Vo1. 14 No.

1 Winter 2009

Program Manager
For Ammunition Welcome to this first “Ammunition Quarterly.” edition of 2009, our
Mr. Jerry L. Mazza occupational field newsletter designed to provide the ammunition
community with relevant and current information of both a technical and
Editor broad Occupational Field nature. You will note that the “AQ” has
Mr. David Denomy undergone a significant change in both appearance and content. While this
decade old newsletter finds value from you, the Marine Forces who administer
to the Corps day-to-day ammunition mission, we heard the “Voice of the
Customer” and will focus on those issues you most want to hear about. With
In this Issue: balanced input from the ammo community coupled with emerging products
and capabilities, we can continue to educate our current leaders and managers
Precision-Guided Artillery while nurturing our junior ammunition leaders of the future.
Page 2
I draw your attention to two product in providing a precision
Grenade Confidence Clips related articles in this edition. One is a capability that our general
are Coming product improvement and the other 155mm projectiles can
Page 3 provides a new capability. We all know provide.
TAKE-3, USNS Alan that safety is paramount in our
Shephard makes first trip commodity. Unfortunately, many I hope you find these and
to Detachment Pearl product safety improvements are driven all articles in this edition
Harbor by a safety incident. Our efforts informative and useful in your
Page 5 working with the U.S. Army to enhance respective missions.
the safety of our grenades is just one
example of a modified use of an
ammunition item turning tragic. I
encourage your review of the new
Grenade “Confidence Clip” article by
Mr. Tom Frush. I have personally
handled this new clip and believe it adds
no concerns to the operating forces while
providing a better safety measure for the
handling and use of our fragmentation
grenades. Regarding new
capabilities….we are pursuing the
“Precision Guidance Kit” (PGK) for
Marine Corps artillery. PGK will
provide a cost effective means

1
 Precision-Guided Without PGK, the circular error probable
PM AMMO (CEP) for conventional projectiles is a
MARCORSYSCOM Artillery function of range. For example, an
Marine Corps Liaison M549A1 high-explosive rocket assisted
Officer (MCLO) (HERA) projectile fired at 30 kilometers
Naval Ordnance Safety and Editor’s note: A new system will has a 260-meter CEP. Fired at shorter
Security Activity, transform high-explosive 155mm artillery ranges they usually have a CEP of 50
Indian Head, Maryland rounds into precision-guided projectiles. meters or less.
Page 7
Bottom Up Precision weapons have emerged as one of
Page 9 the more crucial and now versatile
weapons in our inventory. Weapons that
Developing Countries
can be guided and/or directed towards a
Combined Exercise
target. Relying on accurate guidance
Program (DCCEP).
systems have and continue to provide a
Page 10
decisive impact on current conflicts.
Increased lethality and precision has saved Example: Using the PGK, the accuracy of the
Occupational Field
lives, while striking fear into the hearts of M549A1 will be considerably improved at mid to
Sponsor’s Corner long ranges.
those who would oppose us.
Page 12
Schoolhouse Corner Efforts to develop practical precision But with PGK, CEP is no longer a function
Page 13 guided weapons date back to the First of range. PGK-equipped rounds fired at
World War, although they may have the mid-to-max ranges of 30 kilometers
Maritime Prepositioning lacked the technological and scientific will be just as accurate as non-PGK rounds
Force means needed to bring them to fruition. fired at five to 10 kilometers. Using PGK,
Page 14 More precisions weapons began to appear the CEP of our M549A1 example fired at
in World War II in simple, though 30K drops to 50 meters. In essence, PGK
Training Command Start-Up will shrink the miss distance, improve
Page 15 significant form. Improvements
throughout subsequent conflicts have accuracy and increase overall effectiveness
significantly shaped the current generation and efficiency. It will ensure rounds
Continued Improvements
of precision weapons found in the arsenals impact on a target within their lethal radius,
Come to the Ammunition
of many nations today. making conventional cannon artillery
Supply Point, Camp
accurate at all ranges.
Lejeuene
Page 16 Among the newest developments in this The PGK program will be fielded in three,
area is the Precision Guidance Kit (PGK) progressive increments.
Ammo Tech Leading or NPGK/XM1156 for 155mm artillery
the Way projectiles. The PGK program will • Increment 1 will consist of a fuze-
Page 17 enhance the accuracy of all 155mm like kit that contains GPS guidance, power
artillery projectiles at mid to max ranges. supply, control surfaces, electronic
Navy Intern Program circuitry, and the fuze function modes of
It is a low-cost module used in place of a
Success Story point-detonating and proximity. Increment
standard fuze on existing stockpile
Page 18 1 will meet the following objectives:
artillery projectiles to reduce ballistic
It’s a “ruff” Job delivery errors, thus improving artillery
Page 19 terminal effectiveness. PGK uses GPS to (1) It must be fire-able from the new
provide the location of the round and time M777A2 lightweight 155mm howitzer,
New Product Manager for during its flight, and an inertial navigation (2) Must achieve a CEP of 50 meters
Small Caliber Ammunition system (INS) to determine and or less.
Page 20 continuously correct its trajectory for (3) Must be compatible with all
increased accuracy. PGK will be a cost- 155mm HE projectiles (M107, M795
effective way to improve the accuracy of and M549A1) and the M231 and M232
the conventional cannon ammunition modular artillery charge system
inventory without having to modify the (MACS).
projectiles. The PGK is set by the
Enhanced Portable Inductive Artillery • Increment 2 will minimize GPS
Fuze Setter (EPIAFS). interference and jamming, improve
2
 Winter 2009

delivery accuracy to 30 meters or less, add delay and

GPS time fuze functions, and address the entire 155mm
family of platforms, munitions and propellants. The
requirement for the second increment is for less than 30
m CEP for 155mm cargo and high explosive projectiles.

• Increment 3 adds the requirement for less than 30

meters (threshold) and 10 meters (objective) CEP for all
155mm projectiles.

Alliant Techsystems, Inc. (ATK) won the system design

and development (SDD) contract for the 155mm PGK in
May 2007. The development is moving along in testing
phases which should be complete by 2nd quarter FY09.

Written by: CW02 Shawn Fouchi, PM Ammo

Grenade Confidence Clips

are Coming
Authors note: Article includes extracts from the
SOLDIER BATTLE LAB, Ft Benning GA, Grenade
Confidence Clip, Limited Objective Experiment report
dated 16 July 2008.

As mentioned in the summer 2008 edition of the

Ammunition Quarterly (AQ), the services have been
struggling with finding a way to provide service members
with a means to remedy the fuze safety pin retention
problem in a grenade. Weather-taping the fuze to retain
the pull pin and/or taping the spoon to provide an
additional safety or a quick reaction are NOT authorized!

Taping grenade pins and/or levers was practiced by

service members for years for a variety of reasons, most
commonly is a fear that the safety pin could inadvertently
snag on something and be pulled from the grenade. In
fact, until recently, FM 3-23-30 authorized taping for
airborne operations. However, that authorization was
rescinded with Change 1 to the FM dated 27 November
2006.

3
 Winter 2009

pin, the Commanding General United States Army Forces

Command (FORSCOM) requested the incorporation of a
“Pull Safe” grenade safety/Confidence Clip.
This grenade Confidence Clip is designed to secure the
pull ring to minimize accidental removal of the safety
pin. The safety clip requires a rotation of the pull ring 90
degrees clockwise (if thrown right handed) before the
grenade pin can be removed from the fuze for
employment. See Confidence Clip photo below.

