Congressman Mike Rogers plans to discuss finding ways to help maintain a steady workload at the Anniston Army Depot when he meets later today with General Martin Dempsey, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the nation’s highest ranking military officer.

Rogers said prior to the meeting, “As the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan come to an end, our military must develop new national defense strategies to meet future threats. Especially in this challenging budget environment, I firmly believe we must maintain a strong military industrial base that is critical to our military readiness and economy, starting with the Anniston Army Depot.”

In previous weeks, Rogers has discussed the Depot with General Raymond Odierno, the Army Chief of Staff; General Dennis Via, Commanding General, Army Materiel Command; and Major General Michael Terry, Commanding General, U.S. Army TACOM.

Late last month, Rogers wrote the Army requesting information on pending Foreign Military Sales (FMS). Some work from FMS cases can be performed at the Depot and could help stabilize the facility’s workload over a number of years, a point Rogers plans to emphasize with Dempsey. Rogers says he plans to continue to work with the community to identify opportunities to bring additional workload to the Depot.

“The entire Depot workforce has performed a tremendous service to the warfighter and our nation throughout the war effort. Our community has been fighting tirelessly to protect and strengthen the Depot and all of its workers, and will continue to do so,” Rogers added.

Rogers is the Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces.
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