Washington, DC – Amid reports of U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan lacking sufficient protective vehicle armor, U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today urged the Army to increase the production of “Armor Survivability Kits” at the Sierra Army Depot in Herlong, California.  

“In light of the recent concerns about a shortage of vehicle armor, I understand that the Sierra Army Depot has the ability to enhance production from its current capacity and can produce up to 150 kits per week. If so, it makes sense to me that the Army utilize Sierra Army Depot for increased production given the clear needs that exist in Iraq and Afghanistan,” Senator Feinstein wrote in a letter to Francis Harvey, Secretary of the Army.

The Sierra Army Depot in Herlong has already completed several orders for vehicle armor and expects to begin producing an order of 625 kits later this month. The most recent order is to be completed by March 2005 at a rate of 50 kits per week, though depot officials believe they can produce 150 kits per week.

Attached is a copy of Senator Feinstein’s letter to the Secretary of the Army:

December 21, 2004

The Honorable Francis Harvey
Secretary of the Army
101 Army Pentagon
Washington, DC 20310-0101

Dear Secretary Harvey:

I am writing to inquire about efforts by the Army to increase the production of vehicles fitted with “Armor Survivability Kits” in order to better protect our soldiers currently engaged in theater operations throughout Iraq and Afghanistan. According to a Washington Post article “Army Repair Posts Scramble to Keep the Troops Equipped,” published on December 13, 2004, there are currently just five depots nationwide responding to these equipment needs.

Sierra Army Depot is one of the depots installing these kits. I was recently informed that the Depot located in Herlong, California has been tasked with producing 625 four-door kits starting later this month. In light of the recent concerns about a shortage of vehicle armor, I understand that the Sierra Army Depot has the ability to enhance production from its current capacity and can produce up to 150 kits per week. If so, it makes sense to me that the Army utilize Sierra Army Depot for increased production given the clear needs that exist in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Finally, I am also interested in knowing how many Army vehicles in Iraq and Afghanistan currently require additional armor and when you expect to complete this undertaking. Additionally, I would like to know of any barriers that might be eliminated in order to expedite the installation process.

Thank you for your consideration of this request and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

 

Dianne Feinstein
United States Senator

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