The ability of the Joint Munitions Command to deliver the munitions needed to win on future battlefields is dependent on the efforts today to modernize its facilities and equipment and attract talented people. This forward-looking approach to providing readiness to the future force is at that heart of the strategy being employed by the Crane family of installations.The Army's modernization strategy has one focus: Make Soldiers and units more lethal to fight and win the nation's wars. That focus will require a team effort to transform the entire force though, including the munitions providers in the Organic Industrial Base."Our ability to support the fighting force of the future requires us to make key, strategic decisions about the resources we are using now and anticipate requirements well into the future. The Army of the future needs munitions that are manufactured and sustained in modern facilities," Col Stephen Dondero, Crane Army Ammunition Activity commander said. "Likewise, if we want our team to have the best talent in the industry, we need to position ourselves to better attract and retain them by diverging from the status quo."At a quarterly update briefing provided to the JMC Commander, Brig. Gen. Michelle Letcher, the commanders of CAAA, Iowa Army Ammunition Plant, Letterkenny Munitions Center and Milan Army Ammunition Plant leadership outlined their path to ensuring their modernization efforts and their investment in the most important asset, people, is on track."From updating our structures to ensuring we are integrating the latest technology in our processes, every command is looking at how we can expand the strategic advantage our Army holds," Dondero said. "The same way we know that a steady, well-trained workforce is absolutely critical to providing munitions. You can build buildings and buy equipment, but a strong, competent civilian workforce must be developed and retained. If we want to attract and keep the best talent in the modern labor marketplace, we need to provide the environment that cultivates innovation, provides greater job satisfaction and grows a deep bench."For Letterkenny Munitions Center, the focus on modernization sits firmly with its ability to provide and service the missiles of the future. In order to do this, it is taking steps to improve its missile facilities and stay linked in with what DoD needs for the future."LEMC is using deliberate planning and data to drive decisions ensuring that the DOD has as much buying power as possible. We are partnered with the Joint warfighter and the Army to ensure that the next generation of lethality is responsibly transitioned to sustainment." Lt. Col. Dennis Williams, LEMC commander, said.Likewise, Iowa Army Ammunition Plant is working with its munitions contractor on upgrades to its facilities to meet current and future artillery production needs. Lt. Col Eric Schilling, IAAAP commander, said, "The IAAAP remains focused on modernization efforts that capitalize on the continuing advancements in manufacturing processes to ensure that we are postured to provide the munitions needed by our warfighters both of today and tomorrow."For Milan Army Ammunition Plant, the effort to accomplish a timely, safe and effective divestiture of equipment and munitions allows for a right sizing of the organic industrial base and the proper prioritization of limited resources.Crane Army Ammunition Activity produces and provides conventional munitions in support of U.S. Army and Joint Force readiness. It is part of the Joint Munitions Command and the U.S. Army Materiel Command, which include arsenals, depots, activities and ammunition plants. Established Oct. 1977, it is located on Naval Support Activity Crane.