Recently, the Army’s Solider Battle Lab, Ft Benning,

GA conducted a Limited Objective Experiment (LOE) to
assess the effectiveness and suitability of the
Confidence Clip on the M213 (M67, Frag Gren) fuze.
The experiment provided data on Soldier acceptance and
compatibility to the current training practices. This data
will allow the Single Manager for Conventional
Ammunition (SMCA) / Program Executive Office As PEO Ammo (Army) is the service component for
Ammunition (PEO Ammo) / Project Manager Close grenades, the Solider Battle Lab (SBL) evaluated the
Combat Systems (PM CCS) a means to validate the new confidence clip focusing on effectiveness and suitability.
design of the grenade fuze Confidence Clip and support a Eleven Soldiers from the 988th MP Company and two
production modification decision on the existing United States Military Academy Cadets participated in a
Fragmentation Grenade. Limited Objective Experiment (LOE). Additionally, the
Marine Corps Liaison to the U.S. Army Infantry School,
If additional testing of the confidence clip is successful, Ft. Benning was there to observe the LOE as well. The
PEO Ammo plans to incorporate this safety device onto thirteen Soldiers employed a total of 676 grenades with
all United States Government (USG) owned and and without the confidence clip. SBL and Human
manufactured grenades to include the M18-Colored Resource & Evaluation Directorate (HRED) personnel
Smoke Gren’s, AN-M14 Incendiary Gren’s, M67- administered questionnaires after select events.
Fragmentiation Gren’s, M83-White Smoke Gren’s, and Preliminary findings after the LOE indicated that the
M228-Gren Practice Fuzes. Note also that the Program confidence clip did not affect the Soldier’s ability to
Manager for Ammunition, Marine Corps Systems throw the grenade, nor did it degrade the distance and
Command, in concert with PM CCS, is developing a plan accuracy. Some Soldiers experienced difficulty rotating
to conduct a Marine Limited User Test (LUT) using the and removing the pull ring from the confidence clip, but
M67 equipped with the Confidence Clip. The LUT is the task became easier as they gained more experience.
tentatively scheduled for Nov-Dec, 2008 timeframe at All the Soldiers felt the confidence clip would secure the
SOI East/West. pull ring safely. Additionally, there were no
compatibility issues with Soldier equipment and clothing.
Here is some background to better understand the
situation. The United States Army Infantry Center, Fort
Benning, GA is the user proponent for grenades. Since
the initiation of combat operations in both Iraq and
Afghanistan, service members have routinely been using
tape to secure the safety devices of all types of grenades.
This practice shows a lack of confidence in the current
grenade safety features and significantly increases the
risk of injury. In response to the proliferation of
grenades with tape in the current operating environment,
and an incident in October 2007 which three Soldiers
were injured while removing excess tape from a safety Each Soldier conducted an iteration of the Urban Obstacle

4

Course carrying two grenades with Confidence Clips in
MOLLE grenade pouches. The Soldiers started outside of
Building 1 and crawled through the “mouse hole” to enter
Building 1. They advanced to the adjacent room, located
the “mouse hole” and exited the building. Upon exit, the
Soldiers high crawled across the road to Building 2 then
entered though the window. The Soldiers then exited
Building 2 through the double window, finishing the
exercise. SBL and HRED personnel inspected each
confidence clip for functionality at the conclusion of each
iteration.
The LOE generated several initial conclusions on the
Confidence Clip. They are;
• The Confidence Clip is effective and suitable for use
in an operational environment;
• Soldier’s have increased confidence in the safety
aspects of the clip, which should eliminate the
perceived need to secure the grenade with tape;
• Proper training and repetition will further reduce any
effects the confidence clip will have on a Soldier’s
ability to employ grenades.
These findings are currently under review by the Army’s
SLB and PEO Ammo.
Several recommendations were provided based on the
prelimary findings:
• Field and retrofit all M67 fragmentation
grenades with the Confidence Clip.
• Develop and update grenade training
procedures to include the Confidence Clip in
FM 3-23.30
• Design a single loop pull ring for use with the
Confidence Clip, this will eliminate the
inadvertent sliding of the overlapping portion
of the pull ring from interfering with the
Soldier’s ability to employ the grenade.
• Fit and test the Confidence Clip with all USG
owned grenades to ensure compatibility and
proper function of the Confidence Clip with
the different designs of these grenades.
• Carrying two grenades with Confidence Clips
in MOLLE grenade pouches had no adverse
effects.
Article provided by Mr. Tom Frush, Assistant Program
Manager, Grenades, PM Ammo, Marine Corps Systems
Command, Quantico VA.22134.
Compiled by Tom Frush
5
Winter 2009
TAKE-3, USNS Alan
Shephard makes first trip
to Detachment Pearl
Harbor
Editor’s Note: With enhanced ammo-carrying capacity, the
Lewis and Clark (T-AKE) class of Navy vessels will replace
Sirus, Mars and Kilauea classes of ships. The USNS Alan
Shepherd, T-AKE-3, makes inaugural visit to West Loch, Pearl
Harbor, HI.
Early in the morning of June 6, 2008 T-AKE-3, the
United States Naval Ship Alan Shephard, pulled
alongside the ammunition pier at West Loch, marking the
first time the ship has docked in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
The T-AKE is the next generation of Combat Logistics
Force (CLF) underway replenishment vessels to be
constructed for the United States Navy, and is of the
Lewis and Clark Class of ships. Lewis and Clark Class
ships are set to replace fifteen Sirus and Mars class
combat stores ships and also the Kilauea (T-AE) class
ammunition ships. As of this year, the Kilauea Class of
ships with which most of us are familiar been
decommissioned, having seeing service from as far back
as 1968. The Kilauea Class vessels were comprised of the
Kilauea, Butte, Santa Barbara, Mount Hood, Shasta,
Mount Baker, and finally the Kiska.
The Lewis and Clark ships are fully capable of handling
all the missions assigned to their predecessors. The
primary role of the Lewis and Clark Class is to provide
logistic lift from supply sources such as friendly ports, or
while at sea, from specially equipped merchant ships by
consolidation. They will transfer cargo (ammunition,
food, limited quantities of fuel, repair parts, ship store
items, and expendable supplies and material) to station
ships and other naval warfare forces. As auxiliary support
ships, Lewis and Clark ships will directly contribute to
the Navy's ability to maintain a forward presence. When
operating together with Henry J. Kaiser Class oilers,
Lewis and Clarks will provide the carrier battle group
and/or amphibious readiness group with the product lift
equivalent to a supply-class fast combat support ship.
Construction of the lead ship, USNS Lewis and Clark
(T-AKE-1), was awarded to National Steel and
Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) of San Diego,
California, on Oct. 18, 2001. The contract calls for a total
of 11 ships, 9 of which are currently underway or under
construction.
 Winter 2009

T-AKE
Cargo Capacity:
25,000 bbls Fuel
6,000 metric tons
Ammo/Stores
Length: 689 feet
Beam: 106 feet
Picture here is: T-AKE-3, the United States Naval Ship Alan Shepard. Speed: 20 knots
She is named for astronaut, Rear Admiral Alan Shepard
Aircraft: 2 MH-60s, or
Commercial Helo
Crew: 124 Civilians
11 Military

So what does all this mean to us? Well, if you’ll notice in

The Military Sealift Command (MSC) advanced auxiliary dry
cargo/ammunition ship USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE-3) was officially
christened on Dec. 6, 2006, in San Diego.
the comparison, the T-AKE can carry 500 additional
metric tons of ammunition within its cargo hold. That
translates to fewer replenishment requirements from
OCONUS. As I found out here in the Pacific AO,
replenishments come just two, maybe 3 times per year.
With the added lift capability we’ll be able to front-load
the Fiscal Year allocation, reduce pallet space for follow-
on replenishments, ease competition with our sister
services for lift; and ideally reduce transportation costs
for movements from CONUS Depot sites to OCONUS
port facilities.
All in all, it appears to be a win/win for the Marine Corps
and those of us requiring OCONUS delivery to maintain
the war fighter’s munitions requirement. If history is any
indication, these vessels will be around for quite some
time.

USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE-2) steams between the

amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA-1), front, and
the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown
(LSD-42) while conducting a vertical replenishment with
both ships in the Persian Gulf, Mar. 18, 2008

6
 Winter 2009

T-AE
Cargo Capacity: PM AMMO
5,500 metric tons Ammo
Length: 564 feet MARCORSYSCOM
Beam: 81 feet
Speed: 20 knots Marine Corps Liaison
Aircraft: 2 MH-60s, or
Commercial Helo Officer (MCLO)
Crew: 133 Civilians
7 Military Naval Ordnance Safety
and Security Activity,
Indian Head, Maryland
Editor’s Note: As the Marine Corps Liaison Officer at
NOSSA concludes his tour there, he tells us about his job
and of NOSSA’s relevance to Marine Corps ammunition
safety.

