U.S. Representative Rob Wittman, who serves as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Tactical Air & Land Forces, addressed the joint hearing of the Tactical Air & Land Forces and Readiness subcommittees regarding the Army's efforts to modernize and expand its organic industrial base.
Wittman highlighted that recent years have revealed significant vulnerabilities in the organic industrial base (OIB), particularly after stockpiles were depleted in support of Ukraine. He noted that increasing domestic production, especially for munitions, has shown that supply chains are struggling to meet rising demand.
"Over the last several years, major vulnerabilities in the organic industrial base (OIB) have become apparent," Wittman said. "After the depletion of stockpiles for support to Ukraine, scaling domestic production, particularly of munitions, has exposed an inability of the supply chain to keep up with the growth in demand."
He acknowledged ongoing modernization projects at arsenals, depots, and ammunition plants but expressed concerns about whether current Army goals—such as producing 100,000 155mm rounds per month—are sustainable over time.
"While modernization efforts have been underway for our arsenals, depots, and ammunition plants, we have a long way to go," he stated. "With that said, I have concerns with the sustainability of certain Army goals, specifically the goal to reach production of one hundred thousand 155mm rounds per month."
Wittman emphasized responsible investment in industry partners and facilities: "It is imperative that the Army responsibly invests in industry partners and production facilities."
He pointed out that most army ammunition plants still use technology dating back to World War II but expressed optimism due to supplemental funding and a planned $18 billion investment over 15 years across OIB facilities.
"Most army ammunition plants and arsenals have technology and processes from World War II," he said. "With supplemental dollars and a 15-year modernization strategy with plans to invest roughly $18 billion dollars across the OIB, I’m optimistic about the Army’s efforts for updated production technology and facilities."
Wittman also stressed updating energetics within OIB as crucial for advancing weapon systems: "Novel energetics can and will increase lethality and range for ordnance, propulsion, and weapon systems... ensuring that our technology remains bounds ahead of our adversaries." He noted slow progress because "the Department is still primarily using the same energetic materials from World War II" due to lack of centralized management until recently.
"I am pleased that since last year’s hearing, the Joint Energetic Transition Office has been established. This office will be key in creating central leadership in advancing energetic innovation and integration," Wittman added.
The hearing was set to address challenges such as supply chain access, outdated manufacturing methods, fluctuating requirements for munitions production capacity, safety standards for workers involved in production processes, and investments in emerging technologies.
The House Armed Services Committee includes members like Reps. Joe Wilson, Michael R. Turner and Robert J. Wittman according to its official website. The committee oversees national defense programs under jurisdiction defined by Rule X of U.S. House Rules (source) and plays a role in influencing legislation related to military affairs through measures such as community project funding via acts like the National Defense Authorization Act (source). Rep. Mike Rogers served as chair during recent Congress sessions (source).
The committee operates under congressional oversight authority regarding national defense matters (source).
