CASCOM embraces center’s mission, enhances synergy through alignment

Courtesy Photo | The Defense Ammunition Center at McAlester Army Ammunition Plant, Okla., will become part of the Combined Arms Support Command team on Oct. 1. The U.S. Army is transferring operational control of the center to CASCOM in an effort to further align core functions. No personnel will move as a result of this realignment.  

FORT LEE, VA, UNITED STATES

09.28.2012

Courtesy Story

U.S. Army Combined Arms Support Command (CASCOM)

FORT LEE, Va. – In an effort to further align core functions, on Oct. 1 the U.S. Army is transferring responsibility of the Defense Ammunition Center, currently aligned under the Army Materiel Command, to the Combined Arms Support Command, which is a major subordinate organization of the Training and Doctrine Command. CASCOM develops, trains and educates service members and civilians, supports unit training and designs, builds and synchronizes a versatile mix of capabilities, formations and equipment.

The DAC is the Department of Defense’s focal point for ammunition expertise. It was established in 1920 and today, trains over 110,000 students from all services annually. With 143 full-time employees and an operating budget of over $29 million, the center conducts training at 16 regional sites as well as operates the U.S. Army Technical Center for Explosives Safety.

“The DAC realignment will create great synergy and enhance training for our warfighting logisticians. The DAC provides a wide variety of vital and essential ammunition expertise to the Army and our joint service partners,” said William F. Moore, Combined Arms Support Command deputy to the commanding general. Its mission of providing ammunition training, explosives safety, transportation engineering and operational inspections “will support and enhance our support to the Army’s Sustainment Warfighting Function.”

TRADOC currently trains about 511,000 service members across the DoD. This training transfer constitutes a 20 percent increase in TRADOC’s support to the Army and joint force.

Operational control for most of the DAC will transfer to the commandant of CASCOM’s Ordnance School. About 73 personnel will not transfer; those employees involved with career program management, ammunition peculiar equipment and ammunition demilitarization will remain part of the Joint Munitions Command, and report to its headquarters at Rock Island Arsenal, Ill.

“We are so excited about the DAC joining the CASCOM team,” said Col. Edward M. Daly, U.S. Army chief of ordnance and ODS commandant. “Bringing this organization under the control of a training institution further develops our capability and creates a unity of effort for the program. It will provide increased opportunities for ammunition cross-training that did not previously exist.”

The Ordnance School’s training areas include munitions, explosive ordnance disposal and mechanical and electronics maintenance. The school instructs about 24,000 students annually in 33 enlisted career fields, nine warrant officer specialties and two officer areas of concentration.

“The DAC transition will institutionalize explosives safety for the Army to ensure all soldiers and installations are provided world-class sustainment support,” said Dr. Upton R. Shimp, DAC director. “Joining the Chief of Ordnance creates a dynamic enterprise that will significantly benefit the Army of the future.”

The DAC will remain at McAlester Army Ammunition Plant, Okla. No personnel will move as a result of this realignment.

• Date Taken: 09.28.2012
• Date Posted: 09.28.2012 14:44
• Story ID: 95466
• Location: FORT LEE, VA, US