AMC partnerships critical to Army readiness

By Ms. Kara Wall (AMC)September 28, 2015

AMC partnerships critical to Army readiness
Lt. Gen. Larry Wyche, deputy commanding general for AMC and senior commander of Redstone Arsenal, speaks to more than 160 business leaders from across the Tennessee Valley about the challenges ahead for AMC and the criticality of forging partnerships... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (Sept. 28, 2015) -- The Army Materiel Command bears the responsibility of equipping the force and providing readiness to ensure the Army wins in a complex world- a responsibility that requires industry partnerships.

Lt. Gen. Larry Wyche, deputy commanding general for AMC and senior commander of Redstone Arsenal, spoke to more than 160 business leaders from across the Tennessee Valley about the challenges ahead for AMC and the criticality of forging partnerships with industry at the Association of the United States Army Redstone-Huntsville Chapter's Update for Industry Sept. 28 at the Jackson Center in Huntsville.

"As the Army transforms to a leaner, more lethal, agile and expeditionary force, our partnership with you is more critical now than ever," Wyche said. "Our industry and small business partners will continue to play a key role in the readiness of our Army. Partnering is a win-win."

A $58 billion enterprise, AMC commands the global supply chain to ensure the Army remains ready as the world's premier combat force. AMC is committed to sustain a modern and responsive Army, Wyche said.

"Investment in research and development is key to building the future force and our strategic capabilities," Wyche said of AMC's $1.6 billion science and technology portfolio.

Modernization through science and technology investments ensure Soldiers have the best equipment available. AMC's investments account for 75 percent of the Army's total science and technology budget including initiatives such as cyber, long range precision fires, autonomous ground supply vehicles and future vertical lift, Wyche said.

Bringing industry and the Army together is a critical component of AUSA's charter, said AUSA Redstone-Huntsville Chapter President retired Col. John Wright.

"The primary reason our chapter continues to promote opportunities for industry to interact with senior Army leaders is to foster an understanding of Army requirements and to also demonstrate industry's continued support for the Army and the Soldier," Wright said.

According to Wyche, partnering helps identify best practices, integrate approaches from industry to enhance modernization efforts and gain efficiencies.

"We have an opportunity right now to help reshape our great Army for a new generation of Soldiers and for a nation that will continue to depend on an Army that is equipped and ready for operations around the globe," Wyche said.