Monthly newsletter...January 2012 issue.

1. S ALVO
“Service to the Line, On the Line, On Time”
Vol. 12, No. 1 U.S. Army Watervliet Arsenal, Watervliet, NY Jan. 31, 2012
FBI SWAT Team
converges on the Arsenal...
for training
Photo by John B. Snyder
Commander’s Corner FBI Training $18M Contract History
Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5

2. Page 2 Salvo Jan. 31, 2012
Commander’s
Corner
As we enter each new year, diversity observances
such as Martin Luther King’s Birthday, Black His-
tory Month, and Women’s History Month mark our
calendars as reminders of what has made our Nation
and our Army great.
The underlining tone of these observances, and
what sets aside our Nation from any other country,
is our fundamental values of “treating everyone with Photo by John B. Snyder
dignity and respect.” These values, which have The Arsenal Commander Col. Mark F. Migaleddi takes a moment after
become our strengths, have not come without great giving his remarks to hundreds of legionnaires to thank the New
debate and sometimes great conflict within our com- York American Legion Department Adjutant Richard Pedro for his as-
sistance in allowing Migaleddi to speak during the Legion’s Town Hall
munities and our states. meeting on Jan. 29, 2012.
But as many of you know, the Arsenal has been
out in front of our Nation and our Army in regards
to acceptance of those who come from diverse back- observances with a certain ethnicity or culture. After
grounds. Since our founding days in 1813, women, all, these events are much greater than any one indi-
as well as children, were a significant part of our vidual, race, religion, or sex.
workforce. It would not be until the 1970s, howev- So, please join me this year by not just honoring
er, when our Army integrated women into the force. the spirit and the intent that each diversity event of-
Since the 1800s, African-Americans were also fers, but by also living and demonstrating each day
part of our workforce even though they would not be our great acceptance of others regardless of his or
integrated into the Army until July 26, 1948. her background. And by the way, we have a great
But as we have recently seen in other countries, Diversity Day event planned for February 16th. So,
these fundamental beliefs are perishable if we do not mark your calendars and join us in honoring the men
exercise them every day. Although the Arsenal has and women who have made our Arsenal great.
historically shown great tolerance and acceptance in
having a diverse workforce, I don’t take it for granted
that will always be the case.
Treating people with dignity and respect tran- Mark F. Migaleddi
scends annual observances or a mark on the calendar, Commanding
and it should mean more to us than just identifying Manufacturer 6
Commander, Col. Mark F. Migaleddi The Arsenal Salvo is an authorized monthly publication for members of the Department
Public Affairs Officer, John B. Snyder of Defense. Contents of the Salvo are not necessarily the official views of, or an endorse-
Editor, John B. Snyder ment by the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Army, or
Photographer: John B. Snyder
the Watervliet Arsenal.
News may be submitted for publication by sending articles to Public Affairs Officer,
1 Buffington Street, Bldg. 10, Watervliet, NY 12189, or stop by office #102, Bldg 10,
Watervliet Arsenal. The editor may also be reached at (518) 266-5055 or by e-mail:
john.b.snyder.civ@mail.mil. The editor reserves the right to edit all information submitted
for publication.

3. Page 3 Salvo Jan. 31, 2012
FBI converges on the Arsenal...for training
Photo by John B. Snyder
FBI SWAT team members enter a room and break out into right and left formations. At all times, they had 360-degree situational
awareness. Throughout the day, the FBI integrated several Arsenal law enforcement personnel into their training scenarios.
By John B. Snyder But for whatever reason why the Arsenal was
selected, the Arsenal commander said he was very
Ten agents from the FBI's Albany SWAT team pleased to host the FBI.
responded to a simulated attack in January by an "This is a great opportunity for us to develop
active-shooter who was attempting to perform a a better relationship with an organization that we
terrorist act. This simulated attack was part of a may someday need to call upon," said Col. Mark F.
monthly exercise conducted by the New York-area Migaleddi, the Arsenal commander. "It is important
agents and was the first time the FBI had conducted that we learn from the FBI, who by the way are the
this type of training at the Watervliet Arsenal. experts in this area, so that we may improve our tac-
tics, techniques, and procedures to how we respond
"Because we have numerous types of situations
to a crisis situation."
that we call mission sets, we must conduct an exer-
The Arsenal was more than a host, it also partici-
cise at least four times a month in order to remain
pated in the training.
proficient," said Mark Shelhamer, lead agent. "For Arsenal Emergency Services Chief Joe Claus
today's exercise, we rehearsed the basics of clearing said that he had eight of his security officers join the
hallways and rooms, which allowed us to train on training.
our basic tactics, techniques, and procedures that we "It is one thing to observe the FBI, but something
can apply to multiple crisis situations." magical happens when you participate with the FBI
Shelhamer said he selected the Arsenal's site for in their training," Claus said. "The exercise was truly
this training due to an earlier active-shooter exercise the varsity level of crisis response training and we
the Arsenal security team had conducted last Au- received the training at no cost. It truly was a win-
gust. win situation."
"I was an evaluator during the Arsenal's exercise Claus said the key take away is a continuing
and thought that the Arsenal would provide a great commitment from the Arsenal to improve communi-
opportunity for training due to its diverse infrastruc- cations and response times with supporting agencies
ture," Shelhamer said. from outside the Arsenal fence line.

