Rock Island Arsenal (original) (raw)

As the largest government-owned weapons manufacturing arsenal in the western world, the Rock Island Arsenal [RIA] provides manufacturing, logistics, and base support services for the Armed Forces. The Arsenal is an active U.S. Army factory, which manufactures ordnance and equipment for the Armed Forces. Some of the Arsenal's most successful manufactured products include the M198 and M119 Towed Howitzers, and the M1A1 Gun Mount.

Noted for its expertise in the manufacture of weapons and weapon components, every phase of development and production is available from prototype to full-scale production of major items, spare parts, and repair items. Product items range from artillery gun mounts and recoil mechanisms to aircraft weapons sub-systems. Items manufactured at RIA include artillery, gun mounts, recoil mechanisms, small arms, aircraft weapons sub- system, grenade launchers, weapons simulators, and a host of associated components. These include: Gun Mount M178 for M109A1/M109A2 Self-Propelled Howitzer; Gun Mount M182 for M109A5/M109A6 Self-Propelled Howitzer (RCMAS); M119 Towed Howitzer, 105mm; Spare Parts for M198 Towed Howitzer, 155mm; M242 barrel for Bradley vehicles; and 120mm Gun Mount for M1A1 Abrams Tank.

About 250 military and 6,000 civilians work at the RIA. Rock Island Arsenal, known world-wide as a leader in excellence, provides essential production capability for artillery/gun mounts, equipment integration, spare parts, and other equipment for the Armed Forces, as well as the assembly of tools, sets, kits and outfits that support equipment in the field. Through new business avenues, the Arsenal can also partner with some non-military entities to assist and advance manufacturing technologies in the private sector.

RIA's capabilities include tool, die, and gage manufacturing; precision investment castings; foundry; heat treating; prototype; gear manufacturing; forgings; spring manufacture; machining; platte and sheet metal; blasting; rubber and plastic molding; welding; and surface finishing. RIA's laboratory, testing, and inspection capabilities include chemical analysis; a weapons testing complex; coordinate measuring machines; test and measurement equipment calibration; and testing in the areas of vibration, oil and lubrication, radiological, mechanical/metallurgical, nondestructive, environmental chamber, and rubber, plastic, and fibrous materials.

The Arsenal's modern stone buildings are the home to approximately 40 tenant organizations which receive quality facility support services such as general supply purchasing, security, information technology, and building and infrastructure maintenance.

The Arsenal's state-of-the-art facilities house the Department of Defense's only general-purpose metal manufacturing complex. Production can be from raw material to final product, including systems integration and simulated testing. Rock Island Arsenal is also the only domestic producer of the hydro-pneumatic recoil mechanisms used in all modern artillery and gun systems.

The Major Command is the U.S. Army Armament, Munitions and Chemical Command. The mission of this installation is to provide research, development, engineering, maintenance, material management, procurement, and product assurance for assigned weapon systems. The U.S. Army Industrial Operations Command is located on the arsenal. This command directs the activities of 4 arsenals and 28 depots. Most IOC activities are industrial in nature.

The Arsenal's logistics mission includes the primary tool set mission for federal agencies, the application of chemical-protective coatings to combat vehicles, and the construction of storage units for the Army's War Reserve Ships. The tool set mission can be customized, with a lifetime warranty. Sets range in size from carrying case to fully equipped and mobile shelters. Noted products include the New Aircraft Tool System which saved the Department of Defense over $10 million, and the Contact Maintenance Truck Humvee. Capabilities include turn-key operations; prototype; engineering/design; fabrication; assembly/disassembly; laser etching; indoor/outdoor storage; demil; equipment/component acquisition; and fielding support.

The Arsenal has been evaluated and selected as a regional center under regionalization initiatives as part of the Army's effort to consolidate services. Basic services offered include information technology, public works, law enforcement, equal opportunity, community/family activity support, supply, personnel administration, and fire protection which are provided to over 30 tenants on the island. As home to a Post Exchange, Commissary, and Health Clinic, the Arsenal is a regional service center for active and reserve military and 15,000 military retirees who live within 125 miles of the Arsenal. The Arsenal's grounds and facilities include 2.1 million square feet of manufacturing space; 3.8 million square feet of storage space; and 2 million square feet of administration space.

