REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- When Gen. Dennis Via, commander of the Army Materiel Command, addressed industry professionals at the Advanced Planning Briefing for Industry, he stressed the importance of using the event as a chance to start an open dialogue with the participating commands and organizations.
The professionals gathered March 4 at Bob Jones Auditorium to learn more about upcoming opportunities for industry.
"We can't accomplish our mission without industry and an open dialogue," Via said. "It is important that you know our requirements and we know your capabilities. We've forged great partnerships, and I think those will be even more important over the next several years as we continue with sequestration."
He discussed upcoming command priorities that include the likelihood of budgetary uncertainty and global insecurity.
"Our Soldiers have to be at the highest level of sustainable readiness," he said. "There is always going to be a contingency, we know it is coming but we don't know when or where. I would have liked to take a knee after Afghanistan, but the truth is, right now AMC is the busiest it has been since I took command."
Highlighting several opportunities for partnering with AMC, Via said that there is a great need for industry, including the growth of public-private partnerships at AMC's organic industrial facilities.
"These facilities and their workforce are critical to maintaining Army readiness," he said. "Partnerships will keep lines running and personnel employed. That benefits both private companies in need of skilled workers and advanced facilities, and it also enhances our national security."
Via also emphasized small business programs, foreign military sales, science and technology, and research and development.
"I am here to tell everyone that we are open for business," he said. "I invite you to see what we have to offer and use this opportunity to see how we can partner together."
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