4. Page 4 Salvo Jan. 31, 2012
Arsenal secures $18M cannon contract
By John B. Snyder for political stability and economic progress in the
Middle East.
These sales will contribute to Egypt’s goal to up-
The Arsenal announced this month that it received date its military capability while further enhancing
an $18 million contract to manufacture more than 60 interoperability between Egypt, the U.S., and other al-
M256, 120mm-smoothbore cannons for the Egyptian lies. The proposed sale of this equipment and support
army as part of the U.S. State Department’s Foreign will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
Military Sales program. Since August, the Arsenal has secured six multimil-
“This multimillion dollar order will add to our lion-dollar contracts totaling more than $64 million of
current workload more than new work.
35,000 hours of production In August, the Arsenal re-
time,” said Ray Gaston, direc- ceived an Army contract for
tor of production planning and $9.5 million for a new light-
control. weight 60mm mortar system.
Because of the long lead The Arsenal closed out the
time required to procure the fiscal year in September with a
forgings for the tubes and the $12.5 million contract to man-
time required to put in place ufacture howitzer tubes and
new tooling and fixtures, Gas- subassemblies for the Army’s
ton said he expects to start the lightweight 155mm howitzer,
production of the 120mm can- the M777. In October, the
nons in early 2013. Arsenal was awarded a $22
According to Jim Vautrin, million contract for a breech
the Arsenal’s coproduction upgrade kit for the 105mm
howitzer system. And last
program manager, what the
month, the Arsenal received a
coproduction mission with the
$4.1 million contract for M137
Egyptian military has meant
105mm cannons and M20
for the Arsenal since the late
breech blocks for the Army’s
1980s is more than $300 mil-
TACOM Life Cycle Manage-
lion of consistent, reliable ment Command’s sustainment
business. program.
Under the coproduction The Watervliet Arsenal is
program, the Arsenal shares an Army-owned and -operated
the production requirement for manufacturing facility and is
tank cannons for each produc- the oldest, continuously active
tion phase, Vautrin said. In Photo by John B. Snyder arsenal in the United States
essence, if Egypt produces 60 Mat Bates, an Arsenal machine tool operator who has been having begun operations dur-
cannons for a production phase workingsmoothbore barrelabout 18 months,for a DoD cus- ing the War of 1812.
120mm
at the Arsenal for
in January 2012
works on a
or order, then the Arsenal will tomer. The machine Bates is using is a Heller mill. Today’s Arsenal is relied
also produce 60 cannons. upon by U.S. and foreign mili-
According to a Department of Defense news re- taries to produce the most advanced, high tech, high
lease, these types of sales contribute to the foreign powered weaponry for cannon, howitzer, and mortar
policy and national security of the United States by systems. This National Historic Registered Landmark
helping to improve the security of a friendly country has an annual economic benefit to the local commu-
that has been and continues to be an important force nity in excess of $100 million.

