PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. – Brian E. Fuchs, a senior research scientist whose main body of work was creating a safer environment for Soldiers by developing munitions less likely to initiate accidentally, was recognized for his broad contributions at a retirement ceremony here on Nov. 8.
Fuchs served as Senior Research Scientist for Insensitive Munitions at the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Armaments Center, a premier U.S. Army research and development facility.
Insensitive munitions are less vulnerable to accidental or unintended initiation, thereby reducing the risk of serious injuries or fatalities to Soldiers during the transport or storage of munitions, as well as preventing collateral damage to equipment, facilities and stockpiles of munitions.
Chris Grassano, Director of the DEVCOM Armaments Center, underscored the critical nature of research into insensitive munitions by citing a catastrophic series of explosions that took place in 1991 at Camp Doha in Kuwait.
A defective heater in an M992 ammunition carrier loaded with 155mm artillery shells caught on fire. It later exploded, showering nearby combat-loaded vehicles and ammunition stocks with artillery bomblets. That triggered a series of explosions and fires that lasted for hours and devastated vehicles and equipment in the North Compound, scattering unexploded ordnance and debris over much of the camp.
Forty-nine Soldiers were wounded. Fires and explosions damaged or destroyed 102 vehicles. More than two-dozen buildings suffered damage. An estimated $15 million worth of ammunition was rendered useless.
“One of the key goals of research into insensitive munitions is to help ensure that events similar to those at Camp Doha do not occur in the future,” Grassano told the audience gathered in the installation’s Lindner Conference Center to witness Fuchs’ retirement.
“All the praise, accolades and awards that Dr. Fuchs has earned have certainly been a rich part of his career,” the Armaments Center Director said. “The work of Dr. Fuchs, and his commitment to the development of safer munitions for our Soldiers—and thereby preventing serious injuries and fatalities—can never receive enough gratitude.”
and energetic formulations. He has held leadership roles for a variety of boards and organizations focused on insensitive munitions research, including the U.S Army, Department of Defense, and NATO.
In addition to his expertise of insensitive munitions, Fuchs is a leader in the rapidly growing field of research on explosive ink. His team leadership resulted in the first qualified explosive ink.
Fuchs is an adjunct professor for the Stevens Institute of Technology, as well as an assistant professor at our very own Armament Graduate School. Fuchs has earned 13 patents in the areas of explosive formulations, loading techniques, warheads, fuze technologies, printed detonators, and printed electronics. In addition, he has authored or co-authored more than 100 publications and reports.
Dr. Fuchs has earned Six Army Research Development Achievement Awards for technical Excellence, as well as an Army Research Development Achievement Award for leadership.
At his retirement ceremony, Fuchs was presented with a Senior Executive Service Note from Grassano, along with a Two-Star Note from Maj. Gen. John Reim, Picatinny Arsenal Commanding General and Joint Program Executive Officer Armaments and Ammunition.
He was also presented with a congratulatory letter from Douglas R. Bush, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology, and a Certificate of Appreciation from Grassano.
In addition, Fuchs was presented with the Meritorious Civilian Service Medal and a Certificate of Appreciation on his retirement.
“In these trying times, our work needs to provide an unfair advantage to the U.S. warfighter is now more important than ever,” Fuchs said as he addressed his colleagues.
“This is possible by improving weapons with increased performance and safety and it must be done at the speed of relevance. I know one group of people capable of fulfilling this mission, the employees of Picatinny Arsenal. Having met and taught many of the young employees across the Arsenal since I started as a Senior Research Scientist, they are currently the most capable and dedicated I have ever seen at Picatinny. I know that those taking over my tasks will often do better than I did, and there is no better compliment that you could give me for my efforts in mentoring, than for the new engineers and scientists to do just that.”
During the ceremony, Fuchs was also recognized by the Senate and General Assembly State House, Trenton, New Jersey, Joint Legislative Resolution by Senator Anthony Bucco, Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, and Assemblyman Christian Barranco, New Jersey’s 25th Legislative District.
Representatives from Congressman Thomas Kean Jr., New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, and Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District, also presented recognitions.
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