Options for Managing the Army’s Arsenals and Ammunition Plants

Abstract : The Army has a large installation base, much of which has been shaped by demands that no longer exist. For example, much of today's installation structure was determined by the mobilizations the nation went through to fight two World Wars. In particular, the Army's existing arsenals and ammunition plants are operating at a fraction of their capacities. As a result, in the fall of 1999 the Office of the Secretary of Defense directed the Army to prepare a report on the right sizing of these facilities. At the request of the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans for Force Development, RAND's Arroyo Center undertook this study on behalf of the Army. An earlier report delivered findings about the Watervliet and Rock Island arsenals. This report expands its focus to include all 16 arsenals and ammunition plants.