Army Restructuring Threatens 1,000 Jobs at Picatinny Arsenal

The U.S. Army's proposed restructuring plan could significantly impact Picatinny Arsenal, potentially leading to the transfer of approximately 1,000 jobs to other installations nationwide.

 

State Assemblywoman Aura Dunn expressed deep concern, stating, "Any plan that dismantles work being done at Picatinny Arsenal puts military innovation, jobs, and national security in jeopardy."

 

In July, the entire New Jersey congressional delegation sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll, emphasizing the critical role of Picatinny Arsenal in national defense.

 

The letter highlighted that the proposed restructuring would consolidate 12 Program Executive Offices into seven Capability Executive Offices, potentially undermining the Army's ammunition acquisition efforts and adversely affecting Picatinny Arsenal.

 

It stated, "There is no other Department of Defense installation with the same uniquely experienced and qualified staff in arms and ammunition. Moving these missions to other installations would inevitably lead to reduced lethality and poorer weapons being delivered to our soldiers."

 

While the Army has not made a definitive decision, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army's Acquisition, Logistics and Technology office, Jesse Tolleson, acknowledged receipt of the delegation's concerns and confirmed they would be considered during the assessment of the acquisition structure.

 

Picatinny Arsenal is a significant economic contributor to Morris County, employing over 6,000 individuals and contributing approximately $367 million annually in workforce labor to New Jersey.

 

Additionally, the installation has been recognized for its excellence, receiving the 2024 Army Community Partnership Award for its collaboration with Morris County's Office of Emergency Management.

 

As the Army continues to evaluate its acquisition structure, New Jersey officials remain vigilant, advocating for the preservation of Picatinny Arsenal's critical missions and the jobs they support.