Military stockpiles

[Bacchus]

We've all read the threads about how much ammo others keep...and we've had the debates about what constitutes a "stockpile" or "arsenal".

But what about the military? Anyone have any idea how much ammo they stockpile? If ammo companies stopped producing ammo, would the military have enough supplies for a war?

 

[Viking6]

A few years back there was a shortage (not bone dry- a shortage) of a certain type of 5.56mm. It had something to do with changing contracts and the low bidder not being able to meet production projections, IIRC. Additionally, with qualification and live fires at home stations, Basic Training and rotations at the Combat Training Centers, the Army cycles quite a bit of ammunition through the system.

 

[UnknownSailor]

I'll give you a hint.
My Naval Air Station "shoots" pretty much year round, qualifying all of our tennant commands, and when we re-order 9mm, we order in the mid 5 digit ranges. (30,000-40,000 at a time)

These orders get filled without blinking.

However, I just recently read an article, about how the US military is closing down ammunition plants, in a misguided attempt to reduce costs.

During the vietnam war, we had 19 plants. We are currently down to 9, with more set to close, IIRC.

 

[geekWithA.45]

I remember an article during Gulf War I...

After we had gone through the initial stock piles, (and presumably we kept _something_ in reserve, I hope! )
it was saying there was something like 4 DAYS between the time a munition was made at the plant and used in the war, which to me implies that if the plants shut down, we would have run out of bombs in 4 days.

Those of you who are students of the military know that it is LOGISTICS that ultimately determines the outcome. All the guns bombs, men, fuel, food, vehicles and first aid kits in the world mean nothing if they aren't brought to the fight.

 

[KP95DAO]

A couple of things. When I was in Germany our company missed two M-16 qualifying shoots because there wasn't enough ammo in Europe to do it. This because so much was sent to Israel during the '73 war. We finally qualified in the latter part of '75.

The Army Munitions plant in southern OK is currently running at a level unseen since the Viet Nam war. And there are plenty of bombs in bunkers to last for a while. They produce many of the Specialty Bombs being used.