Rock Island Arsenal is one of the largest employers in the area with an estimated economic impact of $1,000,000 daily. Located on the Mississippi River, Arsenal Island is an island of 946 acres, bordered by Iowa and Illinois. There are only 57 housing quarters on Arsenal Island so most people who work here live in the Quad City community. This area is subject to weather ranging from cold dry arctic air masses in the Winter, with occasional snow; to hot humid air from Gulf of Mexico in the Summer. The nearest military hospital is the Great Lakes Naval Base, approximately 195 miles from the RIA. The arsenal is located 175 miles from Chicago.

Historic points of interest on Arsenal Island are: The Rock Island Arsenal Museum; Confederate Cemetery; National Cemetery; the original, 19th century stone workshops; officer's quarters along the river; COL Davenport's House; and the site of the first bridge built across the Mississippi.

The area around Rock Island Arsenal is called the Quad Cities. Including both sides of the river, there are more than 300,000 people living here. There are four major public school districts. The Quad City area is inclusive of the following communities; Rock Island, Moline, and East Moline in Illinois; and Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa.

The Quad Cities is a three-county metropolitan area that contains ten contiguous municipalities: Davenport, Bettendorf and Riverdale in Iowa; Rock Island, Moline, East Moline, Milan, Silvis, Carbon Cliff and Hampton in Illinois. The area was originally called the Tri-Cities when only Davenport, Moline and Rock Island were incorporated. As the area grew in population, it became the Quad and then the Quint Cities with the addition of East Moline and Bettendorf. It soon became apparent that a name change each time a city was incorporated would be awkward, so it was decided that rather than continuing to change the name, it would remain the "Quad Cities". The Mississippi River provides fishermen with catches ranging from panfish to catfish, pike and bass. Boating enthusiasts find dock and boat landing facilities excellent on both sides of the river. Hunters find ample waterfowl along the river and good pheasant hunting a short drive away. The Mississippi's newest attraction and the area's newest industry is the addition of the riverboat gambling. The largest of the boats dock in Davenport. Currently, the Quad Cities ranks among the top one hundred Standard Metropolitan Statistical Areas with a population of 400,000. Rich is historical roots, the region also has many landmarks that provide a glimpse, not only into the Quad Cities, but our nations's past. The communities offer a large schedule of events each year ranging from a major national golf tournament to riverboat excursions.

DAVENPORT, IA Named after COL George Davenport, this community was first settled in 1808 and incorporated in 1836. Situated at the lower end of the Rock Island Rapids on the Iowa side of the Mississippi River, Davenport became a logical crossing and stopping point for immigrants heading west and as a place to re-supply for the trip. In 1856 it became the site of the first bridge across the Mississippi River. Davenport is the largest city in the Quad City metropolitan area. It has a population of about 103,000 and covers an area of 61.5 square miles. Davenport has a mayor-council form of government. The Putman Museum, founded in 1867, contains nationally recognized collections of science, history and art. The Davenport Museum of Art (the first municipal art gallery in the United States), established in 1925, includes a fine representation of American art schools. Two universities, St. Ambrose and Tiekyo Marycrest, and the Palmer College of Chiropractic are located in Davenport. There are 37 parks and playgrounds in the area. Included in these are 4 public swimming pools, 3 public golf courses and a conservatory. The Duck Creek Parkway extends 9.5 miles through Davenport and Bettendorf, following a scenic green belt along the creek for which it is named.

