The Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in Independence, Mo., is the only plant manufacturing small arms ammo for the military, according to this article in the SeattleTimes.com. The plant produces 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm rifle bullets, .50 caliber machine gun bullets, and 9 mm pistol bullets for all of the branches of the military. And, they are operating at near maximum capacity.
In addition to combat requirements, two other factors were driving the increased demand for ammunition: increased live-fire training for combat-service-support units and the fact that Reserves and National Guard were shooting as much as the active Army as they trained for deployment to combat, [Gen. Paul] Kern, [commander of the Army Materiel Command] said.
The plant is operating 24/6 and produces four million rounds a day in an effort to build our ammo inventory to adequate levels to meet the demands of wars in Afghanistan and Iraq plus the training needs. But, apparently, even at that pace the Lake City plant can't keep up, and the Army has contracted to buy rifle bullets from Olin Winchester and Israeli Military Industries.
A few years ago we were hearing complaints that our military didn't have enough bullets for practice. I'm sure glad they are doing what it takes to improve the situation.
[Aside: One of the interesting aspects of the internet is that it provides the opportunity for just about anyone to indulge in his/her hobby and share the results with others. For example, the photo of the Lake City ammo plant, above, comes from the website of John D. Thiesen who has a hobby of visiting cities around the nation named "Lake City". Thanks for sharing.]
Not mentioned above, but it was great, thanks
Posted by: Space Cowboy | July 07, 2004 at 07:37 PM