A team at the U.S. Army's Letterkenny Munitions Center (LEMC) in Pennsylvania started repairing electric cables and has reduced turnaround time and saved money.

LEMC decided in 2013 to repair wiring for Army Tactical Missile Systems, Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems, and the test equipment for both missile systems. The ATACMS are surface-to-surface missiles and were launched in combat in Iraq. GMLRS is the next generation of the MLRS that launches a series of small missiles, which have pinpoint accuracy.

Chad Reams uses a braiding machine to put the final layer of shielding on a cable assembly. Credit: Natasia Kenosky/Letterkenny Munitions Center.LEMC started the cable maintenance project with test equipment and a small workbench. The repair team also used technology to track repairs, parts and research data. Previously, repair cables used in both the MLRS and its testing equipment were sent away for repair.

The main interface cables for the ATACMS and GMLRS comprise the team's largest workload. The testing and inspection of test set cables for the Missile Common Test Device is expected to grow.

The team's vision is to become the centralized location for all cable, wire harness, and test equipment repair for LEMC. The team plans to use process improvement concepts and tools to rid the shop of antiquated, unnecessary equipment and to set up the shop in the most effective and efficient layout.

In March 2016 then-Acting Secretary of the Army Patrick J. Murphy designated LEMC as the Army's Center of Industrial and Technical Excellence for Army Tactical Missile Systems, Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems and Low-Cost, Reduced-Range, Practice-Rocket Missile Maintenance.