What does the PM AMMO MARCORSYSCOM, Marine

Liaison Officer, Naval Ordnance Safety and Security
Activity (NOSSA) actually do to support the Marine
Corps and the war-fighter?
T-AFS
Cargo Capacity: To understand what I do, let me first give you an idea of
3,925 metric tons Stores what takes place here at NOSSA.
Length: 581 feet
Beam: 79 feet NOSSA is the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA)
Speed: 20 knots field activity that manages all aspects of the Department
Aircraft: 2 MH-60s, or of the Navy Explosives Safety Program. Headquartered
Commercial Helo 25 miles south of Washington, D.C., in Indian Head,
Crew: 135 Civilians Maryland, NOSSA also has two Explosives Safety
28 Military Support Offices located in San Diego, CA, and Norfolk,
VA, that provide explosives safety technical support
Story by: CWO Bill Inns is the Marine Corps Liaison Officer, assessments and training services to all Navy and Marine
MarCorSysCom PMAM, Naval Munitions Command, Detachment Corps commands world-wide.
Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He can be reached at William.Inns@nav.mil /
William.Inns@usmc.mil, or 808-471-1111 ext 215.
NOSSA consists of a team of highly technical and
talented active duty, reserve, and civilian personnel who
manage all aspects of the Navy and Marine Corps
explosives safety program. As the NAVSEA Technical
Authority for Explosives Safety, NOSSA is responsible
for providing technical policies, procedures and design
criteria associated with weapons systems safety,
including software safety across the warfare disciplines.
NOSSA manages all programmatic policy requirements
for the five major Department of the Navy (DoN)
Explosives Safety Program component programs;
Ordnance Safety and Security, Weapons and Combat
System Safety, Ordnance Environmental Support Office,
Insensitive Munitions Office, and Weapons and
Ordnance Quality Evaluation.

7
 Winter 2009
NOSSA Vision:
Leader for Ordnance Safety…Today and Tomorrow
NOSSA Mission:
Provide Ordnance Safety for The Naval Enterprise.
NOSSA is committed to PROVIDING ORDNANCE
SAFETY FOR OUR WARFIGHTERS.
The six Navy Explosives Safety Program component
programs are:
1. Ammunition and Explosives Safety and Security.
2. Weapons, Platforms and Combat Systems.
3. Ordnance Environmental Support,
4. Insensitive Munitions.
5. Ordnance Quality Evaluation.
6. Arms, Ammunition, Explosives (AA&E) Physical
Security.
NOSSA is the Naval weapons and explosives safety
technical authority; providing expertise, policy, oversight
and procedures. As such, it sustains Joint combat
capability by identifying, mitigating, and communicating
risks throughout weapons systems and explosives
lifecycles.
NOSSA Strategies:
1. Influence DoD culture by ensuring ordnance safety is
integrated throughout the weapons systems and
explosives lifecycle.
2. Integrate NOSSA expertise into the unique and
evolving mission requirements of the Naval Enterprise
by providing professional, responsive management
and support.
3. Sustain a technically competent and diverse workforce
to execute evolving roles and responsibilities.
4. Optimize resources to minimize risks to the Naval
Enterprise.
5. Continuously improve processes to enhance mission
execution and performance.
The Navy explosives safety policy is based on the
requirements of DoD 6055.9-STD, "Ammunition and
Explosives Safety Standards." This DoD standard
establishes uniform safety requirements applicable to
ammunition and explosives and to associated and
unrelated personnel and property exposed to the potential
damaging effects of an accident involving ammunition
and explosives during their development, manufacturing,
testing, transportation, handling, storage, utilization,
maintenance, demilitarization, and disposal.
8
OPNAVINST 8020.14/MCO P8020.11 "U.S. Navy
Explosives Safety, Policies, Requirements, and
Procedures (Department of the Navy Explosives Safety
Policy Manual)" States “the Commander, Naval Sea
Systems Command (COMNAVSEASYSCOM), and the
Commander, Marine Corps Systems Command
(COMMARCORSYSCOM) shall manage and administer
Explosives Safety Programs for the USN and USMC,
respectively. Commander of the Naval Sea Systems
Command is designated as the technical authority for
explosives safety, and in this capacity will publish
various documents/publications; i.e., NAVSEA OP4 and
OP5, in order to provide definitive technical direction and
procedures for amplifying DoN policy on explosive
safety.” In turn, NAVSEAINST 5450.72, delegates the
implementation of this program to NOSSA. So this
means that what happens here at NOSSA has a direct and
immediate impact on the Marine Corps and in particular,
those issues involving Ground Ammunition.
So, there you go! But that doesn’t answer the question of
“what do I do?” does it? What exactly do I work on?
I provide liaison between Program Manager for
Ammunition and his staff and the CO NOSSA and his
staff, on all Class V(W) Ground Ammunition matters. In
this capacity, I work with the Director of Operations
Office (N5) and represent the Marine Corps on all Class
V(W) issues by participating in Explosives Safety
Inspections (ESIs) and Ammunition and Hazardous
Material Handling (AMHAZ) Review Boards for Marine
Corps ground ammunition storage activities. I also help
review and process all Marine Corps specific explosives
safety site approvals, waivers, exemptions, and Interim
Hazard Classifications. I work closely with the
Ammunition Officers and Explosives Safety Officers
throughout the Marine Corps and with the Environmental
and Explosives Safety Team in the office of the Program
Manager for Ammunition.
I hope this gives you an idea of my job and what goes on
here at NOSSA. As I climb out of this fighting hole and
head up the road to the DoD Explosives Safety Board
(DDESB) I would like to thank all the individuals who
made this tour a successful one. Capt Travis Fulton is my
replacement here at NOSSA.
Story by: Major Steve Lengquist, MCLNO, NOSSA

