United States Army Ordnance Corps Association

United States Army Ordnance Corps Association
Name	United States Army Ordnance Corps Association
Founded	1921
Location	Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia, United States
Focus	Support for the United States Army Ordnance Corps
Website	https://www.usaoca.org/

United States Army Ordnance Corps Association. The United States Army Ordnance Corps Association is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the soldiers, civilians, and families of the United States Army Ordnance Corps. Established in the aftermath of World War I, it fosters camaraderie, preserves the history of the Ordnance Corps, and provides educational and charitable assistance. The association operates closely with the United States Army Ordnance School and the Chief of Ordnance at Fort Gregg-Adams.

History

The association was founded in 1921 by a group of Ordnance Corps officers and veterans, including prominent leaders from World War I. Its early formation was influenced by the rapid technological advancements in artillery, small arms, and military vehicles witnessed during that conflict. Throughout its existence, it has supported the corps through major conflicts including World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Global War on Terrorism. Key historical moments include its support for the establishment of the Ordnance Museum and its role in commemorating significant events like the Battle of the Bulge, where ordnance support was critical. The association's headquarters have been located at various United States Army posts, following the Ordnance Corps to its current home at Fort Gregg-Adams.

Mission and activities

The primary mission is to advocate for and sustain the esprit de corps of the Ordnance Corps community. Core activities include organizing professional development events, historical commemorations, and annual reunions such as the Ordnance Corps Hall of Fame induction ceremony. The association actively supports soldier and family programs, including scholarships for children of corps members and emergency relief funds. It also sponsors competitions like the Best Warrior Competition and facilitates networking between active-duty personnel, Department of the Army civilians, retirees, and industry partners from organizations like General Dynamics and BAE Systems.

Organization and membership

The association is governed by a board of directors, which includes senior retired Ordnance Corps officers, the current Chief of Ordnance, and representatives from the Ordnance School. Membership is open to all individuals who have served or are serving in the United States Army Ordnance Corps, including United States Army Reserve and Army National Guard components, as well as Department of Defense civilians and corporate supporters. Local chapters, often based near major installations like Fort Bragg and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, provide regional engagement. The Ordnance Corps Regimental Association operates in close parallel, focusing on active-duty initiatives.

Publications and communications

The association publishes the quarterly magazine *Ordnance*, which features articles on corps history, technological developments, and member profiles. It maintains an active online presence through its website and social media channels to disseminate news, event information, and historical content. Regular communications include newsletters detailing the activities of the Ordnance School, updates from Fort Gregg-Adams, and profiles of award recipients. Historical works and memoirs, often highlighting contributions from figures like Brigadier General Henry L. Larsen, are also promoted through its networks.

Awards and recognition programs

The association administers and funds several prestigious awards to recognize excellence within the Ordnance Corps. These include the Ordnance Corps Hall of Fame, the Distinguished Service to the Ordnance Corps Award, and the Honorary Ordnance Member designation. It also sponsors awards for outstanding junior enlisted soldiers, NCOs, and officers, often presented during ceremonies at the United States Army Ordnance Museum or the Ordnance School. These programs honor contributions ranging from battlefield innovation in conflicts like the Iraq War to lifelong career service and support.

Affiliated entities and partnerships

The association maintains a close, synergistic relationship with official United States Army entities, primarily the Ordnance Corps Regiment and the United States Army Ordnance School at Fort Gregg-Adams. It partners with the Ordnance Corps Museum Foundation for historical preservation. Key corporate and institutional partners include defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon Technologies, and Northrop Grumman, as well as veteran service organizations such as the Association of the United States Army and the Military Officers Association of America. These partnerships support symposiums, technology demonstrations, and scholarship endowments.

Category:United States Army associations Category:Organizations based in Virginia Category:1921 establishments in the United States