Army Materiel Command Deputy Commanding General and Acting Commander Lt. Gen. Chris Mohan (right), visits Fort Stewart's Marne Innovation Center, Oct. 31, 2024, for insight into what Soldiers are doing to solve problems with today's technology. The visit served as an opportunity for 3rd Infantry Division Soldiers to display their skills and highlight the Army's Tank-automotive and Armaments Command Fly Away team that is providing on-site vehicle repairs and services here.

DETROIT ARSENAL, Mich. – It was a busy year for the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command, which launched new initiatives, hosted workforce development events, celebrated awards and even debuted a podcast while continuing to support Soldier readiness around the world.

Here’s a look back at some of the highlights of 2024:

Career fairs expand, develop workforce

TACOM participated in two successful career fairs that drew hundreds of people to the Detroit Arsenal. During the first fair in March, the arsenal welcomed people from all over metro Detroit for on-the-spot interviews and networking opportunities. An expanded two-day fair in November focused more on internal candidates, with panel discussions, professional development opportunities and the chance to explore different career fields during TACOM “Day in the Life” presentations.

TACOM commanding general promoted

Maj. Gen. Michael B. Lalor, TACOM commanding general, was promoted from brigadier general during an Aug. 27 ceremony at the Detroit Arsenal. Lalor received his second star in front of an audience that included general officers, Senior Executive Service members, Soldiers, Army Civilians, invited guests and his wife and children. “We are committed to excellence, and it is really my honor, every day, to be your commander,” he said.

Battle-Damaged Repair and Fabrication program launches

As it works to stay at the forefront of technological innovation, TACOM launched the Battle-Damaged Repair and Fabrication program in early 2024. The advanced manufacturing initiative involves the Rock Island Arsenal-Joint Manufacturing Technology Center (RIA-JMTC) 3D printing temporary replacement parts such as battery tray mounting brackets and bearing covers to be shipped to the field. RIA-JMTC develops, manufactures and delivers readiness solutions for the Army and Department of Defense systems across the globe.

Red River announces VPP recertification, receives AAME award

Red River Army Depot (RRAD) proudly announced its recertification as a Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Star Site in 2024. This significant recognition highlights the depot’s ongoing commitment to safety excellence. It first achieved VPP star status within TACOM in 2016.

In addition, RRAD received the 2024 Army Award for Maintenance Excellence in the depot category, a prestigious honor that recognizes exceptional maintenance accomplishments. The award package focused on the depot’s impactful production of anti-lock braking systems and electronic stability control on High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles.

Gen. Randy George tours several TACOM sites

A highlight of 2024 for Anniston Army Depot (ANAD) and other sites across TACOM was a visit by U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George. At ANAD, George and senior leaders from U.S. Army Material Command (AMC) toured the disassembly/assembly facility. George also stopped by RIA-JMTC and the Detroit Arsenal, where discussions focused on advanced manufacturing and modernization.

Sierra Army Depot supports hurricane relief

Sierra Army Depot (SIAD) supported Hurricane Helene relief efforts by sending thousands of pieces of cold weather gear to Fort Liberty, North Carolina. Six team members from the depot also traveled to Fort Liberty to perform emergency maintenance on six reverse osmosis water purification systems in support of the 127th QM Master Company and the 406th Army Field Support Brigade’s hurricane relief efforts.

Watervliet Arsenal completes LRIP1 on schedule, replaces heat treat system 

Watervliet Arsenal (WVA) successfully completed LRIP1 on schedule for the M35 105mm cannon for the Army’s new M10 Booker. The WVA team worked with several partners to overcome initial production hurdles and streamline operations in preparation for full-rate production.

In addition, WVA replaced its horizontal heat treat system with a new system that features an improved design to enhance capabilities and capacity. Crews completed construction alongside the old system, eliminating production downtime.

WVA’s Equipment Engineering Department installed its first machine tools for the Apprentice Training Lab in October and purchased four new machine tools.