5. Page 5 Salvo Jan. 31, 2012
A gun that saved lives
In this historic U.S. Coast Guard photo, a ship’s crew is being extracted after a beaching in rough seas. The line the sailor is traveling on was
made possible by a Lyle Gun. In the inset photo, the Antique Cannon Superstore shows a Lyle Gun with a Watervliet Arsenal stamping.
By Mark Koziol unique styled cannon.
Arsenal Museum •By 1878...The Lifesaving Stations were organized for-
mally into a department of the U. S. Treasury Department
When guiding a group through a tour of the Arsenal
called the Life Saving Service.
Museum, I sometimes hear from the visitors “what is that •By 1879...The U. S. government adopted the use of the
thing?” Nestled amongst the large 20th century guns on Lyle Gun. The gun’s Statistics:
display there is a small, yet powerful two-foot long bronze
cannon. For decades, the Lyle Gun was used by the U.S. -Bronze Gun: 2 feet long with a 2.5 inch bore
Life Saving Service to rescue hundreds of stranded sailors -Firing range: up to 700 feet using a black powder
when their vessels ran aground. charge
A time line of the evolution of the Life Saving Service -Average Weight: 180 pounds : gun, 112 pounds;
follows: carriage, 70 pounds
•1848...The Massachusetts Humane Society received -Projectile: 15 and 20 pounds
Congressional money to erect Lifesaving Stations along the -Average cost of gun: $88.40 or $1985.00 in
Massachusetts coastline. Stations were manned by local 2010 dollars
volunteers using large rescue boats rowed out to sea to the
stranded vessel. After years of service, the volunteer group To fire the Lyle Gun one would insert a bag of black
proved inefficient. powder into the cannon followed by the iron bolt projec-
•1854...Money appropriated by Congress to have the tile. The eye loop on one end allowed for the tying of a
Lifesaving Stations manned with a paid staff consisting of long line of waterproof linen line. Once fired, the projectile
a full-time keeper and two superintendents per lifesaving and line would target the ship’s rigging so the sailors could
station. haul in progressively stronger lines. Once secured, the
•1871...Better equipment was purchased and each station line provided for a breeches buoy to be used to rescue the
became manned with six paid rescuers. passengers. Remember, often times this was done during
•1874 - 1875...Life Saving Stations were created up and intense storms.
down the Atlantic coastline from Maine to Texas, as well as The Lyle Gun saw action from the 1870s until the
the five Great Lakes. 1950s. According to records, the gun was manufactured by
•In 1877...Superintendent Summer Kimball of the U.S. 30 different companies. Did the Watervliet Arsenal manu-
Life Saving Service asked the Army Board of Ordnance to facture the cannons? As of now, we do not have a defini-
develop a better rescue device. Army Capt. David A. Lyle tive answer. At the Arsenal Museum, the Lyle Gun label
was assigned the task. Experiments led to development of a tells the visitors that the guns were relined at the Arsenal.

6. Page 6 Salvo Jan. 31, 2012
Cdr tells the Arsenal story to hundreds
of New York State American Legion leaders
Arsenal Commander Col. Mark F. Migaleddi
had the rare opportunity to address the New
York State American Legion’s leadership at
their Mid-Winter Conference on Jan. 29, 2012.
The commander spoke of the Arsenal’s history
and purpose to more than 250 of the Legion’s
members in hopes that they will in turn tell the
Arsenal story. Nevertheless, the commander also
challenged the Legion to join with the Arsenal
in communities to better educate and motivate
local citizens to provide continued support to
our warfighters, to our Veterans, and to the
Watervliet Arsenal.
Arsenal Commander Col. Mark F. Migaleddi and NYS
American Legion Department Commander W. Michael
Bowen meet prior to the start of the Legion’s Town Hall.
Photos by John B. Snyder

