u.s. army newsletter from the watervliet arsenal - november 2016

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S ALVO U.S. Army Watervliet Arsenal November 2016 Where are the Women? Other News Army Awards $8.5M contract to Watervliet Commander's Column Washington D.C. through the eyes of a child Veterans Day

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Page 1: U.S. Army newsletter from the Watervliet Arsenal - November 2016

SALVOU.S. Army Watervl iet Arsenal

November 2016

Where are the Women?

Other NewsArmy Awards $8.5M contract to WatervlietCommander's ColumnWashington D.C. through the eyes of a childVeterans Day

Page 2: U.S. Army newsletter from the Watervliet Arsenal - November 2016

But what we can control is everything within our fence line and I will tell you that those variables may be just as important as funding. Providing materiel to the Depart-ment of Defense and to allied militaries is many times a by-product of whether or not capability exists to manu-facture a high-quality part. If capability is available, is the cost prohibitive? And if the capability and cost are in line with expectations can the manufacturer deliver on time?

We control the answer to all of those questions when it comes to large caliber manufacturing, as well as for new product lines. But we can only answer those ques-tions when we work as a team. With the holiday season fast approaching, I ask you to do two things. One, have a safe and joy-ous holiday season and secondly, make every minute count while you are at work to ensure that we ship our products on time, even with a smaller workforce present for duty. One other note, the Combined

Federal Campaign packets are now available for every arsenal employee and holiday donation boxes have sprung up in our hallways, each are a sign that there remains work to do in our communities. Please be safe, while you enjoy some well-deserved time off with family and friends over the Holiday Season. Remember, everyone here is a valued member for the Watervliet Arsenal and the Army Family.

A lot has happened in the first four months of my com-mand. We have shipped out tens of millions of dollars of products to our troops, we have started a new apprentice class, and we had just participated in our largest commu-nity event of the year, the City of Albany Veterans Day parade. There was one other significant occurrence … we closed out the fiscal year 2016 with $126 million in sales and achieved an on-time delivery rate above 94 percent. But what is maybe just as impor-tant is that we did all of this safe-ly, as our safety rate once again exceeded AMC standards. Well done! As we enter FY 2017, we are looking pretty good in regards to funded work. I know that for many years you have seen work-load charts discussed during town hall meetings that often reflected a large unknown as to how much of our projected workload would get funded. Suffice it for me to say, funding has recently been more predictable, albeit still not at the levels I would like. And so, FY 2017 is looking good, but we have a lot more work to do for FY 2018. As many of you know, there are many external factors that drive our workload. Adequate funding for existing weapon systems and other defense requirements is prob-ably the main driver given that there are no new weapons programs scheduled in the near term. We can’t control that variable.

Page 2 Salvo Nov. 30, 2016

The Arsenal Salvo is an authorized monthly publication for members of the Department of Defense. Contents of the Salvo are not necessarily the official views of, or an endorsement by the U.S. Government, the Depart-ment of Defense, the Department of the Army, or 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: [email protected]. The editor reserves the right to edit all information submitted for publication.

Commander, Col. Joseph R. MorrowPublic Affairs Officer, John B. SnyderEditor, John B. SnyderPhotographer: John B. Snyder Arsenal Facebook Page @https://www.facebook.com/WatervlietArsenal?ref=hl

Colonel Joseph R. Morrow

Commander’s Corner

Photo by: John B. Snyder

Page 3: U.S. Army newsletter from the Watervliet Arsenal - November 2016

Page 3 Salvo Nov. 30, 2016

Story continues on page 4, “Paone”

By John B. Snyder

And then there was one ...female machinist

Ever since that hot summer in 1813 when the arsenal began shipping products to a young Army in what would become known as the War of 1812, women have toiled side-by-side their male counterparts in the arsenal produc-tion bays, packing flannel ammunition cartridges or running five-axis machines. Today, that storied history is at risk of becoming a foot-note in an arsenal history book. Women’s employment peaked here during World War II, when more than 3,000 women made up about 30 percent of the workforce. Women today are only 11 percent of the workforce, but it is their presence, or the lack of, on the production floors where the numbers may be most concern-ing. A former director of operations who remembers the days of when the arsenal workforce was measured in the thousands recently spoke about the value of women he had known on the arsenal’s production floors. Fred Clas, now 94, began his career at the arsenal during World War II. “Oh yeah, during World War II female machinists and machine tool operators were on par with their male counter-parts,” Clas said. “Women at one time performed in every manufacturing job from machinist to planning to quality assurance.”