TACOM’s congressional influence, relationships continue to grow

TACOM’s congressional influence and relationships continued to grow at the federal and state levels throughout 2024, with an exponential increase in member, staff and committee level engagements and visits to TACOM headquarters and the organization’s Organic Industrial Base sites. At the state level, TACOM headquarters has become a vital facilitator to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s newly established Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation – the economic arm of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office – and to the Michigan State Legislature’s Aerospace and Defense Caucus. TACOM is looking forward to continued momentum in 2025, with plans for increased engagement efforts and new connections among our federal and state delegations.

New OCIE initiative launched

A new Organizational Clothing and Individual Equipment (OCIE) initiative called Soldier Equipment and Asset Management, or SEAM, was developed. The cloud-based, next-generation platform was designed to modernize warehouse management, integrate seamlessly with other Army IT systems, enhance analytical capabilities and transform the way the Army delivers equipment and capabilities to Soldiers. SEAM is scheduled to hit the field in 2025.

Flyaway teams deployed

TACOM’s flyaway teams continued to support warfighters around the world. Since July, 295 flyaway teams with 869 personnel were deployed from across the organization.

TACOM launches new podcast

More people than ever are hearing the TACOM story thanks to Maj. Gen. Michael B. Lalor’s new podcast, “In General Terms.” Launched in August, the podcast explores TACOM’s mission, capabilities and operations, with the goal of giving Soldiers, DA Civilian employees and members of the public an inside look at the critical role the organization plays in supporting U.S. Army initiatives around the world.

Depot and Arsenal Commanders’ Forum focuses on modernization, continuous improvement

Leaders from across TACOM gathered in October at the Detroit Arsenal for the two-day Depot and Arsenal Commanders’ Forum. They discussed innovations, priorities, challenges and how the organization can best fulfill its core mission of supporting U.S. Army readiness.

The TACOM Depot and Arsenal Commanders’ Forum, held Oct. 22-24, 2024 at the Detroit Arsenal, drew commanders and other leaders from across the organization. Pictured left to right are Mark Colley, director of the Integrated Logistics Support Center; Col. Lisa Rennard, TACOM chief of staff; Col. David G. Guida, commander of Rock Island Arsenal - Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center; Col. Jason W. Schultz, commander of Watervliet Arsenal; Col. Craig A. Daniel, commander of Anniston Army Depot; Maj. Gen. Michael B. Lalor, TACOM commanding general; Lt. Col. Jason A. Haynes, commander of Sierra Army Depot; Col. Denis J. Fajardo, commander of Red River Army Depot; CW5 Maxine Williams, senior maintenance warrant officer; Travis D. Adkins, senior responsible official, Joint Systems Manufacturing Center - Lima; Wendy Saigh, TACOM chief counsel; and Command Sgt. Maj. Kendra St Helen. (Joseph Pendergrass, U.S. Army)

TACOM Fort Leonard Wood FMX team wins two major U.S. Army awards 

Though not often in the spotlight, TACOM’s Fort Leonard Wood FMX team continued to cultivate a reputation for excellence. In 2024, the team was honored with two major Army-wide awards: Chief of Staff, Army Award for Maintenance Excellence in the Army Active All Others category for fiscal year 2024, and the Chief of Ordnance Best of the Best Maintenance Award for 2024.

Several TACOM, AMC sites win safety awards

Several sites were honored in 2024 for their commitment to safety. They included: ANAD (AMC and TACOM), Industrial Operations Safety Award; RRAD (AMC and TACOM), Exceptional Organization Safety Award - Brigade Level; TACOM FMX Fort Jackson, Exceptional Organization Safety Award - Battalion Level; and Deryl Gensler, TACOM FMX Fort Gregg-Adams, Individual Award of Excellence in Safety - DA Civilian Junior Category.

Pushing forward on advanced manufacturing

More than 100 senior leaders and subject experts from across the U.S. Army met in December at RIA-JMTC for a two-day war game about further integrating advanced manufacturing into battlefield operations. The session focused on innovation and building synergy as the Army continues to push forward on using advanced manufacturing technology to enhance force modernization and readiness. The war game was an AMC event, and TACOM hosted it.