BETTENDORF, IA Population 29,583. Incorporated in 1903, Bettendorf, is the fastest growing city in Iowa. It has twice doubled its population in the past decades. The city has attracted many new residents by virtue of new housing subdivisions built across the rolling landscape and its two community school districts, which are both known for their innovative educational programs. City government operates from a Municipal Center in the heart of downtown. The center includes City Hall and facilities for Police and fire. A new maintenance center houses public works, engineering, planning, zoning and street departments. The Bettendorf Parks and Recreation Department offers nationally-awarded programs for all ages. A fitness center includes: a jogging and walking track; tennis and volleyball courts; exercise areas; weight rooms; saunas and lounges. Fourteen well-maintained parks, a bicycle path, band shell and an excellent golf course add to the recreational facilities of the city. "Discover the River" festival on Memorial Day weekend and an all-day old fashioned Fourth of July celebration are two of the cities annual attractions. Bettendorf is cosmopolitan, though not a large city. Located in the metropolitan area of the Quad-Cities, it is a smaller community within a large population area and has the advantages of both. ROCK ISLAND, IL Incorporated in 1837, located in the center of the Quad City area and the NW border of IL, it was named for the island that is the home of Rock Island Arsenal. It is separated from Davenport, Iowa by the Mississippi River. Over 40,820 people occupy a 12 sq. mile area. Major products include agricultural & industrial equipment; weapons; research & development; aluminum; processed foods; dairy foods; footwear; and pet foods. Rock Island was once the site of the one of the largest Indian settlements in North America and is the oldest of the Quad Cites. The western-most battle of the Revolutionary War and first rail crossing the Mississippi River took place in Rock Island. The Rock Island Public Library is the oldest public library in the State of Illinois. Early industries in Rock Island included lumbering, railroad, and farm implement manufacturing. Rock Island was a wide open river town where virtue and vice co-existed for decades. Gamblers, bankers, madams, industrialists, and even politicians have all had a hand in developing the community. It is the home of two of the largest fraternal life insurance societies in the world: Modern Woodmen of America and Royal Neighbors of America. The Quad-City Conservation Alliance Expo Center, located near downtown Rock Island, is a 60,000 sq. ft. exhibition center that hosts trade shows and special events. It is the third largest exhibition center in Illinois and Iowa, and is managed by nonprofit organizations and volunteers with proceeds going to conservation projects in the Quad Cities. Rock Island has a variety of neighborhoods ranging from historic to new subdivisions. There are three excellent school systems and a park system that includes the 500-slip Sunset Marina. Recently downtown Rock Island has undergone a renaissance with more than $45 million in new investment. The Rock Island Arts and Entertainment District, is quickly becoming the place to play in the Quad Cities. Anchored by the Casino Rock Island and the Quad City Arts Center, it combines specialty retailing and a vibrant night life.

MOLINE, IL In 1843 a mill company platted and built a town on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River. They called it Moline, a slight alteration of the French word "Moulin" meaning "mill". In 1847 John Deere moved his thriving young plow manufacturing business to Moline from Grand Detour, Illinois. Moline was incorporated in 1848 and Deere & Company grew to be the largest farm equipment manufacturing concern in the world. Moline's present population is about 44,000. The Quad City Airport is located in Moline and served by 8 airlines with commuter service to 3 international airports. The Mark of the Quad Cities is a 220,000 sq. ft. multi-purpose facility with more than 60,000 sq. ft. of exhibition space and a 10,000 seat arena to host trade shows, sports, exhibitions,and conferences.

EAST MOLINE Over 20,390 people populate and an area of 9.5 square miles. Incorporated in 1907, the city is the site of one of the largest Deere & Company plants - the John Deere Harvester Works. They also have the Case International Harvester Plant and a 200-acre industrial park which is 70% occupied. East Moline prides itself on having the most manufacturing jobs in the Quad Cities. Four shopping centers and a central business area serve the community.

BRAC 2005

In its 2005 BRAC Recommendations, DoD recommended to close Fort Gillem. It recommended relocating 1st US Army at Ft. Gillem to Rock Island Arsenal. DoD claimed that the closure of Fort Gillem also would enable the stationing of its tenant units at locations that would increase their ability to associate with like units and promote coordination of efforts. The Army would be converting the 1st US Army Headquarters into the single Headquarters for oversight of Reserve and National Guard mobilization and demobilization. To support this conversion the Army decided to relocate 1st Army to Rock Island Arsenal, a central location in the United States. Environmentally, significant mitigation measures to limit releases to impaired waterways might be required at Rock Island to reduce impacts to water quality and achieve USEPA Water Quality Standards.