What is interesting about those wartime years was that women were such a huge part of arsenal operations in an era when diversity and equal opportunity had yet to be fully adopted by the Army. The fact that there were so many women here tied to production must have seemed odd given the male-centric period of the time. But, wars often have consequences that go far beyond the battlefields, such was the case here in regards to the numbers of women in production. The wide acceptance of women on the production floors during World War II did not, however, carry over beyond Victory in Europe. Acceptance would have to be renewed over time, even at the highest levels. Clas said he remembers one day soon after he became the director of operations when he came across a female machinist working on a critical prototype tube. He gave the managers hell and asked them why they didn’t put their best man on the job. A foreman looked Clas in the eye and said, “She is our best man for the job.” In Clas’ defense, he said the female machinist had just moved from minor components production to tube produc-tion and so, he wasn’t too familiar with her capabilities.

Photo by: John B. Snyder

Page 4: U.S. Army newsletter from the Watervliet Arsenal - November 2016

Page 4 Salvo Nov. 30, 2016

Paone Cont.

Photo by: John B. Snyder

Therefore, Clas said that it wouldn’t have mattered if he saw a man machining that prototype tube. If he wasn’t sure of his capability to machine such a critical part, he would have questioned the ability of that male machinist, too. Nevertheless, what his foremen reminded him that day, ever so humbly, was to never again question the capabilities of women on the production floor. It also speaks volumes about how hard-nosed foremen more than 50 years ago here didn’t care if a machinist was a man or a woman. As long as they could do the job, they machined. Today, however, there remains just one woman machin-ist on the arsenal production floors. Machinist Margaret Paone can often be found working in what is called the minor components production line. In essence, she machines products that are in layman’s terms…smaller than a bread box. There is one other female machinist, Roxanne Mesick, but she now works in Indus-trial Management and no longer works lathes, milling, or honing machines. And so, when Paone looks left or right she fails to see any fellow women machinists. One might think she stands alone, but not Paone. “As far as my being the only woman machinist, I never really think about it,” Paone said. “I just want to do the best job I can and feel satisfied when I leave for the day.” Paone said that ever since she started working at the ar-senal she has been treated like “one of the guys.” And so, a person’s sex on the manufacturing floor is immaterial. Right? General Foreman Scott Huber said that he would like more women in production but they are simply not avail-able. “As long as someone is qualified and has a desire to work hard, I don’t care if they are a man or a women,” Hu-ber said. “The problem is, however, we can’t get women to apply for production jobs.” Michael Mullally, who is a high school Precision Ma-chining Technology instructor with the Sullivan County Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) pro-gram, said that even at the high school level it is difficult to find female students who are interested in machining. In fact, Mullally has had only four female students in the last 12 years and two of those four are in his current class. When Mullally recently asked his students why more female students aren’t interested in machining, one student said that her friend wouldn’t join because it’s a man’s trade. According to a recent study by Deloitte Consulting LLP and the Manufacturing Institute titled, “The skills gap in U.S. manufacturing 2015 and beyond,” an overwhelming

majority (84 percent) of manufacturing executives agree there is a current talent shortage in the U.S. manufacturing sector and that shortage goes far beyond the shortage of women in the workforce. Not only is there a shortage today of workers in manu-facturing, but the study indicates there is a more pressing, longer-term issue confronting manufacturers. The skills gap is widening, and over the next decade 3.4 million man-ufacturing jobs will likely be needed and nearly 60 percent of these positions are likely to be unfilled due to the talent shortage. The Deloitte study concluded that there is not one solu-tion to overcome the skills gap but suggests that manufac-turing companies have to rethink their talent sourcing and recruiting strategies to attract new employees, as well as do a better job engaging schools and colleges to improve the overall image of manufacturing. When one combines the fact that about one-third of the arsenal’s workforce is near retirement with the fact that millennial-age workers do not in sufficient numbers con-sider a career in manufacturing, the arsenal may be facing a significant workforce shortage that goes far beyond the fact that it has but one female machinist today on its production floors. There is no doubt that the national shortage of manu-facturing workers will create a highly competitive environ-ment as manufacturing demands continue to grow. For the arsenal, however, the answer may be to increase its efforts to recruit a more diverse workforce and thereby, expand the pool of qualified applicants. Huber said that he has worked with Paone and Mesick and has the highest respect for their machining abilities. In regards to increasing diversity within the workforce, Huber said he wishes he could find more female machinists like Paone and Mesick. They are that good, the arsenal just needs to find more of them.

