The origins of VAOS are a result of the lessons learnt from the Crimean War, when the supply system especially the provisioning and purchase of stores was found to be haphazard and as a result the process for the acquisition of military stores was formalised by the British Board of Ordnance.
The Board devised a system of inspectors with an understanding of the military's requirements, who based on the patterns and specifications would negotiate for the provision of quality goods at the right price.
[2][3] The Inspectors of the Board of Ordnance, who having established a credible system, were absorbed into the newly formed Military Store Department.
So respected was their knowledge it was often said that the Military Stores Officers knew more about weapons and ammunition than the end users.
The new publication, which was amended quarterly, required that units use the exact nomenclature that appeared in these Vocabularies.