A new process to render honors

A bugle sounds taps on a cold, windy Michigan day while four American Legion members perform funeral honors. With each boom from the firing party, family members remember their loved ones. Across town, next to the old school, a single tank stands, reminding us of the strength of this nation and those who served and sacrificed for America.

The U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) team manages the Army’s ground-equipment supply chain, which includes more than 60% of the Army’s total equipment. If a soldier shoots it, drives it, or wears it, TACOM sustains it.

Our umbrella of responsibility includes the Army Donations Program Office (ADPO), which we’ve had the privilege of managing for many years. ADPO has a staff of 11 that manages items on loan to veterans service organizations (VSOs), including more than 10,000 American Legion posts. It’s an honor to be able to support post units with items such as ceremonial rifles and other static displays, which help preserve tradition and allow the public to experience a bit of tangible military history.

Due to the nature of the program as defined by law, display items are property of the Army and are on loan to VSOs through conditional deed-of-gift agreements. ADPO manages the accountability and tracking of items on loan. Within the past year our staff has moved the accountability process entirely online, which has increased accountability, made it easier for VSO customers to use and ensures compliance with federal law and regulations.

The American Legion represents more than 50% of our customer base. We rely on local commanders and staff when it comes to updating records. Items on loan must be accounted for by law. The new online certification process makes that easy.

You will receive an email from ADPO with a link and code to start the inventory process. You have 30 days from the email to comply; respond as quickly as possible.

For your convenience, some fields will autopopulate with your specific information. Certify only the equipment currently in your possession and address any discrepancies. Indicate if you require replacement rifles or need to return equipment. You’ll receive a certification email three years from the last rifle inventory received, or annually on the anniversary date of the last inventory for a static display.

If your organization experiences a loss or theft of a rifle or damage to any other display, a police report must be filed and then submitted to ADPO within 24 hours of the noted loss or theft.

I consider all our VSOs, specifically The American Legion, vital leaders in our local communities. Thank you for your service to our nation and our Army.

Maj. Gen. Darren L. Werner is commanding general of U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command.

To obtain ceremonial display items for your post

• Blank ammunition can be requested through the Army’s Joint Munitions Command, HQ Joint Munitions Command, Attn: AMSJM-MLD 2695 Rodman Ave., Rock Island, IL 61299-6000, (877) 233-2515 or usarmy.ria.jmc.mbx.carq@army.mil.

• New or replacement rifle requests may take up to 120 days for processing once all paperwork has been approved. The current static waiting list is 398, dating to 2010. Assets become available only when an organization goes defunct. Currently there are no unassigned assets to issue. Receiving organizations are responsible for all costs associated with demilitarization, transportation, display pad or pedestal, and equipment maintenance.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

(586) 282-9861 usarmy.detroit.tacom.mbx.ilscdonations@army.mil www.tacom.army.mil/ilsc/donations