Machinist Margaret Paone working a vertical milling machine to pro-duce a part for the 81 mm mortar system. Paone, as do most machin-ists here, is working in thousandths of an inch tolerance.

Page 5: U.S. Army newsletter from the Watervliet Arsenal - November 2016

Arsenal receives $8.5m contract to lighten the load for infantrymen, Marines

Page 5 Salvo Nov. 30, 2016

By John B. Snyder

Story continues on page 6, “81 mm”

Photo by John B. SnyderArsenal General Foreman Scott Huber, in blue shirt, providing background information to Time Warner Cable News Reporter Geoff Redick, second from left, while machinist Earl Green works on a mortar baseplate. Redick visited the arsenal on November 28 to gather information about the arsenal's new $8.5 million-dollar contract to manufacture lightweight mortar bipods.

The Watervliet Arsenal on November 28 announced that it had received a $8.5 million contract to manufac-ture a new lightweight 81 mm mortar bipod for the U.S. Army and Marine Corps.

This next generation mortar bipod will add more than 23,000 hours of direct labor and thousands of hours of indirect labor in fiscal years 2019 and 2020, said Edward Stewart, the arsenal’s program manager for this system.

Stewart said the first shipment of bipods is sched-uled to leave the arsenal in February 2019 and the order should be complete by March 2020. Each bipod consists of about 25 close-tolerance, machined parts, and will weigh approximately 22 pounds, as compared to the 27 pounds of the legacy system.

Although the arsenal has been manufacturing mortar

bipods for more than 70 years, this new product line has significant challenges over the legacy system, said Tom Pond, the arsenal’s director of operations.

“Many of the individual parts will be made using lightweight materials, such as Kevlar, Teflon, and Tita-nium, which have never before been used here for mortar production,” Pond said. “In addition to new materials, new processes and tooling will need to be developed.”

Pond added that production of a new product line benefits the arsenal far beyond simply increasing revenue at a time of decreasing defense requirements.

“To support the startup of this production line, the

Page 6: U.S. Army newsletter from the Watervliet Arsenal - November 2016

Army will invest more than $1 million in new machinery, tool-ing, and for training,” Pond said. “This enhanced manufactur-ing capability may and will be leveraged to go after other de-fense and non-defense product lines to shore up our workload in future fiscal years.”

The 81 mm mortar system is used primarily by the infan-try as an indirect fire weapon when a high-angle trajectory is required to hit enemy troops, materiel, and positions. It has a range that exceeds 5,800 meters.

The Watervliet Arsenal is an Army-owned-and-operated manufacturing facility and is the oldest, continuously active arsenal in the United States having begun operations during the War of 1812.

Today’s arsenal is relied upon by U.S. and foreign militaries to produce the most advanced, high-tech, high-powered weaponry for cannon, howitzer, and mortar systems. This National Historic Registered Landmark had $138 million in revenue in fiscal year 2015 and has an annual economic benefit to the local community in ex-cess of $90 million.

Page 6 Salvo Nov. 30, 2016

81 mm Cont.

Arsenal Upcoming EventsHoliday Party & Tree Lighting: 8 December, 4 - 7 p.m., at the Cannon Club

Combined Federal Campaign Chili Cookoff: 12 December, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Post Restaurant

Combined Federal Campaign Ends: 15 December

Children's Holiday Party: 17 December, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Post Restaurant

Christmas: Sunday, 25 December...Federal holiday on 26 December

New Year's: Sunday, 1 January...Federal holiday on 2 January

Martin Luther King Day: 16 January...Federal Holiday

Arsenal Job Fair: 20 January, 12 - 7 p.m., Location To Be Determined

Presidents' Day: 20 February...Federal Holiday

Page 7: U.S. Army newsletter from the Watervliet Arsenal - November 2016

By John B. Snyder

Only the arsenal would have a fair without rides or candy apples

Page 7 Salvo Nov. 30, 2016

Story continues on page 8, “Fair”

Have you ever felt that you got robbed through a bait and switch by a local store or restaurant? In es-sence, you read an ad and went to the business only to find that the advertised item is not available or not selling for the cost in the ad. I have, but I never thought that it would happen to me here.

