Joint Warfighting and Readiness: The Army Small Arms Program that Relates to Availability, Maintainability, and Reliability of Small Arms Support for the Warfighter

Abstract : DoD civilian and military personnel responsible for the availability, maintainability, and reliability of small arms for warfighters should read this report. The report not only identifies potential small arms availability issues of nondeployed units but also explains actions the Army took for maintainability and reliability of small arms. Results. The Army equipped its deployed forces in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) with the small arms necessary to meet Combatant Commanders requirements. However, before deployment some units were not fully equipped with the types of small arms required to do their assigned mission and obtained those small arms from other sources, such as nondeployed units. Nondeployed units face a potential shortage of small arms and may not have the ability to adequately train and maintain equipment and personal readiness at an acceptable level. Implementing and monitoring the Army Force Generation Program will ensure that the unit's readiness is not degraded. Outlining requirements and developing a plan for small arms distribution will avert future small arms shortages (See Finding A for the detailed recommendations.) The Army generally had adequate controls for maintainability and reliability of small arms fielded to the warfighter. As a result of the Army's proactive approach to maintenance and reliability, the warfighter is provided with reliable small arms capabilities to sustain operations in varying environments. Following up on findings and recommendation made by the Soldier Weapons Assessment Team will address small arms maintainability risks identified. (See Finding B for detailed recommendations.)