army bullets in short supply

[patrick g]

Army bullets in short supply

America searches for 2nd firm to make enough ammunition

By Edmond Lococo / Bloomberg News


EDINA, Minn. — Alliant Techsystems Inc., the U.S. Army’s sole supplier of bullets, said it can’t keep up with demand that is rising to its highest level since the Vietnam war as the United States fights terrorism and conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Army is looking for a second ammunitions source, Alliant Chief Executive Daniel Murphy said on an earnings conference call. The service wants 2 billion rounds of bullets and Alliant will make 1.2 billion this year, up from 1 billion last year, he said.

Alliant is in talks to expand its Army-owned Lake City facility to produce another 300 million rounds and the Army is seeking a supplier of 500 million more. Demand could be this high for five years, Murphy said.

U.S. Army spokesman Major Gary Tallman didn’t immediately return calls seeking comment.

Alliant is boosting its work force 6 percent to 14,000 this year to handle orders for products including M-16 rifle ammunition.

The U.S.-led coalition in Iraq is struggling to control rising violence that in April alone killed more U.S. soldiers than during last year’s war, which lasted about six weeks.

The Army could have difficulty meeting its demand as there are few producers outside of Alliant or General Dynamics Corp. capable of producing military ammunition on the scale required, said Loren Thompson, an analyst at Arlington, Va.-based Lexington Institute, which studies national security issues.

“The Army’s industrial base is busted,” Thompson said. “A wide range of consumables from ammunition to armor simply can’t be produced at an adequate rate during wartime. There is almost no surge capacity.”

The Army tries to make up for its lack of surge capacity by stockpiling material before conflicts, Thompson said. The strategy works in conflicts of short duration, but is becoming a problem as the Iraq war enters its second year, he said.

http://www.detnews.com/2004/business/0405/07/b03-145733.htm

[theivoryqueen]

1. I hope this article gets attention

as it is almost surreal in it's simple assessment of this war.

[patrick g]

2. here's my .02

i find it ironic, the comparison to the levels not being as high since the vietnam conflict. wow . . ..

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

3. $450,000,000,000 doesn't stretch as far as it used to.

Time to start clipping coupons.

[Lefty48197]

4. They don't have enough body armor either

I've heard of families sending bullet-proof vests to their children in the service. The right wingers used their media friends to try and hang that one around John Kerry's neck.
(Can you imagine if Bill Clinton were President and the troops didn't have enough bullets or body armor?)
I think it's safe to say that the same media propogandists will say that Bill Clinton and John Kerry conspired to cut funding for bullets.

[meow2u3]

5. I have four words for you, Army

(in response to the reported shortage of bullets):

KEEP IT THAT WAY!


on edit: increased font size

[The Zanti Regent]

6. But Rev. Charles Stanley says all the soldiers have to do is pray

You know, old Skull Face himself and his "In Touch" ministries said that, remember this is the same asshole who had military officers force soldiers to sign and mail prayer cards to President Ashhole saying they would pray for him!

[swinney]

7. Rev. Charles Stanley--Prayer did not save his job

He was once pastor of hugh First Baptist Church of Atlanta. No longer.

The church will not reveal his leaving.

I will. Adultery. Adultery.

He owned a home in Nassau next door to daughter of dear,close friends of mine. She was questioned about his conduct by members of the church.

He was shacking up with a member in his Nassau home. Period.

Next door neighbor knew all about it.

Has he ever confessed on TV?

Has he ever asked for forgiveness on TV?

Many expect it.I do not. It was personal error. I forgive.

My family love him. I did also. I waffle now. Like his teachings. He is a teacher not a preacher. If he asked me for forgiveness I would gladly give it. 60% of married men admit to it.40% married women.

[bemildred]

8. Well I certainly hope Alliant Techsystems Inc. has good security. nt

[izzie]

9. Have they looked in to China?

Bush must know some one over there that has a corp.

[Moderator]

10. patrick g

Per DU copyright rules
please post only four
paragraphs from the
news source.

Thank you.


DU Moderator

[seabeyond]

11. o well ran out of bullets

lol lol time to call it a day and come home