SSICs

Step 4 - Verify Accuracy

Before submitting or filing.

• Confirm SSIC matches document subject
• Confirm SSIC is currently active in SECNAV M-5210.2SECNAV M-5210.2
• Confirm correct format (period placement, digit count)

Common SSIC Errors

These hit during PAC and S-1 work.

1. Wrong SSIC range applied. Personnel matter coded as administrative matter. Misroutes the document.
2. Outdated SSIC used. Old SSIC superseded by new one. Document harder to find with old code.
3. Too general SSIC. Coded as 1000 when 1070.12 was specific. Reduces searchability.
4. Format errors. Decimal placement or digit count wrong. May cause system rejection.
5. No SSIC at all. Document filed without classification. Impossible to find via subject search.

SSIC for Outgoing Correspondence

Per SECNAV M-5216.5SECNAV M-5216.5 (Navy Correspondence Manual), every outgoing letter carries.

• Originator office code (top right)
• SSIC code (below office code)
• Date
• Subject line

The SSIC determines.

• Which file the document goes in
• Which retention schedule applies
• How recipients route the response
• How databases index the document

SSIC for Incoming Correspondence

When PAC or S-1 receives correspondence.

• Read the SSIC at the top right
• Route to the responsible person based on SSIC subject
• File per SSIC into the appropriate folder
• Cross-reference if related to other ongoing matters

SSIC for Internal Documents

Internal unit documents also use SSIC.

• Page 11 entries (per personnel SSIC range)
• Awards documentation (per awards SSIC range)
• Training records (per training SSIC range)
• Pay actions (per pay SSIC range)

Consistent SSIC use makes records retrievable.

Records Schedule Tied to SSIC

Per SECNAV M-5210.1SECNAV M-5210.1, retention schedules organize by SSIC.

• Each SSIC has an associated retention rule
• The SSIC determines how long the record is kept
• The SSIC drives disposition (NARA transfer or destruction)

Correct SSIC drives correct retention.

SSIC Quick Reference Building

S-1 admin shops should maintain a quick reference of frequently used SSICs.

• Print the personnel SSIC ranges (1000-1999) for ready reference
• Build local cheat sheets for unit-specific common documents
• Train new admin Marines on SSIC basics during MOJT
• Keep SECNAV M-5210.2SECNAV M-5210.2 reference accessible

Common Personnel Documents and Their SSICs

For ready reference.

Verify against current SECNAV M-5210.2SECNAV M-5210.2 for accuracy.

Quality Control on SSIC Application

Before any document leaves the admin shop.

• Verify SSIC matches document subject
• Verify SSIC format correct
• Verify SSIC is active in current SECNAV M-5210.2SECNAV M-5210.2
• Verify any cross-reference SSICs noted

Related Roles

SSIC application affects record findability for everyone.

• Marines indirectly benefit when records are properly classified and retrievable.
• Leaders at S-1 apply SSIC to outgoing correspondence and route incoming based on SSIC.
• Commanders sign documents that carry SSICs and rely on SSIC routing for response coordination.