PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. -- Led by Brig. Gen. Patrick W. Burden, Senior Commander of Picatinny Arsenal and Deputy Program Executive Officer for Ammunition, Picatinny's town hall on Jan. 14 addressed Picatinny's role in the Army's top priorities.
When sequestration takes effect again in 2018, the Army will be forced to cut 60,000 Soldiers.
"I know you hear this every year, how we live in a resource-constraint environment," said Burden.
"But, when you are out executing your mission, really think about the resources you are using and if you are executing them as efficiently as possible. Every dollar we throw away and don't get to spend, takes away from the number one priority of the Army which is readiness," said Burden.
The Army currently has three top priorities: readiness, the Army's future fight, and taking care of the troops.
Future funding shortfalls could impact these goals, specifically limiting readiness only to committed forces and creating an inability to deter or deny adversaries.
"A fundable task is to win and to do that we have to ensure that we have ready forces. That's for the total Army, not just the active force," said Burden.
Funding shortfalls could also threaten the Army's modernization, requiring the Army to end, restructure, or delay every program with an overall modernization investment decrease of 40 percent and preclude any new investment in future capabilities.
The future force "ties back to what we do here at this research and development installation as we modernize our Army," added Burden.
Senior Commander's Top Priorities
The senior commander also shared his top priorities for Team Picatinny, which are taking care of Soldiers, civilians and families, and ensuring a safe environment.
Additionally, Burden said he supports the delivery of increased lethality to the Army and the Department of Defense, the continued modernization of the arsenal, and maintaining partnerships with the local community.
Attendees were also informed on the new license plate reader initiative. Automated license plate readers capture computer-readable images that allow law enforcement to compare plate numbers against plates of stolen cars or cars driven by individuals wanted on criminal charges, or involved in terrorist activities.
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