Lawmakers press Army on munitions industrial base and Rock Island workforce amid reorganization talk
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Summary
Representatives raised concerns about proposed command consolidations and potential civilian job losses at Rock Island Arsenal and the Army’s ability to scale 155 mm and other munitions production; Secretary Driscoll said excess headquarters overlap will be removed while preserving production capability.
House members pressed the Army on June 4 to preserve munitions production capacity and local workforce expertise as the service pursues organizational changes and seeks to accelerate munitions output.
Local impact and concern: Rep. Mike Gallagher and Rep. Pete Sorensen (and other members from manufacturing districts) asked whether proposed integrations — including combining the Joint Munitions Command (JMC) and Army Sustainment Command (ASC) — would undermine Rock Island Arsenal’s capacity and lead to loss of specialized work. Rep. Sorensen warned that “hundreds of jobs are on the line” and said JMC is “already a lean machine” critical to munitions production and sustainment.
The Army’s response: Secretary Driscoll said the intent of ATI is to remove overlapping headquarters functions that slow production and to preserve and expand operational manufacturing capabilities. “We want the same thing you do as far as keeping… the 3‑D printing capability that we have at Rock Island. We're very proud of the technicians that we have,” he told the committee. He stressed the distinction between headquarters functions and plant floor manufacturing expertise and said industrial capabilities — including additive manufacturing pilots — will be retained and can expand with appropriate investment.
Munitions surge timeline: Members asked how long it would take to restore a full surge capacity for key calibers such as 155 mm. Witnesses acknowledged the current U.S. industrial base lags competitor production and that rebuilding surge lines could take years without concentrated investment. During questioning a witness estimated — under existing funding and constraints — that restoring full munitions capacity could take decades, underscoring the need for immediate investment and clearer procurement plans.
What members want: Lawmakers urged the Army to produce specific, written plans showing how the service will protect manufacturing work, preserve technical expertise, and rapidly expand domestic production of key munitions. They said reorganizations must not hollow out the workforce that supplies ammunition to allies and partners.
Ending: Driscoll and Gen. George committed to follow up with more detailed briefings and to work with members representing munitions hubs; the committee said it will hold the service accountable as ATI planning proceeds.