Small Arms Ammunition Production and Acquisition Strategy for the U.S. Army
Abstract
The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the defense industrial base capability to support small arms ammunition production for current and future operations. Improved production and supply chain efficiencies have led to a reduction in government-owned, contractor-operated facilities from 12 facilities during World War II to only one today. These reductions were driven by a reduction in small arms ammunition requirements due to force reductions and periods of peace. However, today's operations have dramatically increased these requirements beyond the current government-owned, contractor-operated production facilities' production capabilities. The thesis also examines the contractor's supply chain used in manufacturing small arms ammunition. Historical data from World War II, post-Cold War operations, and Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom were used as a research tool to develop the argument and determine the primary research question. The results show that current production meets current military requirements with the addition of some alternative sources.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 11, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA513086
Entities
People
- Mark W. Siekman
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College