TACOM LCMC honors US military through Army Loan and Donations Program

By Kathleen Alexander for TACOM LCMCOctober 26, 2016

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The United States leads one of the strongest militaries in the world, with approximately 1.3 million active military personnel and more than 19 million living veterans. Providing these men and women what they need for defense and preserving the artifacts that defend Americans' freedoms is a duty the TACOM Life Cycle Management Command proudly holds.

The TACOM Army Loan Program manages essential equipment that U.S. military units can use in addition to authorized requirements and to avoid equipment shortages. Equipment is distributed to U.S. service members worldwide through a national supply system and wholesale sites. Items loaned out are used across all of the U.S. armed forces in combat, training, research and development, and operations with friendly foreign nations. Additionally, equipment is used in state requirements for missions on home soil, such as fighting fires and civil disturbances.

"Only three of us do this job, and we maintain the world on this program," said James Alderson, team lead of the Army Loan Program.

The program ensures that U.S. military members don't hold on to valuable equipment for longer than they need it. Items are returned after the loan is complete and this process is repeated until the equipment can no longer be used. That's where the Army Donations Program comes into play.

Assigned the mission of the Army Donations Program in 1998, TACOM LCMC qualifies museums, veteran service organizations, parks and other entities to receive donations of disabled military machinery.

When all other functions are exhausted, the item will undergo a limited demilitarization process, guaranteeing the machinery can no longer be used for its intended function. Essentially, the item transforms from a weapon to a relic. It can then be repurposed into small monuments honoring the U.S. military and U.S. veterans around the world.

TACOM's Army Donations Program office is responsible for 407,595 pieces of property valued at $2.6 billion across 33,000 organizations in 14 countries. These artifacts range from revolutionary war cannons to M1 Abrams tanks. Proudly placed at historical museums, sites of remembrance and more, each piece stands to commemorate those who served, educate those who will serve, and provide the public a piece of military history they can touch and see.

"The program is protected by law, under Title 10, U.S. Code 2572, which states organizations that qualify can conditionally receive a loan of a piece of Army combat equipment that is no longer in use," explained Audrey Clarke, chief of the Army Donations Program.

Although pieces themselves are donated to qualifying organizations, customers must pay for the construction of a pad or pedestal for the piece to be displayed on, the limited demilitarization process and shipment. The program holds customers accountable for properly caring for the piece by reviewing a report and photograph of the equipment every year.

The Army Donations Program demonstrates the effort to get the most out of U.S. military property and give purpose to retired equipment. For many, this is an opportunity to reflect on the time they spent in the U.S. military.

"People can see these items on display and talk about their experiences," said Clarke. "Veterans and U.S. military members can reflect upon and talk about how that piece was used in the military."

The Army Donations Program at TACOM LCMC looks forward to continuing to honor the members of the U.S. military through the program.