The Munitions Base; Cause for Alarm for Strategic Planners,

Abstract

Serious doubts exist as to the capability of the munitions industrial base to support surge or mobilization requirements generated by a conflict lasting more than 60 days. The fluctuations of the base from 1945 to the present were examined. Data was gathered using a literature search and an analysis of Army Program Objective Memorandum submissions in the 80's. After the resolution of a conflict, the U.S. historically allows the munitions base to deteriorate. Resources programmed for base modernization and maintenance are siphoned off to fund other priority projects. Mobilization potential suffers. The resultant weakened base is incapable of responding to conflict in less than 18 to 24 months, forcing strategic planners to favor the short war scenario. The U.S. should adopt a firm industrial base policy, with a 6-month response time as its primary goal. Congress and DoD should resource the munitions base accordingly. Such actions will enhance the deterrent capability of the base and ensure its ability to sustain our military forces in time of war.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 07, 1986
Accession Number
ADA168789

Entities

People

  • Michael R. Jorgensen

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Capital Investments
  • Congress
  • Contractors
  • Contracts
  • Department Of Defense
  • Governments
  • Industrial Equipment
  • Industrial Preparedness
  • Investments
  • Law
  • Lead Time
  • Motivation
  • Personnel Management
  • Procurement
  • Production
  • War Colleges

Readers

  • Economics
  • Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of Proposed Air Force Base Actions.
  • Strategic Security Studies