BOTTOM-UP:
How Ammunition Company, 4th Supply Battalion is
developing better ammunition technicians to support the
operating forces.
Editor’s Note: The post-911 mindset in the ammunition
reserve community has taken on an operational focus,
with a renewed emphasis on integrating ammo concerns
and personnel into the operational picture, and providing
subject matter expertise (SME) to commanders and units
deployed or preparing to deploy. In the last year,
Marines from Ammunition Company have taken a
“bottom up,” holistic approach to training, participating
in training opportunities around the world, increasing
their expertise and gaining operational experience.
Ammunition training has been a challenge in our
community for many years. Lecture style instruction,
even with the benefit of creative media, does not create
long-lasting learning. Visiting Redstone Arsenal (the
Basic Ammunition Course) and running scenarios can be
useful, but does not expose the ammunition technician to
the full range of uncertainty that they will encounter in an
operational environment. Over the last two years, with
an increased demand for ammunition technicians in
theatre, lines of communication were opened between the
ammunition supply points (ASP), depots, and port
facilities in order to facilitate the real-time training and
education that will produce the information-savvy
Marines needed today.
With high turnover in the reserve community due to
retention and recruiting challenges, there is a demand for
seasoned professionals, from the basic ammunition
worker to the ammunition managers at the Staff Non-
Commissioned Officer (SNCO) and Officer-level. As a
result Ammo Company leaders, along with active duty
Inspector-Instructor staff, were prompted to identify
locations/exercises that would provide a “bottom up”
holistic approach to developing the varied and critical
skill sets in our field.
With a heavy emphasis on training our junior Marines,
but inclusive of our managers, nine locations/exercises
were identified:
• Quantico Viper
• Quantico AT
• Iraq
• Key Resolve
• Norway
9
Winter 2009
• Charleston
• Ammunition Basic Course/Ammunition
Managers Course
• ASP (Camp Pendleton)
• Golden Cargo
The Program Manager (PM) for ammunition published
its FY08 Strategic Plan and smartly states that heart of
our mission is “fundamentally a human endeavor.”
Because our people are “the critical element in executing
the Command’s mission, it is imperative that we
strategically posture our workforce to deal with the
changing dynamics and environment.” Over the last
year, Ammo Company’s mission-critical human capital
trained around the world, with resounding success.
After-action reports and personal interviews provided
important lessons learned for future training and
operations.
The annual training (AT) season will begin in December
with Quantico Viper, a pre-deployment exercise to
prepare 4th Marine Logistic Group (MLG) personnel to
mobilize and deploy. Ammunition Company is providing
Marines for both the using unit’s ammunition technician
and explosive driver capacities. These Marines are
managing the ammunition inventories, issuing inventory,
preparing munitions reports, and acting as staff principals
during daily meetings. Marines who have already
participated in these biennial exercises are widely sought
after by 4th MLG units for their expertise and breadth of
experience.
Ammo Company Marines will also serve alongside active
duty personnel at the Marine Corps Base Quantico’s
ASP, seamlessly integrating into the daily battle rhythm.
For the Ammunition Company detachment that deployed
to Al Taqaddum, Iraq, training was widely considered
indispensable - bringing their basic and sustainment
training full circle.
Quality Assurance section head, Corporal Christian
Dennis oversaw several massive air shipments...“The
hours are long and the Marines knew that…they stepped
up to the plate and made sure the shipments left our care
in pristine condition and ahead of schedule.”
Marines often worked around the clock in storage, issues
and returns, and the records sections to support short-
fused requests. This was the first time Marines from the
Selected Marine Corps Reserve (SMCR) took the reins of
an operational ASP in theatre.
 Winter 2009
Corporal Erica Solak said she gained invaluable records
training using the Ordnance Information System (OIS), a
point of concern in the SMCR. We are working to
enhance this overall skill set to remain abreast of
inventory management advances.
Another new detachment of Marines mobilized and was
trained in the ASP at Mojave Viper, 29 Palms, Calif.,
prior to deployment. Again, active duty integration prior
to deployment provided essential on-the-job-training
needed to boost technical competence and confidence.
Throughout June and July, Marines traveled to both
coasts, augmenting active duty personnel during busy and
short staffed periods. Feedback from those that attended
these ATs was generally positive. Active duty
leadership at Camp Pendleton allowed for extensive
“cross-pollinization” at the ASP.
Operation Golden Cargo, a joint operation with the
Army, provided an actual CONUS mission. The mission
involved the transportation of ground ammunition
between ammunition depots at Sierra, Calif. and
Hawthorne, Nev., SSgt Wright, a Marine from General
Support Platoon, Ammunition Company (-) Topeka,
Kan., remarked that the ammunition handling experience
and increased knowledge of logistics learned from the AT
was “bar-none the best training” he has received since
enlisting in the SMCR. Opportunities for our licensed
fork-lift operators to move ammunition pallets around
were numerous, providing them the hours required to
keep them proficient and current with their certifications.
Marines were sent to both locations during Golden Cargo
and worked well with their Army counterparts, further
developing their professional relationships, opening doors
to future joint operations.
We continue to send Marines to both the basic school and
the Ammunition Managers course. In the SMCR we
receive Marines to the company who are not yet trained
due to the contractual arrangement upon enlistment.
Typically, when they are assigned to the Basic
Ammunition Course, they are better prepared than their
classmates who have just arrived from Marine Combat
Training. CWO2 Ryan remarked that the information he
received while attending the Managers Course proved
invaluable and served him well as the Officer-in-Charge
of the current deployed ammunition detachment in Iraq.
Norway has been a different experience for the Marines
as they worked in the ammunition magazines set in
mountain caves. There they helped prepare ammunition
for international shipment by ensuring the wood
packaging was properly treated for Nematodes (a
10
microscopic worm that has been found entering Europe
via wooden boxes and pallets). They also re-warehoused
over 500 metric tons of ammunition. (More information
on Nematodes can be found in the Oct 2001 issue of
Ammunition Quarterly)
Charleston, S. C., is a great opportunity that will only get
better. We ran into a small hiccup with requisite
qualifications, but next year appears to be very
promising, as our Marines will be more involved with
movement of ammunition assets from the port facility to
the Naval Weapons Station and the blocking and bracing
of new ammunition packages.
Key Resolve, an exercise based out of Yongsan, Korea,
gives our ammunition officers an opportunity to serve in
a staff officer capacity, advising the exercise commander
on available ammunition assets, and the tracking their
movement from ship to shore and in theatre.
In short, “Bottom-up” is shaping up to look like a
promising effort. Ammunition Co (-), 4th Supply
Battalion is evolving a “professional fluency” that will
enable it to “act in a strategic context at the operational or
tactical level,” and is well on its way to becoming a “best
in class” organization. Its Marines remain relevant and
vital to today’s logistics landscape, as they prepare for
whatever challenges the future may hold.
By: Gunnery Sergeant Adam Newsum
DEVELOPING
COUNTRIES
COMBINED EXERCISE
PROGRAM (DCCEP).
What is “DCCEP,” and how does it work? In my two
years of being the PM Ammo Operation Officer and
Team Lead, I have witnessed many ammunition
requirements and requests submitted as DCCEP, or
simply “TITLE 10” or “TITLE X”. Well, all of our
ammunition is truly governed by USC TITLE 10. In
short it is a law. The true title is “USC TITLE 10 -
ARMED FORCES”; the law governing the Armed
Forces. Our uniforms, pay, leave, promotions,
separations, commissions, medical and dental care, force
structure, etc… are all governed by this law. Hence all
our ammunition is USC TITLE 10 related. It is not an
ammunition-centric law.

