PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. – Brig. Gen. John T. Reim, Joint Program Executive for Guns and Ammunition and Picatinny Arsenal commanding general, was promoted to the rank of major general in a ceremony here today where his wife, Patty and daughter, 1st Lt. Taylor Reim pinned the two-star rank to his jacket.
The ceremony was hosted by Gen. Michael E. Kurilla, commander of the United States Central Command, who administered the officer’s oath via video teleconference.
Kurilla reflected on their time working together in Joint Special Operations Command: “He’s had a profound impact, not only on the SOF (special operations forces) community, but on the entire Army, and he is a fantastic officer.”
Reim, is the first two-star general to lead the Joint Program Executive Office Armaments and Ammunition, which is responsible for the development, procurement and fielding of lethal armaments and ammunition, providing joint warfighters and allied partners overmatch capabilities. This includes integrating budgets, acquisition strategies, research and development and life-cycle management across all armament and ammunition families.
“The defense industrial base is in a critical moment in our national security, said Kurilla. “It is one of the things that led to allied victory in World War II. In the modern era, the industrial base allows us to be prepared for whatever the future may bring and outpace those that wish to do us harm.
“John is the right officer to lead us in that effort. Under his leadership, JPEO A&A is actively rebuilding the Arsenal of Democracy,” Kurilla said using the central phrase delivered by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in a radio address in1940.
Reim is the first two-star general to command Picatinny Arsenal since the retirement of Maj. Gen. Paul S. Izzo in 2006.
Known as the Department of Defense’s Joint Center of Excellence for Guns and Ammunition, Picatinny Arsenal specializes in the research development, acquisition and life-cycle management of advanced armaments and ammunition capabilities. Picatinny boasts a workforce of over 6,000 dedicated military, government civilians, and contractor employees, making it the third largest employer in Morris County according to the Morris County Economic Development Corporation.
“This is an amazing team here at Picatinny Arsenal,” said Reim. “They are passionate about the mission. They are passionate about their people. They operate every day with a can-do ethos. I am thankful to be part of this incredible team.”
A native of Franklinville, Reim graduated from the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, N.Y. in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Management. He holds a Master of Arts degree from Webster University in Procurement and Acquisition Management.
Reim said he is frequently asked what he will do after his promotion: “The simple answer is, I’m staying put,” he said. “I am truly humbled to be able to continue the significant work we’ve started here rebuilding the Arsenal of Democracy, to continue our international partner support given current operations globally, and of course our day jobs in supporting Army modernization and joint partner readiness priorities.”
Reim thanked a long list of current and former Army teammates that have supported him over the years. Reim thanked Patty and his children – “Team Reim” -- as well as members of his extended family.
“In the leadup to today, we received numerous phone calls and messages of congratulations,” said Reim. “What Patty and I quickly realized is that we have incredible people in our lives. Throughout our time in the Army, we have been touched by so many amazing people, and it has been that investment of time, energy, support, mentorship, friendship and teamwork that has allowed us to continue to serve, and quite frankly, has made today’s promotion ceremony possible.
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