The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) commended Missouri state Rep. Aaron McMullen’s recent introduction of legislation supporting the continued commercial utilization of the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant. The resolution would mark Missouri General Assembly support for commercial utilization. It also urges the U.S. government to reject calls to end to program allowing Lake City ammunition facility to remain fully staffed and fully operational at peak capacity to meet the needs of U.S. warfighters.
Commercial Lake City Army Ammunition Plant Production Support
“Lake City Army Ammunition Plant is undeniably a critical asset to our nation’s military readiness. The capability to supply our nation’s warfighters with the essential ammunition is made possible because commercial utilization invests in the skilled personnel and equipment, maintenance and training,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President & General Counsel. “Calls by certain politicians to end this program are incredibly short-sighted and dangerous. NSSF is grateful to Representative Aaron McMullen for his leadership to protect the critical role Lake City Army Ammunition Plant fulfills in our national defense.”
The U.S. Army began permitting commercial utilization more than 20 years ago. Officials realized during the ramp up to wars in Iraq and Afghanistan that the facility lacked the trained workforce and production capacity to meet increased military need. War brought a massive surge in ammunition requirements. The shortage forced the Department of Defense to buy ammunition from foreign countries. The U.S. Army wisely adopted commercial utilization to ensure constant military readiness.
House Concurrent Resolution 62 notes the Missouri Constitution’s recognition of the pre-existing right of the people to keep and bear arms. This necessarily includes ammunition. It also notes that public officials swearing an oath to support the Constitution should refrain from seeking to end the supply of ammunition to law-abiding citizens. The resolution details the critical role of Lake City Army in national defense. It further notes how commercial utilization of the plant ensures peak readiness and sustainability. This legacy of combat readiness dates back to 2001.
Lake City employs more than 700 workers. An end to commercial utilization puts good-paying union jobs at risk. Commercial utilization of ammunition production enables investments in trained and skilled workers. It ensures replacement and maintenance of necessary equipment, further ensuring a steady supply of ammunition to the U.S. Armed Forces and America’s allies.
