When we consider the AMC or U.S. Army Materiel Command, we realize this is one of the more important commands in the United States Army.
Why do I say that?
Because without AMC, our Army would not be supplied with everything they need to perform their missions. The U.S. Army Materiel Command finds manufacturers and suppliers for everything from the food that is eaten to the ammunition fired.
AMC is involved with research and development of new technologies, global distribution, foreign military sales and logistics. Army Materiel Command is one of the largest Army commands, and one that is needed greatly.
In today’s post, I am going to provide you with 13 cool facts about the U.S. Army Materiel Command (AMC). And, before I move further, for those who are spelling experts, I know that Materiel is spelled wrong. Why this was when this command was created, I do not know. I would say that the Army official who named it was not good at spelling. And, when I researched it closer, materiel comes from the French meaning of military supplies.
If you have any added facts or questions, you can post them in the comment area at the end of this post. Now, here are the facts:
1: 1962
The U.S. Army Materiel Command was established in May of 1962. The first Commander was the man who implemented a study of the creation of AMC. That was Lieutenant General Frank Besson Jr.
2: Facebook
AMC is on Facebook. You can follow it here.
3: 50 Years At…
For the first 50 years of the U.S. Army Materiel Command, the headquarters was located at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
4: Twitter
You can follow and read AMC tweets by following their Twitter page here.
5: Relocation
During the Base Realignment and Closure in 2005, the decision was made to relocate the U.S. Army Materiel Command. The headquarters were moved from Fort Belvoir to Redstone Arsenal near Huntsville, Alabama in 2006.
6: Locations
The U.S. Army Materiel Command has over 140 locations all around the world. They have locations all throughout the United States, along with locations in:
- Germany
- Italy
- South Korea
- Japan
- Afghanistan
- Puerto Rico
- Honduras
- Iraq
- Qatar
- Kuwait
- Karajalein
7: YouTube
AMC does put together some videos. You may want to follow their YouTube page here.
8: Large Employer
The United States Army Materiel Command is one of the largest employers from all Army commands. It is estimated that AMC employs 60,000+ people, both military and civilian all across their vast network.
9: Motto
The U.S. Army Materiel Command’s motto completely givess people an understanding of the mission:
If a soldier shoots it, drives it, flies it, wears it, communicates with it, or eats it – AMC provides it.
10: Flickr
Yes, AMC also has a Flickr page. You can view their pictures by following this link.
11: AMC’s Leaders and Staff
The U.S. Army Materiel Command has to have highly efficient leadership and staff to keep it working like a finely tuned machine. These are the leaders and staff:
- Commanding General: Since August 7th, 2012, General Dennis Via has held this position.
- Command Sergeant Major: Command Sergeant Major James Sims has held this position since December 12th, 2013.
- Deputy Commanding General and Commander of Redstone Arsenal: Since April 10th, 2015, Lieutenant General Larry Wyche has held these positions.
- Executive Deputy to the Commanding General: This civilian position has been held by Ms. Lisha Adams since August 9th, 2015.
- Deputy Chief of Staff: Since January 10th, 2014, Major General Edward Daly has held this spot.
- AMC Chief Warrant Officer: CW5 Darren Cook holds this important position.
12: Best Warrior
Every year, AMC has what is called, the Best Warrior Competition. This competition recognizes soldiers who represent the Force of the Future, embody the Army Warrior ethos and who show a strong commitment to Army values.
The 2016 events include:
- Command Sergeant’s Major Board Appearance
- Weigh-In and Army Physical Fitness Test
- Written Exam and Essay
- Warrior Tasks and Battle Drills
- Weapons Range
- and a Mystery Event
This is a great way for soldiers to show their stuff! The 2015 recognition goes to:
- NCO of the year – Staff Sergeant Jeremy Baharloui
- Soldier of the year – Specialist Adam Walton
13: Helping Small Business
The U.S. Army Materiel Command has a strong mission that a large portion of the military contracts are awarded to small businesses. There are 2 policies recognizing this:
- National Policy (FAR 19.201): “It is the policy of the Government to provide maximum practicable opportunities in its acquisitions to small business……”
- DOD Policy (DoDD 4205.1): “It is DoD policy that a fair proportion of DoD total purchases, contracts, subcontracts and other agreements………be placed with small business concerns……”
These priority small businesses are broke down even further:
- Small disadvantaged business
- Women owned small business
- HUBZone small business
- Service disabled veteran owned small business
- Historically black colleges, universities and minority institutions.
In the 2012 year look, AMC gave 20% + of the business to small businesses.
To understand more on this subject, I am installing a PDF that is somewhat dated, but can provide an idea and who you can contact for small business contracts through AMC.
You can view that PDF at this link.
And this link explains how to do business with AMC.
Final Thoughts
Just about anything used within the Army was touched in one form or another by the U.S. Army Materiel Command.
What are your thoughts? We would love to hear from those of you who worked under this command, or still do.
Please tell us more about AMC and anything you think would be helpful for readers of Part Time Commander.
Thank you to all who serve with AMC and thanks for visiting.
Chuck Holmes
Former Army Major (resigned)
Publisher, Part-Time-Commander.com
Email: mrchuckholmes@gmail.com
Suggested Resources
Our Books & Training Courses
Recommended Reading List