Transforming the Organic Industrial Base and Upskilling the Army's Civilian Workforce

By Liz Miranda

Article published on: April 1, 2026 in the April 2026 Edition of Army Civilian Journal

Read Time: < 5 mins

Watervliet Arsenal forge workers monitor a cannon tube being processed through the current rotary forge. Watervliet Arsenal plans to replace the forge with a new, more capable forge in 2026. (U.S. Army photo by Matt Day)

To maintain its position as the world’s premier land force, the Army is undergoing a comprehensive and decisive transformation. This effort, driven by the Secretary of the Army and the Chief of Staff of the Army, is designed to ensure our soldiers remain equipped, trained, and ready to win in any environment, especially in large-scale combat operations.

The U.S. Army Materiel Command (AMC) is leading ongoing improvements focused on modernizing sustainment within the Army. This is most evident in the Organic Industrial Base (OIB), which includes depots, arsenals, ammunition plants, and maintenance facilities that provide essential support to Army operations both forward deployed and from strategic locations.

Reimagining the OIB

The OIB is a cornerstone of the Army's ability to maintain operational readiness and sustain its forces by refurbishing and producing military equipment and supplies. However, several factors necessitate changes to the OIB and its workforce:

• Aging physical infrastructure limiting production capacity
• A shrinking civilian workforce due to retirements and recruitment challenges
• Rapid advancements in manufacturing and maintenance technologies requiring new technical skills
• Increasing complexity in equipment systems demanding specialized knowledge

To ensure the OIB remains effective, I believe it is crucial to invest in upskilling our civilian workforce, integrating advanced technologies, and fostering a culture of continuous transformation. At AMC, we are leading the charge in optimizing our industrial base while preparing our workforce for the future.

To address these challenges, we have implemented a fifteen-year, multi-billion-dollar plan to overhaul our industrial base sites. This plan centers on modernizing facilities, processes, and IT infrastructure, while embracing twenty-first-century capabilities through advanced manufacturing, better talent management, and the integration of industry best practices to ensure readiness and resilience for the Joint Force. Optimizing the OIB is essential not only to meet our Army's immediate needs but also for ensuring its long-term viability and resilience in a complex global environment.

Our specialized artisans are the backbone of our success, and to ensure they have what they need, the Army has implemented several initiatives aimed at enhancing the capabilities of our civilian personnel.

Upskilling Our Workforce

AMC is assessing the specific human capital needs required to operate modernized facilities and technologies effectively. For example, welders now require training on automated welding systems and digital quality control tools, which differ by site depending on equipment and mission focus.

To respond, AMC is developing modern training programs that include virtual reality simulations and digital micro-credentialing. These programs will allow artisans across twenty- three OIB sites to acquire targeted skills and advance their careers.

AMC also partners with universities and technical schools to offer courses in advanced manufacturing, data analytics, and project management directly applicable to OIB roles. The Department of War’s SkillBridge program connects transitioning service members with hands-on training opportunities inside the OIB, facilitating smooth civilian workforce integration.

Online learning platforms provide flexible access to training, supporting continuous education alongside job duties. For example, at Anniston Army Depot, employees trained in additive manufacturing and 3D printing techniques reduced production time and costs, leading to increased efficiency and improved readiness rates for critical equipment.

These programs boost workforce morale, encourage knowledge sharing, and improve retention by investing in employee development.

Leveraging Advanced Analytics and Artificial Intelligence

As we seek to reimagine the OIB, automation and advanced analytics play pivotal roles in enhancing efficiency and decision-making.

The Army must transform into a data- centric enterprise, leveraging advanced analytics and artificial intelligence, or A3I, to streamline processes, maximize resources, and implement new tactics, techniques, and procedures.

A3I allows our OIB artisans to take initiative and leverage new technologies to solve and improve their processes. For example, predictive analytics can forecast equipment failures before they occur, allowing for proactive maintenance that minimizes downtime and extends the lifespan of critical assets. This capability not only enhances operational readiness but also reduces costs associated with unplanned repairs.

To improve visibility and understanding of the Army’s fleet readiness posture and complex supply chain, the sustainment community developed the game-changing platform Weapons System 360. The tool provides a real-time, end-to-end view of the board, reducing the risk of failure during operations.

A Red River Army Depot employee welds inside a Bradley Fighting Vehicle hull as part of the depot’s mission to sustain Army readiness. Red River Army Depot is a full scale industrial complex engaged in the remanufacture and refurbishment of light, medium, heavy, and combat vehicles, including the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, as a vital part of the Organic Industrial Base. (U.S. Army photo by Adrienne Brown)

Building a digital environment and a data-focused culture is essential to modernizing Army sustainment and connecting industrial activity to combat power, especially as the OIB’s activities extend outside traditional facility boundaries. We are leveraging the expeditionary capability of our OIB, with 600 to 1,000 artisans working outside of their duty stations, overseas, and in unit motor pools at any given time. These professionals are bringing their technical expertise to help service members at the point of need and expediting the return of Army equipment to the fight.

Pairing with this, the Operational Readiness Program (ORP) proactively embeds maintenance teams from the OIB directly with tactical units preparing for deployment. These OIB fly-away teams provide on-site expertise, facilitate targeted fleet vehicle exchange, and teach skills to keep equipment running reliably, empowering our soldiers to attain and sustain operational readiness throughout their deployment cycle. Artificial intelligence and machine learning tools assist sustainment leaders in balancing priorities and resources across formations, allowing proactive supply chain management to support deployment readiness.

Continuous Transformation under AMC

AMC has implemented several initiatives aimed at driving continuous transformation. These include establishing cross-functional teams focused on identifying and implementing best practices across our enterprise workforce. By encouraging collaboration and knowledge sharing, these teams help to break down silos and promote a more integrated approach to operations.

Recently, we established data leaders in each headquarters staff section responsible for integrating artificial intelligence tools into daily operations, increasing data literacy across the force and enabling independent automation and process improvements.

Future Outlook

AMC will continue to drive advancements in workforce development and OIB optimization to address emerging technologies such as additive manufacturing and artificial intelligence, and to counter evolving global security threats. This transformation represents one of the most significant changes in Army sustainment since World War II. By focusing on targeted skills development and technology integration, AMC positions the Army to meet future operational demands effectively. Reimagining the OIB and equipping the civilian workforce with essential technical skills are vital to sustaining Army readiness and resilience. By investing in training programs, embracing automation, and fostering a culture of continuous transformation, AMC ensures that our workforce is prepared for the challenges of the future. As the Army evolves, our commitment to empowering civilian personnel will play a vital role in achieving success in an increasingly complex operational environment.