One of the biggest misconceptions about DCCEP and
USC TITLE 10 is that somewhere in this law rests a list
of munitions specifically identified as DCCEP Ammo.
From time to time it may even be perceived that this list
of munitions is an approved support list, with detailed
information such as what country it may be used to
support. All false. The law does not contain a list of
munitions, nor does it contain a list of Developing
Countries that are deemed “Developing”.
So how does it work and how does a unit know if they
can support a country in compliance with the USC
TITLE 10? I’d like to say, “That’s simple,” but perhaps
we should examine it more closely.”
First let’s define DCCEP. I recommend that you first
read what USC TITLE 10, Subtitle A, Part III, Chapter
101, Section 2010 says:
§ 2010. Participation of developing countries in
combined exercises: payment of incremental expenses
(a) The Secretary of Defense, after consultation with the
Secretary of State, may pay the incremental expenses of
a developing country that are incurred by that country
as the direct result of participation in a bilateral or
multilateral military exercise if—
1. The exercise is undertaken primarily to enhance
the security interests of the United States; and
2. The Secretary of Defense determines that the
participation by such country is necessary to the
achievement of the fundamental objectives of
the exercise and that those objectives cannot be
achieved unless the United States provides the
incremental expenses incurred by such country.
(b) The Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a
report each year, not later than March 1, containing—
1. A list of the developing countries for which
expenses have been paid by the United States
under this section during the preceding year; and
2. The amounts expended on behalf of each
government.
(c) The Secretary of Defense shall establish by
regulation such accounting procedures as may be
necessary to ensure that funds expended under this
section are properly expended.
(d) In this section, the term “incremental expenses”
11
Winter 2009
means the reasonable and proper cost of the goods and
services that are consumed by a developing country as a
direct result of that country’s participation in a bilateral
or multilateral military exercise with the United States,
including rations, fuel, training ammunition, and
transportation. Such term does not include pay,
allowances, and other normal costs of such country’s
personnel.
And that’s it… Notice, there isn’t a list of munition or
countries.
I also recommend that you review what the CJCSM
3500.03A states about DCCEP:
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES COMBINED
EXERCISE PROGRAM
1. IAW Title 10, Section 2010. The Secretary of
Defense, after consultation with the Secretary of
State, may pay the incremental expenses that
are incurred by a developing country while
participating in a multinational exercise.
Incremental expenses are the reasonable and
proper costs of goods and services that are
consumed by a developing country as a direct
result of that country's participation in a
multinational exercise with the United States,
including rations, fuel, training ammunition,
and transportation. Pay, allowances, and other
normal costs are not included. Any developing
country can qualify for this program if the
exercise participated in meets the following
criteria:
a. The exercise is undertaken primarily to
enhance US security interests.
b. The country supported is considered a
developing country.
c. The developing country's participation is
necessary to achieve exercise objectives, and
those objectives could not be achieved without
the United States providing the incremental
expenses.
2. Program Management. J-7 / JED, coordinates
this program between Combatant Commands
and OSD through the development of a 2-year
combined exercise program. Combatant
Commands develop the exercises in support of
this program and submit a 2-year plan annually
NLT 31 March.
 Winter 2009
a. The Joint Staff validates the Combatant
Commands' requirements and submits a
consolidated plan to ASD (ISA), whose approval
authorizes execution of the first year of the
plan.
b. Proposed additions or significant
modifications during the execution year should
be submitted to J-7/JED, (with information
copies to J-5, and ASD (ISA)) for coordination
and approval.
Still no list of munitions or countries. There are a couple
things that I hope you get from reading the two extracts above;
1. The Secretary of Defense, after consultation with
the Secretary of State, may pay the incremental
expenses that are incurred by a developing
country while participating in a multinational
exercise.
2. J-7 / JED, coordinates this program between
Combatant Commands and OSD through the
development of a 2-year combined exercise
program.
This means that DCCEP support is approved at the OSD
level and coordinated with the Combatant Commanders
(COCOM).
Hypothetically, if I were ever asked via Email or
phoncon, “Is ‘Country X’ a developing country because
my G3 wants us to buy some ammo and let them shoot it
as DCCEP?” I would simply reply “I don’t know”. I
would recommend that they coordinate the training and
support with their Higher Headquarters – up to the
Combatant Commander (COCOM) and find out.
In receiving DCCEP ammunition support requests, it is
presumed that coordination with the COCOM has been
made by the requesting unit and they’re authorized to
conduct such training and support with a country.
In closing, I do not presume to be a USC TITLE 10
expert. I’m far from it. However, this I do know:
There’s neither a list of approved munitions for
DCCEP, nor a list of countries deemed “developing”
in the law. Such a list may exist, but if so, it is
developed at the OSD level, and strictly coordinated
with the appropriate COCOM.
By Capt F. Matt Williams, PM Ammo Operations Officer
12
Occupational Field
Sponsor’s Corner
MGySgt, Ronald Pressley
PM Ammo
Welcome to my corner of the Ammunition Quarterly!
For those who don’t know me, I’m MGySgt, Ronald
Pressley, the 2311 Occupational Field Sponsor stationed
at MARCORSYSCOM, Quantico, Va. The billet that
I’m currently serving in is tasked with manning all of the
2311 billet assignments in the Marine Corps. This is
accomplished by coordinating closely with the 2311
Monitor, MSgt Newton, stationed with MMEA,
Quantico, Va. MSgt Newton just assumed the duties in
June 2008 and recently took over for MSgt Morant who
has been transferred to 1st MLG for duty.
First of all, I would like to encourage all Marines to
manage their career with the assistance of the SNCOs
assigned to their local command. I will do everything
possible – within reason – to assist a Marine who is
trying to diversify in order to become a more well-
rounded Ammo Tech and Marine in general. By doing
this, we will ensure our community stays strong in
knowledge and experience. Additional benefits include
stronger SNCOs and future Warrant Officers/ Limited
Duty Officers in the Ammunition Community. I ask
leaders at all levels in our community to ensure that they
are giving their Marines the opportunity to mature and
excel by letting them go out on MEUs, work in division
staff billets, and fill liaison billets.
We’ve all served in commands where the leadership felt
there was a Marine “they just couldn’t afford to loose.”
The short term gain of such an attitude is not worth it in
the long run. We do the Marines a disservice by letting
them stagnate in the same billet, and we prevent them
from further growth and development that comes only
with the challenges of a different work environment.
I encourage all Marines to avoid working on just one
“side of the house” in the Ammunition Spectrum.
 Winter 2009

Diversify your skills, not only in the Ammunition Field Class 016-08
but also as a Marine in general. The taskers for the many Honor Grad- Sgt James, CLNC
B-Billets won’t go away, and they greatly improve a
Marines chance of being selected to the next grade. This Class 025-08
is especially true for the Marine who proves that he/she Dist Grad- LCpl Parker, MarForRes
can excel in a demanding duty outside of their primary Honor Grad- PFC Kurtzman, 29 Palms
MOS.
Class 027-08
In closing, I look forward to serving you as your Honor Grad- Pvt Ducat, CLNC
Occupational Field Sponsor. I will be providing a regular
article to the Ammunition Quarterly with my thoughts Class 029-08
and observations, and to address any concerns that may Dist Grad- Pvt Ramirez, CLNC
arise. If you have any questions or concerns about your Honor Grad- Pvt Sunly, CPCA
own career plans please email me at:
Ronald.pressley@usmc.mil. Class 030-08
Dist Grad- Pvt Woodall, Quantico
Honor Grad- PFC Higginbotham, CLNC
Schoolhouse Corner Class 032-08
Dist Grad- Sgt Oglesby, MarForRes
Schoolhouse Corner is a brief synopsis of Redstone
Arsenal courses and information. Class 500-08
Dist Grad- PFC Kelsay, MarForRes
Basic Course has graduated 348 graduates this year,
notable accomplishments are listed below. Class 503-08
Dist Grad- PFC Wiley, Parris Island
Class 001-08 Honor Grad-PFC Antonelli, CPCA
Honor Grad- Pvt Eckard, MarForRes
Class 504-08
Class 002-08 Honor Grad- Pvt Middleton, Camp Fuji
Dist Grad- Pvt Plahs, Quantico
Honor Grad- PFC Ye, Okinawa Noteworthy Events:
New Basic Course Introduction
Class 004-08 Nov 14
Honor Grad-PFC Porfilio, MarForRes
Manager's Course
Class 006-08 001-09 Mar 2-20
Dist Grad- Pvt Gordon, CPCA
Honor Grad- Pvt Owens, MarForRes NCO Ammo Tech Course
002-09 29 Palms Feb 2-13
Class 008-08 003-09 Okinawa Mar 16-27
Dist Grad- PFC Guy, MarForRes 004-09 CPCA June 17-30

Class 011-08 Retirements and Transfers:

Honor Grad- PFC Gerahty, CLNC MSgt Neumann- Retirement February 09
MSgt Villareal- Incoming Nov 08
Class 013-08 SSgt McCarthy- PCS Okinawa December 08
Dist Grad- LCpl Jarnot, MarForRes GySgt Newsom- PCS Camp Fuji March 09
Honor Grad- PFC Deswiler, CLNC GySgt McNally- PCS Camp Pendleton July 09
SSgt Walker- WO select, TBS January 09
Class 014-08
Dist Grad- Cpl Pollard, MarForRes Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) update:
Honor Grad- PFC Nazzaro, CPCA The movement of the schoolhouse to Fort Lee, Virginia is
scheduled for summer 2011. The facilities are all going to

13
 Winter 2009

be brand new, and will include training magazines –

something which the schoolhouse curriculum never had Maritime Prepositioning
before.
Force
Promotions MPF Program Update

The Maritime Prepositioning Force (MPF) program

provides for rapid deployment of Marine Air Ground
Task Force (MAGTF) personnel, by aircraft, to link up
with prepositioned materiel embarked aboard forward
deployed Maritime Prepositioning Ships (MPS). Readily
Here are the newly selected LtCOL’s available equipment and supplies greatly reduces
MAJ LEIGHTY, J. D. strategic lift requirements, force deployment time, and
MAJ BARACK, P. M. provides an immediate, creditable force in time of crisis.