7. Page 7 Salvo Jan. 31, 2012
Who said vaudeville
is dead?
By John B. Snyder
The arsenal chief of staff stopped in my office one
Monday in January to tell me that over the course of
the next two weeks I would be involved in more than
40 hours of Value Stream Analysis. For those of you
who know me, you know that I worked every angle with
Lauren Smith to get out of this requirement as I saw that
this effort did not directly effect my public affairs opera- Photo by John B. Snyder
tions. Sales was never my strong point as evidenced Arsenal Commander Col. Mark F. Migaleddi starts off the Value
Stream Analysis for Business Development by explaining his intent
by Smith not buying any one of my excuses of why I for the analysis to his core VSA team.
should not attend.
During my first two-hour session, which was led by
During the course of the next seven days, I was wit-
our Deputy Commander Ed McCarthy, I learned that
ness to some of the best song and dance routines since
over the course of the next two weeks our team would
the vaudeville days of the 1920s.
develop a strategy to expand our workload by more than
Jake Peart, the Arsenal’s beloved chief of produc-
70 percent. When I heard that, my heart sank because
tion control and program management, took much of the
I realized that if it was that easy to develop a strategy
heat and focus of this VSA because it is his team that
in two weeks then it would have been done before. So,
currently has established relationships with our DoD
I saw this as an enduring requirement. In essence, this
customers. So, if the Arsenal increases the amount of
team would continue to assemble long after these initial
two weeks. orders coming in, then Jake’s team will have to become
After the second session, I’m sure the old adage of more efficient to handle this surge in requests for quotes.
“Be careful what you asked for,” probably sunk in with There is a reason why Jake always keeps his shoes
the deputy commander as I leveraged by “two-cents” shined because all eyes were on him as he tapped
worth of input into about $1.02. Remember, attending danced around the deputy commander’s grilling. At
these sessions was not my idea. I challenged everything times, Jake’s performance brought back memories of
from the scope for this activity to the targeted end state. vaudeville performers such as The Three Stooges and
Nevertheless, by the fourth session the light in my Jack Benny. And, the only things lighter than Jake be-
head went from about 4 watts to 13 watts. Still dim, but ing on his toes were Jake’s words that flowed as honey
getting a little brighter. from his lips. By the way, I bought two used cars from
What I was starting to realize is that although my first Jake before the VSA ended.
thoughts were that participating in this VSA did not di- But Jake kept his composure and by the third day of
rectly effect my current public affairs operation ─ and it analyzing Jake’s operations, the VSA team found effi-
doesn’t ─ I started to see what the possibilities might be ciencies that Jake could wring out of his team of six.
if in fact we did achieved a 70 percent increase in work- The only words that Jake could muster after his
load based upon our work. bruising week-long performance were, “The VSA was
A greater workload means that we will have signifi- extremely challenging but we had very positive results.”
cantly more orders and new product lines and therefore, Not much from Jake, but given his performance that
our workforce must grow to handle the additional work. would rival anything on Broadway it was understand-
All of this means more story opportunities for me to tell. able that he was simply tapped out.
More stories for me to tell means that my workload will Although I’m still warming up to this VSA process,
increase. And, as Installation Manager Joe Turcotte told suffice it to say that I took this for the team as an oppor-
me, it may mean more bodies in the public affairs of- tunity cost, an investment if you will, to help ensure the
fice to handle the additional workload. Yes, a potential long-term viability of the Arsenal, as well as to set the
dynasty. conditions for a public affairs dynasty.

8. Page 8 Salvo Jan. 31, 2012
WINTER STORM
The extreme cold and heavy snowfall that accompany winter storms can be debilitating and danger-
ous. Winter storms can affect everyone, even those who usually experience mild winters. Heavy
snowfall can be blinding for drivers and dangerous for those it traps indoors. Winter storms may also
include high winds, sleet, freezing rain, frozen roads, power outages and dangerously cold tempera-
tures.
How to Prepare for a Winter Storm
• Be aware of the risk for severe winter weather in your area.
• Stay informed and know winter storm terminology:
○ Freezing rain—Rain that freezes when it hits the ground. Ice may coat roads, walkways,
trees and power lines.
○ Sleet—Rain that freezes into ice pellets before it reaches the ground. Sleet can cause mois-
ture on roads and walkways to freeze.
○ Winter storm watch—Weather conditions are favorable for development of a winter storm.
Stay tuned to radio or TV for more information and instructions.
○ Winter storm warning—A winter storm is occurring or will occur soon.
○ Blizzard warning—Considerable amounts of snow with sustained winds or frequent gusts up
to 35 mph are expected to prevail for at least three hours. Visibility is reduced to less than a quarter
mile.
○ Frost/freeze warning—Below-freezing temperatures are expected.
• Make sure your home is properly insulated.
• Caulk and weather strip doors and windows to keep out cold air.
• Insulate pipes to prevent freezing.
• Consider what to use for emergency heat in case the electricity goes out:
○ Fireplace with ample supply of wood
○ Small, well-vented camp stove with fuel
○ Portable space or kerosene heater (check with your fire department first)
• Understand the heating system in your home. Be aware that the most destructive home fires hap-
pen during winter weather due to improper use of heating devices.
• To prevent water damage from burst pipes, keep your home’s temperature above freezing, even if
you are away.
• Keep your car’s gas tank full to keep the fuel line from freezing and for emergency use.
• Make sure you have an adequate amount of winter clothing and blankets for your family.
• Get an emergency supply kit that includes rock salt, sand, snow shovels and other snow-removal
equipment, adequate winter clothing and batteries for radio and flashlights.

