Lt. Gen. Chris Mohan, Army Materiel Command deputy commanding general and acting commander, made his first visit to Pine Bluff Arsenal Feb. 11. Accompanying Mohan was AMC Command Sgt. Maj. Jimmy Sellers, Joint Munitions Command Commanding General Brig. Gen. Ronnie D. Anderson, Jr. and JMC Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher J. Reaves. Leadership from PBA, AMC and JMC were also in attendance.
Arsenal Commander Col. Collin K. Keenan said the reason for the visit was to discuss several strategic initiatives aimed at expanding future workload, enhancing installation security through emerging technologies and recognizing pathways, modernization and funding sources for improvement to base infrastructure.
“This was a great opportunity for PBA to highlight our mission and modernization projects and show how they tie into the Army’s overall Army modernization strategy,” said Keenan. “We are fortunate to have two Army senior leaders who are charged with some of the most important roles within the Department of Defense visit the Arsenal. It was great to be able to highlight what we do here and how important we are to the Organic Industrial Base.”
Tours of PBA’s ammunition and chemical and biological operations mission areas were the highlights of the visit.
PBA’s Mobile and Power Systems Division under the Directorate of Chemical and Biological Defense Operations, specifically the Dismounted Reconnaissance Sets, Kits and Outfits or DRSKO, was one of the first stops.
DRSKO provides detection, identification, sample collection, decontamination, marking and hazard reports of CBRN threats and detection of Weapons of Mass Destruction and WMD precursors. The Arsenal also logistically supports DRSKO – both OCONUS and CONUS – with a travel team of seven equipment specialists. This mission began in August 2014.
Mohan said PBA had a “beautiful setup” with the kitting operation.
“The general was very impressed with the organization’s setup and PBA’s ability to communicate the DRSKO mission in such a precise and clear way,” said Keenan.
The second stop was at PBA’s Individual Protective Clothing/Textile facility, where the visitors got to see the results of several textile projects including the Army Physical Fitness Uniform-Maternity and Integrated Footwear System.
Ammo stops on the visit included the M8 smoke pots and a windshield look and discussion on modernization efforts for PBA’s GLATT Pyrotechnics Mix facility. PBA is the sole source of supply for the M18 colored smoke grenades for joint services.
A final installation stop was made where Mohan presented coins to Don Scifres, Director of Ammunition Operations; Donna Ford, the Arsenal’s Department of Defense Performance Management and Appraisal Program Super User; Ryan Saunders, an engineering technician with the Directorate of Public Works; and Chris Broughton, an industrial specialist/project manager with the Directorate of Chemical and Biological Defense Operations.
“I have seen massive changes throughout my career. We have all seen things in our careers needing change. There are a bunch of senior leaders – I am proud to be one of them who are driving this change,” said Mohan. “The beauty of the OIB is no one is coming after you because cuts have already been made. I have been a depot commander, so I know what you guys are seeing. I see great opportunities for me and Gen. Anderson to shape the conversations towards the OIB, to preserve the capabilities.”
JMC’s Anderson presented a Meritorious Service Medal was presented to Lt. Col. Patrick
DePriest from the Arsenal’s Occupational Health Clinic for his service during an inspector general surety program inspection.
The visit concluded with a luncheon with local community leaders including the mayor and members of the White Hall Military Affairs Committee. The White Hall JROTC cadets assisted during the luncheon.
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