For the last month, the folks in our personnel center have been sending out email after email touting that a “fair” was coming to the arsenal. I saved up my dol-lars and dreamed nightly about all the stuffed animals that I would win in the carnival games, certain that they would become Christmas gifts for my nieces and

nephews. I can’t even tell you how much my taste buds started to perk knowing that fried dough and candy apples were soon to be had.

And so, on November 15, I walked over to the fair site with pockets stuffed with dollar bills only to be met at the door by Jodi Sellie, a Human Resources As-sistant.

Jodi is a pleasant sort who always seems to smile.

Joshua Nick, left, with daughter, Cora, and wife, Samantha, taking every opportunity on his second day of work to learn more about the Army health benefits. Nick spent eight years in the Air Force as a firefighter before coming here to work as a firefighter.

Photo by John B. Snyder

Page 8: U.S. Army newsletter from the Watervliet Arsenal - November 2016

Page 8 Salvo Nov. 30, 2016

Fair Cont.But when I asked her where the food was her smile initially turned into a quizzical look followed quickly by a smirk.

Jodi told me that she had something better for me than food and fun, she had information.

Well, information doesn’t wrap well under the Christ-mas tree, nor will it feed my gut.

Jodi went on to explain that this type of fair dealt with health benefits for the workforce and their family mem-bers, and that there would not be a petting zoo for me to visit between arcade games.

According to Jodi, there is only one time a year that members of the arsenal can make an open season changes to their health, vision and dental insurance. The window opened on No-vember 14 and will close on December 12.

This fair, albeit not as fun as a tilt-a-whirl, provided the workforce an opportunity to talk to more than 30 representa-tives from various health providers who could provide coverage to every worker and family member.

As I looked around, there must have been about 50 employees and many had family members with them. I was always one of those who signed up for benefits and then forgot about them. And so, I wondered why there was so much interest in something as boring as informa-tion.

At first, I thought the high interest was due to getting out of work for about an hour to socialize. But then, I ran into Jake Peart, an arsenal retiree.

After telling me about how much fun he is having in

retirement shooting scratch golf and spending time in Florida, Jake explained that when he retired he thought his health insurance plan was great. But what he found out was that his current plan does not have many provid-ers in Florida and so, he was looking for a plan that has adequate coverage for where he plans to spend a lot of his time chasing lost golf balls.

Then I ran into Joshua Nick and his wife, Samantha, and daughter, Cora. Cora looked like I did when I found out there weren’t any rides or games here. Nevertheless, she was a trooper as her parents felt compelled to visit every booth.

Why on earth would they spend so much time at this misnomer of a fair?

Well, this was Joshua’s second day on the job and he and Samantha were trying to make sense of the confusing health care options. Joshua had re-cently been discharged from the Air Force where he served as a firefighter. He is now a firefighter here.

To someone who has just left the military where health insurance is automatic and dictated, trying to make the right decision financially,

while ensuring adequate coverage, is intimidating. And so, they were taking every opportunity to gather informa-tion to make a life-changing decision.

On my way out, I asked Jodi how she defined success for the fair. She said that they would be successful if ev-ery one of the 250 to 300 visitors walked away with the information that would assist their decision making.

I smirked at her answer and explained to her that my definition of success would be me walking out with a bag of caramel popcorn carrying the stuffed animals that I needed for Christmas. Thanks to the arsenal’s Civilian Personnel Advisory Center, I now have to do some shop-ping.

The Chief of Production Planning & Control, Fritz Schnackenberg, right, leading by example by checking out the latest changes to health care.

Photo by John B. Snyder

Page 9: U.S. Army newsletter from the Watervliet Arsenal - November 2016

Page 9 Salvo Nov. 30, 2016

By Heather Durr

RAINN.org (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) Is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organiza-tion RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE) in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country and operates the Safe Helpline for the Department of Defense. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help victims, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.