MPF squadrons serve as a projection of naval power that

extensively supports the deployment and employment of
Naval Expeditionary Forces worldwide. The three current
MPS squadrons, composed of 16 ships, provide a unique
strategic capability.
Here are the newly selected MAJ’s
The MPF program has been undergoing changes to
CAPT HOBIN M. L. accommodate termination of several vessels’ long-term
CAPT LIDDELL G. S. leases. The five Maersk class ships’ (Phillips, Baugh,
CAPT NORRIS T. G. Hauge, Anderson, and Bonnyman) leases recently came
up for renewal, but Headquarters Marine Corps decided
to allow their expiration as a holistic program decision in
favor of an alternative conveyance. The Marine Corps’
plan is to use three of Military Sealift Command's
nineteen large, medium-speed; roll-on/roll-off ships
(LMSR) as near term replacements for the five leased
Newly selected MGySgt's for the 2311 community: platforms. The LMSR significantly enhances the lift and
flexibility of the MPF.
MSGT SHELL, S. F.
MSGT NYMAN R M. JR. However, the new Marine Corps MPF plan is not exempt
from logistical complications. These three LMSR ships
will not have sufficient capacity to carry all of the
ammunition displaced from the five Maersk class ships
departing the program. The remaining ammunition will
be combined and placed onto another vessel, which will
become a swing-ship to support MPF operations. This
vessel will not be assigned to any one Maritime
Prepositioning Squadron (MPS), but will be available to
Newly selected MSgt's for the 2311 community: augment any squadron as required.

GYSGT BABINEAUX, T.J. The Marine Corps’ MPF program will reconstitute with
GYSGT DONALDSON, J.O. the most capable equipment possible, including
GYSGT FREEMAN, T.W. capabilities that support both lower-spectrum operations
GYSGT HURDLE, T.A. and major combat operations of Marine Expeditionary
GYSGT MARAS, M.C. Brigades. MPSRON-1 completed its MPF Maintenance
GYSGT MORGAN, M.R. Cycle in June 2008 and was reconfigured to contain 30
days of sustainment. As the remaining MPSRONs’
maintenance cycles are completed, MPS capabilities will

14

be expanded and refined to provide the best possible
support for Marine Forces.
Below are two ships that serve the MPF roles:
MV SGT WILLIAM R BUTTON, T-AK 3012
USNS SISLER, T-AKR 3011
Story by: Mr. Ned Dachman, PM Ammo Plans and Execution Team
Training Command
Start-Up
Change is coming! Expect the establishment of Training
Command (TCOM) within Training and Education
Command (TECOM) in the very near future. This
organizational restructuring and implementation of new
staff and facilities is scheduled for mid-to-late December
2008. Both TECOM and TCOM will still reside aboard
MCB Quantico, VA, but will not be co-located. TCOM
will be housed in a new facility aboard the base,
scheduled for completion in Dec. 2008.
Establishment of the TCOM ammunition section will
provide improved supervision and focused support for
15
Winter 2009
TCOM activities that include most formal schools and
detachments. While the missions of TECOM and TCOM
will remain similar, they are distinct. TECOM will focus
on Marine Corps enterprise initiatives external to the
command and TCOM will focus on internal daily
operational issues that are similar to the overall services
provided to TECOM activities.
It has taken years of detailed planning and effort to
develop and establish TCOM. Training Command will
be commanded by a Brigadier General, who will have a
complete and robust staff. The following commands all
fall under the TECOM umbrella; Marine Corps Recruit
Depots San Diego and Parris Island, MAGTF Training
Command (MAGTFTC), Training Command (TCOM)
and Education Command. All are components of the
TECOM activities network.
Through implementation of TCOM, TECOM is
expanding to facilitate more focused oversight,
management and support to its schools and detachments.
The development of TCOM staff functions has increased
over the past few months, as it organizes to fulfill its
important roles and responsibilities. New TCOM staff
members are slowly trickling in, both from within
TECOM and other commands, as the build up continues.
Anticipating the TCOM personnel requirement, TECOM
G4 Ammunition submitted a change for the 2340/2311
T/O to reflect an Ammunition Officer (CWO3) and an
Ammunition Chief (GySgt) at TCOM. The TECOM G4
Ammunition Office has been staffed with the required
personnel necessary to accomplish the organizational
responsibilities required for both TCOM and TECOM.
This transformation has required a division of roles and
responsibilities between the two sections to ensure a
seamless transition when TCOM is stood up. The
process has allowed both offices to function
independently while validating processes and procedures.
The mission of TECOM G4 Ammunition includes:
- Management and coordination of all ground Training,
Testing and Security Ammunition requirements
- Allocation management through the use of the Total
Ammunition Management Information System
(TAMIS)
- Coordinating support of all ground training
ammunition with Marine Corps Systems Command
Program Manager for Ammunition (MCSC PMAM)
- Publishing ground training ammunition allowances
via the NAVMC Directive 8011 to the Marine Forces
and supporting establishment
 Winter 2009
- Acting as the approval authority for all special
allowance requests for ground training ammunition,
- Identifying Marine Corps ammunition trends
- And consolidating annual ground training
ammunition expenditures.
The mission of the TCOM G4 Ammunition office
will be:
- To provide oversight, guidance and management of
ground training allocations for all Training Command
activities through the use of the Total Ammunition
Management Information System (TAMIS)
- To review, analyze and validate all new and revised
Program of Instructions (POI) and Course
Descriptive Data (CDD) that require Class V(W)
- Provide on-site assist visits, schedule TAMIS
training, attend conferences and provided focused
support for Training Command activities.
In summary, the restructuring of these commands will be
transparent to the operating forces and the formal
schools. MARFORs and Marine Corps Bases will
continue to receive support from TECOM and TCOM.
Once in place, the new command structure should ensure
today’s training, testing and security ammunition issues
are handled effectively and efficiently, with little or no
additional administrative burden to those seeking support
or help. Special Allowance requests will still be
processed in the same manner as in the past.
Both TECOM and TCOM ammunition offices are
available to provide assistance with Training, Testing and
Security ammunition or information on pending changes.
Contact us at TECOM.G-4 via email at:
ammo@usmc.mil, or by phone: DSN: 278 or Comm:
(703) 784-XXXX
TECOM G4 Ammunition Office:
Major Mark Hobin 278-3711
(703) 784-3711
Robert Ronnell 278-5812
(703) 784-5812
GySgt Timmy Babineaux 278-3715
(703) 784-3715
GySgt Bryan Dumbauld 278-0427
(703) 784-0427
Cpl Justin Trejo 278-0427
(703) 784-0427
16
TCOM G4 Ammunition Office:
MSgt Walter Andrews 278-0653
(703) 784-0653
SSgt James Lewis 278-0550
(703) 784-0550
Story by: MSgt Walter Andrews TECOM
CONTINUED
IMPROVEMENTS
COME TO THE
AMMUNITION SUPPLY
POINT, CAMP
LEJEUENE
Editor’s note: The Explosive Safety Officer for Camp
Lejeune is responsible for many different projects and
activities. Among his numerous responsibilities is
ensuring all construction projects are within the
regulations and meet the requirements set forth in all
final site approvals. He describes recent improvements
at the Camp Lejeune ASP.
Constructed in 1942, the Camp Lejeune Ammunition
Supply Point (ASP) covers approximately 200 acres and
now has a total of 77 magazines. On Oct. 20, 2004
Military Construction (MILCON) P-126 was submitted to
the Department of Defense Explosives Safety Board
requesting approval to build a Vehicle Staging Lot (VSL)
at the ASP. The final Safety Site Approval was granted
on Nov. 13, 2007. Construction began the next month,
and the VSL was completed and made ready for use this
October.
The VSL is sited for 50,000 pounds net explosive weight
(NEW) of 1.1 explosives. The VSL is 200’ x 300’ and
has lighting, fencing, cantenary lightning protection
system, and is barricaded on four sides. According to the
ASP’s Officer in Charge, CWO4 Adam Price, the new
VSL will streamline his operations, further enhancing the
already outstanding support he provides to all II MEF
commands.
The ability to store larger amounts of explosives on the
VSL is a key improvement. With the new state-of-the-art

