America’s Ammunition Achilles’ Heel

The United States military’s stockpiles of 155mm artillery rounds have been depleted at an alarming rate, raising questions about the effectiveness of American military planning. Despite being a staple of modern warfare, this seemingly simple shell has proven to be a thorn in the side of American military planners.

The situation bears some resemblance to the British “Shell Crisis” of World War I, when war profiteering and inadequate production led to a catastrophic shortage that toppled a prime minister. However, the current crisis shares a common thread: hubris. In 2021, the Biden administration announced plans to increase 155mm shell production from 14,000 rounds per month to 100,000 by October 2025. The promised new facilities were touted as the solution to this “simple” problem.

The General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems facility in Mesquite, Texas – one of those shiny new plants – has failed to deliver a single qualifying metal projectile body. In fact, the plant faced an eight-month work-stoppage order last summer as the Army tried to salvage what had been invested. The excuses for this failure are familiar: supply chain issues, key component shortages (such as IMX-104 and TNT), and the need for specialized tooling.

However, there’s something more insidious at play here – a culture of complacency. The Pentagon’s Office of the Inspector General report on this debacle is scathing, pointing to the Army’s willingness to take on high risks with untested equipment.

The war in Ukraine has further exposed America’s vulnerability. While Kyiv’s demands for 155mm shells have decreased due to its increased reliance on drones, it’s a short-term reprieve at best. As the conflict drags on, U.S. supplies will continue to dwindle.

The Iowa Army Ammunition Plant’s new facility is touted as a silver bullet, but it’s too little, too late. The problems plaguing Mesquite are systemic and won’t be solved by throwing more money or personnel at them. This crisis demands a fundamental reevaluation of how the U.S. military procures and produces its ammunition.

The 155mm shell may seem simple, but its production is anything but – requiring specialized equipment and expertise that’s increasingly hard to find or replicate. As the world becomes more complex, our military’s supply chain must adapt. America’s addiction to high-tech, low-yield solutions has created an unsustainable industrial base.

For now, the U.S. Army is stuck in a cycle of reacting to short-term crises rather than addressing the root causes. The Future Artillery Complex may be a step in the right direction, but it’s just that – a single step on a long journey toward reform. Until America’s military planners recognize the value of simplicity and invest in a robust, adaptable industrial base, they’ll continue to be stuck with an ammunition Achilles’ heel.

The war for Ukraine has been fought with borrowed shells, and America’s dependence on foreign suppliers is growing by the day. As Washington’s focus shifts toward the Pacific, it’s imperative that we learn from our mistakes – before it’s too late.