[Milsurplus] TO/TM filing system needed

[antqradio@juno.com]

Greetings
Looking for the collective wisdom of the group.

What is the best method for filing TOs?  TMs for you ex-army types.  I
had tried filing under the assigned manual numbers but that requires a
cross reference from manual number to equipment ID.  Being lazy, I never
made more then a token effort to compile and update a cross reference
list.  So when I need a manual, it is a never ending game of hide and
seek in the vertical files.  Although it does seem true that half of the
fun is in the hunt!

Now that the number of manuals is getting out of hand, I am leaning
toward filing under equipment nomenclature, i.e. BC-342, R-390, GRC-26,
etc.  This will make it a bit easier since Air Force and Army manual
numbers, and later revisions of either, do not necessarily have the same
assigned manual number.  It also seems that over the years all of the
services have been through several numbering systems.  So looking under
equipment ID should contain all the manuals in the files that cover the
equipment in question.  That still leaves generic instruction/information
manuals with no system except by subject.  In the long run, which system
will work best?  All opinions welcome!

Now, what about that Navy manual numbering system?

Regards from a snowy Arkansas,
Jim