ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. — Recently, the Army Materiel Command’s Organic Industrial Base Task Force visited Joint Munitions Command headquarters to learn more about all facets of JMC’s 15-year multi-phased transformation strategy.
Modernization is one of Army’s top priorities. As weapon systems and technologies evolve, so does the manner in which battles will be fought and wars will be won. In order to meet the needs of the future force, AMC is developing a comprehensive modernization plan that is nested with Army’s modernization strategy.
The Commander of Army Materiel Command, Gen. Ed Daly, established an Organic Industrial Base Task Force to oversee transformational change and modernization across the OIB. This includes developing an investment plan based on a prioritized approach to project development and execution.
The OIB Task Force Executive Director, Marion Whicker, along with her team, spent two days at JMC evaluating their portion of that modernization strategy. During this event Brig. Gen. Gavin Gardner, other installation commanders, and staff highlighted JMC’s proactive approach to modernization.
During a guidance session on the OIB modernization strategy, Gen. Daly said, “I hold OIB commanders accountable for making sure you are supporting modernization efforts and thinking forward on what equipment and weapon systems will need to be manufactured, maintained and upgraded in your facilities. We cannot modernize the OIB without a firm understanding of the systems the OIB is intended to support.”
Whicker said “we must modernize the right things to ensure the nation’s readiness. However, we have to balance modernization with what it takes to still do today’s mission.”
She emphasized that we can’t accept the status quo and the planned modernization efforts must get us to current industry standards.
JMC has taken this guidance to heart. Their brief highlighted a four-phased approach which focuses on the most critical projects needed to support current readiness, while posturing capabilities to meet the needs of the future force. Partnerships and frequent touch points with the Army Cross Functional Teams ensure that JMC facilities and core competencies can support CFT/joint capabilities.
JMC’s strategy goes beyond modernizing 1940’s era facilities, but also looks at the entire workflow process. Each installations’ core competencies are being prioritized and all aspects of their operations are being evaluated. This transformation includes increasing supply chain assurance, using modern technology such as advanced manufacturing, robotics, artificial intelligence and using data-driven decision making.
During the meeting, the OIB Task Force provided the JMC team with guidance and feedback on how to strengthen JMC’s 15-year modernization strategy. Gardner said the session was “extremely helpful for us to see ourselves. We have level set what we are trying to achieve.” The JMC team is now revising the modernization strategy in preparation for December’s meeting where all major subordinate commands of AMC will meet to further refine the Army’s OIB transformation strategy.
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