VSL the ASP can more easily separate inbound and
outbound vehicles transporting explosives, and the ASP
ensures safety and security requirements are being met.
The ASP has one more construction project remaining. It
will include seven additional earth-covered magazines, an
Ammunition Company admin building, a 100-vehicle
parking lot, and finally, larger improved roads.
In conclusion, the VSL at the Camp Lejeune ASP has
significantly enhanced ASP operations, providing
increased safety, security, and ultimately improved
support to operational forces.
ASP Vehicle Staging Lot Acceptance Ceremony
Photo from Left to Right, Mike Rose, CWO4 Adam Price,
Richard Johnson, Jerry Batchelor, CWO2 Joshua Luce
Story by: CWO2 Joshua Luce, and GS-12 Jerry Batchelor,
Ammo Tech Leading
the Way
It’s always been a point of pride with the ammunition
community to be the best in all that we do. Being first is
the goal, and few things will ever stop an Ammo Tech
from accomplishing that goal. In keeping with the
tradition, one Corporal from the Camp Henoko ASP
made it his goal to be the first Marine in the entire Corps
to reenlist in FY09.
17
Winter 2009
Date: 1 October 2008. Time: 0000. Location: Ammo
Company BEQ, Camp Schwab, Okinawa Japan. The
Marines of Ammo Company flow out of the BEQ and fall
in for a “midnight formation” to celebrate the reenlisting
of a well deserving Marine, Cpl Brendon Roach.
“As a Marine, and an Ammunition Technician, I chose
to lead the way with my re-enlistment. Most Marines I
have worked with in my first enlistment know that work
and the mission comes first. I also chose to take that
approach with my career and fill a boat space.
Guaranteeing my boat space not only allows me to
continue my proficiencies as an Ammo Tech but also
allows the Marine Corps to draw on the experiences that
I have learned from in the past. Every mission, whether
it’s general housekeeping of the magazines or prepping
an air shipment to support a FOB…each task will
enhance your capabilities as a Marine supporting the
mission. I would strongly encourage each Marine to
look at the opportunities that are available to them and
make the most of every one of those opportunities.”
The reenlisting officer for the event was Major
Marchand, Ammunition Officer for III MEF. Maj
Marchand first met Cpl Roach in August of 2007 while
both of them were preparing to deploy to Alasad Iraq.
While in Alasad, Cpl Roach was the Assistant Records
Chief.
 Winter 2009

Ms. Hunt came to PM Ammo in Sept 06, after graduating

from Vanderbilt University, TN in May and being
selected from several applicants through the Navy’s
Intern Program. She was assigned to the IWAT to
provided technical support to three Assistant Program
Managers covering in excess of 200 ammunition items,
including all small arms, medium caliber, mortars,
grenades, pyrotechnics, and land mines.

Ms. Hunt was an immediate success. Within her first

Major Marchand, Ammunition Officer for III MEF,
swears in Cpl Roach.
month at PM Ammo she had already developed and
coordinated the execution of a 12-guage door breaching
cartridge down select evaluation; cartridges that are now
being employed by the Marine Corps. Additionally,
because of her expertise and knowledge of chemical
compositions, Ms. Hunt has had the opportunity to travel
to Germany and Denmark in support of several PM
Ammo Foreign Comparative Test (FCT) Programs such
as the MK7 MOD 0 Floating Smoke Pot, 66mm, MK 1
MOD 0 Smoke Grenade, and 40mm High Explosive
cartridges.

As part of the 30-month Intern Program, Ms. Hunt is

required to conduct two rotational temporary duty
assignments outside of PM Ammo in other similar
government agencies for a period of 90 days at a time to
complement her experience here. She spent her first
ninety-day period (Jan - Apr 07) at Naval Surface
Warfare Center, Dahlgren, Division (NSWC DD) in
Dahlgren, VA. She was assigned to the Light Weapons
Division working system safety and technical issues in
Marine, Cpl Brendon Roach support of NSWC DD efforts. Her second ninety-day
rotational period (Aug – Nov 08) is at Program Manager,
Congratulations go out to Cpl Roach, not only for Mortar Ammunition Systems (PM MAS), Picatinny
continuing the legacy of Ammo always striving to be Arsenal, NJ. She is currently engaged with 60mm,
first, but for continuing his service to the greatest country 81mm mortars providing chemical engineering
the world has ever known. assistance.
Story by: Capt Weppner, Ammo Company, Camp Schwab
These rotational periods allow Ms. Hunt to obtain
Capt Weppner is currently assigned as the CO, Ammunition
additional experience in the government work force.
Company, 3d SUPBN and may be reached via e-mail at Once she completes her intern rotational periods she will
william.weppner@usmc.mil return to PM Ammo for additional training under the
cognizance of the Ammunition, Explosives and Weapons
Integrator for the Marine Corps, Mr. Scottie Allred.
Navy Intern Program
Ms. Hunt is also pursuing a Masters Degree in Systems
Success Story Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School while in
the Navy Intern program. Her intern program will end in
Marine Corps Systems Command, Program Manager for Feb 2009 when she will have the opportunity to obtain a
Ammunition (PM Ammo) Infantry Weapons Government Service rating of GS-12 and choose her
Ammunition Team (IWAT) enjoys the talent and place of employment within the government.
expertise provided by a young and dynamic Chemical
Engineer, Ms. Kathryn Hunt. Pictures below were taken in Germany during the Lot
Acceptance Testing on the new Floating Smoke Pot.

18

Story by: PM Ammo, Infantry Weapons Ammunition Team.. PM
Ammo, Infantry Weapons Ammunition Team uses Navy Intern
Program PM Ammo, IWAT Engineer / Navy Intern Program –
It’s a “ruff” Job
Editor’s note: Lance Corporal Alex Long, an ammo tech
at Parris Island, was selected as the new handler for the
Recruit Depot’s bulldog mascot, Hummer.
The selection process for Hummer’s new handler has
finally come to a close. Lance Cpl. Alex Long, an
ammunition technician at the Ammunition Supply Point,
from Port Royal, Va., replaced Cpl. Scott Brasfield, as
the mascot’s handler.
To claim the billet, Long had to prove he was the man
for the job. The selection process wasn’t an easy one.
There were about 10 other Marines motivated and
prepared to take over the position as well.
“First we had to write down why we thought we would
be the best for the job,” Long explained. “After (the
Headquarters and Service Battalion commanding officer,
sergeant major and company first sergeants) looked over
them, they selected five out of the group.”
19
Winter 2009
The process wasn’t complete yet. Long still had to prove
to the chain of command that he was the best candidate to
take care of Hummer. Long did this by answering a few
questions during a board that helped his chain of
command get to know him a little better before making
its final decision. The board asked Long questions such
as, “Do you go out in town a lot?” and “What is a regular
day for you?”
Sgt. Jose Coleman, a quality management administration
clerk, worked with Brasfield during his tenure as the
handler and got a first-hand glimpse at how difficult the
job of taking care of the mascot can be. “It’s a completely
different challenge than you will get any where else in the
Marine Corps,” said Coleman, from Bolingbrook, Ill.
“It’s very time consuming, almost like raising a child.”
Long now has to squeeze in Hummer’s work schedule
with his, a feat that may come as a challenge. Although
there will be hard work involved, Long has no doubt he’ll
live up to the standards of Hummer’s previous handler.
“I definitely expect to do the same if not better than Cpl.
Brasfield,” Long said. In addition to the extra duties and a
new companion, Long understands and embraces the true
honor it is to be Hummer’s new personal bodyguard.
“He represents the Depot, and he’s something civilians
recognize and know belongs to the Marine Corps,” Long
explained. “It is an honor.”
So with the selection process complete,
Brasfield said goodbye to his former roommate and
puppy friend.
“I’ll miss him,” said Brasfield, from
Birmingham, Ala. “It’s been a privilege to be his
handler.”
Lance Cpl. Alex Long, an ammunition technician at the Ammunition Supply
Point, shows off his new roommate, Hummer, the Depot’s mascot.
Story by: Lance Cpl. Noel Gonzales
 Winter 2009

