Final answer:
The Department of Defense uses the National Stock Number (NSN) system to uniquely identify and manage each item it purchases or owns.
Step-by-step explanation:
The system used globally to distinguish one item from all other items that the Department of Defense (DoD) buys or owns is known as the National Stock Number (NSN) system. The NSN is a 13-digit code that uniquely identifies each product, part, or supply. The NSN system is part of the larger framework called the Federal Supply Classification (FSC) system, which helps to categorize items into classes and groups for efficient inventory management and procurement. Each NSN is unique and allows for the standardized identification and tracking of items across various military and government agencies, enhancing logistics, accountability, and supply chain efficiency.