9. Page 9 Salvo Jan. 31, 2012
He’s back...
Ray Capers’ service in Kandahar,
Afghanistan, finally came to an
end in January as he completed
his combat zone tour. Ray’s
tour in Afghanistan began on
Aug. 5, 2011, where he served
as the Executive Assistant to
the Battalion Commander of the
4-401st Army Field Support
Brigade. Ray is one of the Ar-
senal’s computer assistants. Ray Capers receiving his Global War on Terror Award in January 2012 from
Lt. Col. Garry Bush, commander of the 4-401st AFSB. Photo provided by
Ray Capers.
Signs, signs, everywhere there is a sign...
One of folk singer Bob Dylan’s
greatest hits, The Times They
Are a-Changin, will soon ring true
at the Watervliet Arsenal. Ben-
jamin Dedjoe, the Arsenal’s elec-
trical engineer, is working hard to
bring in a new sign that will greet
folks as they drive in the gate.
This sign is a smaller version of
what is to come.
Photos by John B. Snyder

10. Page 10 Salvo Jan. 31, 2012
To gain an understanding of the history of African American women is to broaden our un-
derstanding of a people and the American nation. The Association for the Study of African
American Life and History dedicates the 2012 Annual Black History Theme to exploring Afri-
can American women’s roles in and contributions to the making of America. “In thinking about
this year’s theme of Black Women in American Culture and History, I began my research with
the Harlem Renaissance,” said Mr. Peter Hemmer, Defense Equal Opportunity Management
Institute Illustrator. “It was astounding reading about all of the great art, music, writing and
poetry that was created by African American women from that period of time. After narrowing
down those topics to only music and the birth of jazz, I stumbled across the William P. Got-
tlieb Jazz Photo Collection at the library of Congress. His portrait of Billie Holiday became my
inspiration for the artwork,” said Hemmer.

11. Page 11 Salvo Jan. 31, 2012
CPAC Corner
By Tina Pond
Civilian Recruitment Process Is Changing
Did you know that USA Staffing will be replacing RESUMIX at the Watervliet Arsenal on
31 March 2012?
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has made the decision to discontinue
RESUMIX and utilize a single hiring process and tool used by all components of DoD.
Over the next year, Army Civilian Personnel Advisory Centers will continue to transi-
tion from using RESUMIX to USA Staffing. During this transition period, each job an-
nouncement will have instructions to guide job seekers through the appropriate appli-
cation process.
USA Staffing is currently being used by other Federal agencies. You may already have
a resume in the USA Staffing database! Although RESUMIX and USA Staffing are auto-
mated recruitment tools, there are some major differences such as...
USA Staffing is scheduled for deployment to Watervliet CPAC’s servicing organiza-
tions on 31 March 2012. The Watervliet CPAC will hold several informational classes in
mid/late March 2012 for the workforce. These classes will guide you through the pro-
cess of creating your new resume as well as familiarize you with the USA Staffing tool.
Please look for upcoming CPAC Employee Bulletins - More to come on USA Staffing!
“Life is change. Growth is optional. Choose wisely.”
AAFES PX
Now has...
Arsenal-Branded Shirts

12. Page 12 Salvo Jan. 31, 2012
You are cordially invited to the
Watervliet Arsenal’s
2nd Annual Diversity Day
nd
Thursday, February 16, 2012
1130-1300 Hrs
WVA Keefe Hall – Bldg. 21 Post Cafeteria
Great Food! Music! Celebration!
Luncheon Includes:
Antipasto Style Salad Garlic Bread
Italian Wedding Soup Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti
Spumoni Dessert Iced Cranberry Spritzer
(Take-Out Allowed)
Tickets: $8.00
Get your tickets before Tuesday, Feb 14, 2012.
For tickets please contact:
 Patti Sears, Bldg. 10, Ext. 4170
 Adam Ford, Bldg. 20, Ext. 5065
 Julie Skolnick, Bldg. 25, Ext. 4415
 Faith Cuilla, Bldg. 24, Ext. 5386
 Michele Teal, Bldg. 40-1, Ext. 5714
 Barbara Ryan, Bldg. 40-2, Ext. 5802
 Christina Livolsi, Bldg. 40-2, Ext. 4700
 Maureen Keefe, Bldg. 115, Ext. 5296
-Martin Luther King Award will be presented at the morning WVA Town Hall –
~Let’s Celebrate Diversity!!~
Sponsored by the WVA Equal Employment Opportunity Office Special Emphasis Programs