Munitions Manufacturing A Call for Modernization (2002) / Chapter Skim
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8 Conclusions and Recommendations
8 Conclusions and Recommendations
Pages 132-140
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From page 132... ...
Conclusion: The concept of idling factories full of precision machines and laying off highly skilled people, often in munitions-specific fields, with the expectation of quick startup at an unknown time in the future makes the creation of a truly effective replenishment strategy extremely challenging. Conclusion: Based on briefings and documents available to the committee, many of the Army's munitions manufacturing facilities are obsolete.
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From page 133... ...
product realization framework, Lack of use of information technology, Lack of modern skills and knowledge among the workforce, Huge overheads associated with idle and underutilized facilities, Lack of a modern supply chain concept for the munitions enterprise, Lack of in-house technological experts in modern manufacturing techniques and database management, and Need to sustain critical technologies and skill sets that are not likely to have self-supporting commercial uses. Conclusion: The Army has not followed the accepted commercial business practice of investing continuously to keep its munitions manufacturing infrastructure (facilities, equipment, and workforce)
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From page 134... ...
rely on the private sector to create and sustain ammunition production assets in response to production and replenishment contracts. The letter also states that the Army should, to the maximum extent feasible, transition government-ownecl ammunition production assets to the private sector while preserving the ability to conduct explosives hanciling operations safely.
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From page 135... ...
The committee recognizes that the perceived need for munitions manufacturing capabilities changes with evolving perceptions of threats to the security of the United States. The committee also recognizes limitations in the defense budget for conventional munitions and the advantages of postponing implementation of modern enterprise integration technologies if conventional munitions capabilities may not be called upon in the foreseeable future.
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From page 136... ...
What remains to be developed are the process of integration, the infrastructure, and the rules governing that process. Conclusion: The committee believes that the TIME program is developing an approach to an integrated enterprise that may offer potential for other DoD manufacturing enterprises.
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From page 137... ...
The magnitude of these basic neecis, combined with limitations in the defense budget, should prec~ucle government-sponsored development and implementation of leading-edge technologies in the conventional munitions industry unless there are compelling national security needs that cannot be met by COTS technologies. Some of the leacling-edge technologies identified by TIME may require large investments over several years ancl appear to offer only marginal potential improvements when compared with up-to-date COTS technologies.
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From page 138... ...
In adclition, the committee believes that research efforts should continue in the design and development of smart munitions and acivancecl energetics, especially through the demonstration and validation phase and perhaps into ~owrate initial production. As these advanced weapons become increasingly feasible, the need for improved capabilities to produce conventional munitions will continue to decline.
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From page 139... ...
in commercial industry, regarding, for instance, the massive difficulties that have been encountered by numerous corporations as they attempt to implement complex enterprise resource planning ancl supply chain integration systems. Recommenclation: The TIME implementation plan should include detailed contingencies for unforeseen disruptions in routine munitions production caused by the introduction of new technologies.
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From page 140... ...
It could be argued, for example, that an industrial base should be designed primarily for production of precision-guided munitions, while also supporting production of conventional munitions. Recommendation: A high-level Army/DoD study should be undertaken to determine the most effective strategy for meeting future requirements of conventional munitions production.
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