In another recommendation, DoD would realign Rock Island Arsenal as follows: relocate the Army Installation Management Agency Northwest Region headquarters to Fort Sam Houston, TX, and consolidate it with the Army Installation Management Agency Southwest Region headquarters to form the Army Installation Management Agency Western Region; and relocate the Army Network Enterprise Technology Command Northwest Region headquarters to Fort Sam Houston, TX, and consolidate it with the Army Network Enterprise Technology Command Southwest Region headquarters to form the Army Network Enterprise Technology Command Western Region. This recommendation would relocate several Army Service Provider headquarters and regional offices in order to create operating efficiencies via co-location and/or consolidation. A new Installation Management Agency (IMA) Western Region office would be created at Fort Sam Houston by relocating the IMA Northwest Region headquarters from Rock Island Arsenal. It would collocate the IMA Headquarters with the IMA Western Region. Assuming no economic recovery, this recommendation could result in a maximum potential reduction of 248 jobs (133 direct jobs and 115 indirect jobs) over the 2006-2011 period in the Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL Metropolitan Statistical Area (0.1 percent).

In another recommendation, DoD recommended to close Riverbank Army Ammunition Plant, CA by relocating the artillery cartridge case metal parts functions to Rock Island Arsenal, IL. There were 4 sites within the Industrial Base producing Metal Parts. To remove excess from the Industrial Base, the closure would allow DoD to generate efficiencies and nurture partnership with multiple sources in the private sector. Environmentally, this recommendation would have the potential to impact air quality at Rock Island Arsenal. A new Source Review would be needed for new construction and the added operations will require an Air Conformity analysis to determine the impact. This recommendation would have the potential for a minor impact on water resources at Rock Island Arsenal.

In another recommendation, DoD would realign Rock Island Arsenal, IL, by relocating the depot maintenance of Combat Vehicles and Other to Anniston Army Depot, AL, and the depot maintenance of Other Equipment and Tactical Vehicles to Letterkenny Army Depot, PA. This recommendation would support minimizing the number of depot maintenance sites through the consolidation of Rock Island's remaining Combat Vehicle workload and capacity at Anniston Army Depot, the Army's Center for Industrial and Technical Excellence for Combat Vehicles. The recommendation would also increase overall depot capability utilization by consolidating Rock Island's remaining Tactical Vehicle workload and capability at Letterkenny, the depot with the highest Military Value for Tactical Vehicle maintenance. This recommendation would eliminate over 160,000 square feet of depot maintenance production space with annual facility sustainment and recapitalization savings of $0.6M. This recommendation would also decrease the cost of depot maintenance operations across DoD by consolidation and elimination of 30 percent of duplicate overhead structures required to operate multiple depot maintenance activities. Finally, this recommendation would facilitate future interservice utilization of DoD depot maintenance capacity.

The total estimated one time cost to the Department of Defense to implement this recommendation would be 27.0M.ThenetofallcostsandsavingstotheDepartmentduringimplementationperiodwouldbeacostof27.0M. The net of all costs and savings to the Department during implementation period would be a cost of 27.0M.ThenetofallcostsandsavingstotheDepartmentduringimplementationperiodwouldbeacostof16.2M. Annual recurring savings to the Department after implementation would be 3.1Mwithpaybackexpectedin9years.ThenetpresentvalueofthecostsandsavingstotheDepartmentover20yearswouldbeasavingsof3.1M with payback expected in 9 years. The net present value of the costs and savings to the Department over 20 years would be a savings of 3.1Mwithpaybackexpectedin9years.ThenetpresentvalueofthecostsandsavingstotheDepartmentover20yearswouldbeasavingsof13.8M. Economic Impact on Communities: Assuming no economic recovery, this recommendation could result in a maximum potential reduction of 339 jobs (181 direct jobs and 158 indirect jobs) over the 2006-2011 period in the Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL Metropolitan Statistical Area (0.2 percent). This recommendation will require spending approximately $0.2M cost for environmental compliance activities.

In another recommendation, DoD recommended to close Mississippi Army Ammunition Plant, MS. It would relocate the 155MM ICM artillery metal parts functions to Rock Island Arsenal, IL. There were 4 sites within the Industrial Base producing Metal Parts. To remove excess from the Industrial Base, the closure would allow DoD to generate efficiencies and nurture partnership with multiple sources in the private sector. Significant mitigation measures would need to be taken at Rock Island to limit release of pollutants during loadings.