some 10 million low and high-velocity 40mm

New Product Manager for
Small Caliber Ammunition
Editor’s note: After a successful tour as PM MAS, LTC
Eric Fletcher moves on. LTC Jeffery Woods takes
helm.
Project Manager, Maneuver Ammunition Systems(PM
MAS), Mr. Chris Grassano, welcomed his new Product
Manager for Small Caliber Ammunition (SCA), LTC
Jeffrey Woods, to his new assignment by noting that
“He’s earned the ‘T-Shirt as a Desert Storm Fire
Direction Officer, S-4 and in other challenging branch
assignments, then by seeking a solid grounding in his
chosen Acquisition Career field.”
grenades per year through a pair of former Small
Business prime contractors;
• With the Army Research Lab, JMC, ARDEC and
Industry partners, his M855 product
improvement team is accomplishing the rapid
program acceleration of our premier 5.56 small
caliber ammunition program. This program has
received significant General Officer attention at
the highest levels of both the US Army and
Marine Corps.
LTC Fletcher was awarded the Meritorious Service
Medal (5th Award) by Grassano on behalf of BG William
N. Phillips, Commander, Joint Munitions and Lethality
Life Cycle Management Command and Program
Executive Office for Ammunition.

“With nearly 150 individual munitions items in the SCA

portfolio, LTC Woods’ business training, S-4
assignments and “beltway skills” will be important. His
Joint Contracting Command - Iraq/Afghanistan (JCC-
I/A) work in Iraq and Afghanistan, and his DASC
assignments, along with his product management and
acquisition experience will all pay off in his new job,”
Grassano observed.

Grassano offered high praise for departing LTC Eric

Fletcher and wife, Jenny, during the ceremony, stating
that, “I’ve been privileged to watch – and in some small
measure to support – a true professional accomplish
amazing things for our Warfighters, always with the full
support of his family.”
C. Grassano presents LTC Eric Fletcher with MSM
Highlighting several of LTC Fletcher’s team’s
(Official Army Photo)
accomplishments, he noted that the ARDEC, MAS and
JMC team had:
Mrs. Fletcher, in recognition of her exceptional volunteer
service to the Picatinny Community, was awarded the
• Established and is managing a highly complex
Commander’s Award for Public Service. MAJ Terry
$242M modernization program at Lake City
Crank, in reading the citation, identified Jen Fletcher’s,
Army Ammunition Plant, replacing 1940's
“...many hours of service to volunteer projects...to
technology with state of the art production
improve the quality of life for Army families...the
equipment while continuing to assure a smooth
Military and Civilian Wives’ Club, Vacation Bible
supply of ammunition to our engaged forces;
School and the Sunshine Meals Program” as examples of
• Successfully managed a dual-source,
her service meriting this award.
multinational team that has contracted for and
delivered over 1.5 billion rounds of small caliber
and 40mm grenade ammunition with an on-time
delivery rate of more than 98%. He did this
under a US prime contractor using suppliers from
diverse locations such as Korea, Taiwan, Israel
Spain, and here in the US;
• Matured and is reliably delivering on the Army’s
largest Small Business Award ever, supplying

20
 Winter 2009

Mrs. Jen Fletcher receives the Commander’s Award for

Public Service from Project Manager, Maneuver
Ammunition Systems, Chris Grassano

Fletcher will depart to attend Army War College. The

Woods family will be among Picatinny’s newest
residents.

LTC Jeff Woods receives Product Manager, Small

Caliber Ammunition Charter from C. Grassano, PM
MAS during Change of Management ceremonies at
Picatinny Arsenal, NJ (Official Army Photo)

For further information please contact Jack Crowley,

Innovative Solution Systems, Inc. supporting OPM MAS
@ 973.724.3973; DSN: 880-3973

Story by: Jack Crowley

21
 Winter 2009

PROGRAM MANAGER, AMMUNITION (PM204)

MARINE CORPS SYSTEMS COMMAND
2200 Lester St., Quantico, Virginia 22134 Attn: PM204

BILLET PHONE DSN

Program Manager 703-432-3159 378
Deputy Program Manager 703-432-3164 378
Office Manager 703-432-3165 378
Management Assistant 703-432-3166 378
AMMUNITION PROGRAMS & BUDGET DIVISION (PMM 2041)
703-432-3107 378
APB Special Staff 378
MCSC WPN/Munitions Systems Integrator 703-432-3145 378
PEO AMMUNITION (PM Joint Services) 973-724-2047 880
Malfunctions/Suspensions/AINs 703-432-3151 378
Summer Hire 703-432-3169 378
Infantry Weapons Ammunition Team 703-432-3154 378
Small Arms Ammunition & NonLethal 703-432-3161 378
25mm, 30mm, 40mm, 60mm, 81mm 703-432-3108 378
Grenades, Pyro, Mines 703-432-3155 378
Engineer 703-432-3152 378
APM

Large Caliber Ammunition Team 703-432-3114 378

Tank " " "
Linear Charges, Demolitions 703-432-3162 378
Rockets, Missiles 703-432-3161 378
Engineer - NSWC-DD Rotational Assignment 703-432-3110 378
Engineer 378
Artillery, Fuzes 703-432-3112 378

Strategic Ammo Business Operations Team 703-432-3148 378

Budget Analyst 703-432-3151 378
Program Analyst - Tech Data 703-432-3147 378
Contracting Specialist 703-432-4825 378
Contracting Specialist Assistant 703-432-3150 378
Contracting Specialist Support 703-432-3622 378
INVENTORY MANAGEMENT & SYSTEMS DIVISION (PMM 2042)
703-432-3129 378
Systems Team 703-432-3117 378
IT Specialist 703-432-3115 378
Configuration Manager 703-432-3120 378
IT Specialist 703-432-3118 378
IT Specialist 703-432-3121 378
Systems Officer
Inventory Management Team 703-432-3119 378
Inventory Management Officer
IM SNCOIC; Serialized Assets
Requisition Processing 703-432-3125 378
Disposition/Stratification/ Due ins/Due outs 703-432-3124 378
MARFORRES/TAMIS/Interservice Transfers 703-432-3128 378
WM Spt/Planning/Logistics Support Analysis 703-432-3123 378
Correct and Review/Batch Input 703-432-3126 378
Inventory Management Tech
Analysis and Evalution Team 703-432-3158 378
ALFT Ops Officer 703-432-3106 378
ALFT Ops Chief 703-432-3104 378
PLANS, OPERATIONS & SAFETY DIVISION (PMM 2043)
703-432-3170 378
Operations Team 703-432-3168 378

Editor
Operations Management Analyst
Ops Team Chief
703-432-3167
703-432-3169
378
378
Mr. Charles Black
Plans and Execution Team 703-432-3140 378
Plans and Analysis Officer 703-432-3141 378
Plans Coordinator 703-432-3142 378
Plans Chief 703-432-3143 378

Environmental & Explosives Safety Team 703-432-3109 378

Tactical Explosives Safety Specialist
Aviation Ordnance Officer 703-432-3113 378
Explosives Safety Specialist 703-432-3153 378
Explosives Safety Specialist 703-432-4824 378
Environmental Safety Specialist 703-432-3157 378

LIAISON STAFF
JOINT MUNITIONS COMMAND 309-782-4808 793
309-782-4808 793
309-782-4808 793
309-782-5549 793
JMTCA Transportation Specialist (309) 782-5297 793

Army /Navy Organizational LNOs

Naval Magazine, Pearl Harbor, HI 808-471-1111 X-215
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane, IN 812-854-5427 482
NAVWPNSTA Seal Beach/FallBroo Det, CA 760-731-3645 873
McAlester Army Ammunition Plant 918-420-6312 956
NWS Earle, Colts Neck, NJ 732-866-2363 449
CFA Sasebo, Japan 011-81-956-50-5530 315-252-5530
Tooele Army Depot 435-833-2062 790
AOC, Charleston MARDET 843-764-4378/4004 794 01 January 2009
QA Specialist (MarDet, Charleston) 843-764-4004 794

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