During World War II, the term “Arsenal of Democracy” became synonymous with Michigan. The government charged the auto companies with building 75 percent of all aircraft engines and nearly 80 percent of all tanks and tank parts for the war effort. Once again, Michigan is tapping into its manufacturing, engineering and R&D talent to meet defense industry needs and reclaim the title of “Arsenal of Democracy”. From ground vehicles to advanced energy storage to robotics, Michigan’s industrial and R&D communities are well positioned to provide solutions to safeguard the lives of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines.
In addition to its vehicle manufacturing sector, Michigan is home to thousands of businesses that contribute to a strong homeland defense, including engineering firms, tool and die shops, manufacturing, robotics, aerospace, electronics, lightweight composites and other firms.
Key Defense Partners are “Right Next Door”
The location of key defense and ground vehicle facilities put Michigan companies at the epicenter in working with the Armed forces in areas like ground vehicles, robotics, advanced energy storage and lightweight materials.
Michigan is the headquarters for:
U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command (TACOM LCMC)
Headquartered at the Detroit Arsenal in Warren, TACOM LCMC manages a diverse array of products ranging from combat and tactical wheeled vehicles to fuel cells and weapon systems. The Ground Vehicle Center of Excellence is operated by TACOM LCMC.
U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC)
TARDEC’s top priority is to deliver the most advanced technology solutions for improving the DoD’s entire ground vehicle fleet. TARDEC is the focal point for advanced ground vehicle solutions.
The National Automotive Center (NAC)
Part of TARDEC, the NAC is the military’s focal point for collaborative ground vehicle research and development (R&D).
Joint Center for Robotics (JCR)
In partnership with industry, academia and other government agencies, JCR works to advance the best in robotic technologies in the interest of national security.
- Program Executive Office Combat Service & Combat Service Support’s (PEO CS&CSS)
PEO CS&CSS ‘s focus is to be prepared for changes in threat, technology, and mission while balancing the “Iron Triangle” of Protection – Payload – and Performance. Their four project managers -- PM Tactical Vehicles, PM Force Projection, PM Joint Combat Support Systems, and PM Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles -- strive to provide the right product, at the right time, from the right source, at the right price.
- Program Executive Office Ground Combat Systems (PEO GCS)
PEO GCS manages the development, acquisition, testing, system integration, product improvement, and fielding of ground combat vehicle systems such as the Abrams Tank, the Bradley family of vehicles, the Paladin, the Stryker family of vehicles, 155 and 105 millimeter Howitzer towed artillery cannons and Joint Robotics systems.
Military Facilities Located in Michigan
Michigan hosts several important bases and military facilities, including: Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Battle Creek Federal Center, 110th Fighter Wing: Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center, Fort Custer Training Center, Michigan Army National Guard, and Selfridge Air National Guard Base.