NYSCASA.org (New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault) Formed in 1987 by rape crisis advocates as a mutual support group, the mission and purpose grew to include technical assistance, resource development and policy advocacy for the more than 100 Rape Crisis programs, sister agencies and collaborators statewide that work with survivors of sexual violence and their families.

Nomore.org Launched in March 2013 by a coalition of leading advocacy groups, service providers, the U.S. Department of Justice, and major corporations, NO MORE is supported by hundreds of national and local groups and by thousands of individuals, organizations, universities, and communities who are using its signa-ture blue symbol to increase visibility for domestic violence and sexual assault. In 2014 & 2015, The organiza-tion featured “NFL Players say NO MORE” Public Service Announcement (PSA) and the “NO MORE Super bowl” PSA which had more than 100 million viewers.

Woar.org WOAR (Women Organized against Rape) Is a non-profit organization in Philadelphia with the mis-sion to eliminate all forms of sexual violence through specialized treatment services, comprehensive preven-tion education programs, and advocacy for the rights of victims of sexual assault. Founded in 1971 WOAR was one of the first rape crisis centers in the nation.

Nopra.org NOPRA (National Organization for the Prevention of Rape and Assault, Inc) Was founded in the summer of 1964 by Frederic Storaska, after he broke up the brutal gang rape of an eleven-year-old girl. NO-PRA is a non-profit organization helping people understand and prevent rape and sexual assault.

Janedoenomore.org (Jane Doe No More) Was founded by Donna Palomba in response to her experience of sexual assault, the organization works to improve the way society responds to survivors of sexual assault through education, awareness, advocacy and support.

SAPR.mil (Department of Defense Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office) The Sexual Assault Pre-vention and Response Office (SAPRO) is responsible for oversight of the Department's sexual assault policy. It features the DOD SAFE HELP LINE (877-995-5247) that provides anonymous crisis intervention, support information for members of the DOD community who have been affected by sexual assault.

SHARP RESOURCES At this time of thanksgiving, we can honor the multitudes of individuals who help assault victims and work to stop Sexual Assault through education, legal reform, and community outreach. Here are just a few SHARP organizations

Page 10: U.S. Army newsletter from the Watervliet Arsenal - November 2016

Page 10 Salvo Nov. 30, 2016

My family and I departed for Washington, D.C., on November 12, for a three-day trip that in-cluded a tour of the White House, as well as a tour of the Pentagon.

When we arrived, we headed right to the White House for our tour. Before I entered the White House, I had to go through four types of security measures. On the first floor of the White House we saw the China room where China setting that had been selected by many previous Presidents, to include the current Presi-dent, were on display. We visited several other rooms of great importance.

On Sunday, we went to Arlington National Cemetery and walked around for around three and a half hours. While we were there I got to see the changing of the guard and several wreath laying cer-emonies.

As we were leaving the Tomb of the Un-known Soldier, I saw one of the Honor Guard Sol-diers walking back to his private room. I chased him down and I got to shake his hand and said “thank you

Almost every day, there are negative news stories about today's youth that often make people won-der about the future of our nation. But what is often not covered are the many stories about our youth who are doing great things to bring honor to their lives and to those around them. Such is the case with this story written by Micah Moore, son of Laurie Vroman, about his recent visit to Washington D.C. where he talks about his pride of the country and the military.

Patriotism through my (child) eyes

Micah Moore, center of both photos, stands proudly with his brother, Jayson Moffre, and his sister, Marissa Moffre before the historical sites of Washington, D.C.

Photos by Laurie Vroman

By Micah Moore, 7th Grade

Story continues on page 11, “Micah”

Page 11: U.S. Army newsletter from the Watervliet Arsenal - November 2016

Page 11 Salvo Nov. 30, 2016

for your service and thank you for what you do.” He responded with “thank you that means a lot to me as not many people say that, especially kids.” My mom has taught me how important it is to thank our service members and veterans.

Before we left the Arlington National Cem-etery we walked through the Women’s Memorial. There was a lot of military memorabilia that paid trib-ute to all the women who served in the military as my mom. There is even a section where my mom could upload her information so that she can be added to the wall in the memorial.

After we left Arlington National Cemetery we headed over to the Air Force Memorial. While we were there, I saw a man with an Air Force Veteran hat on. I did what I do best and I went over and shook his hand and thanked him for his service. We ended up talking to him for about 30 minutes and I found out that he is a walking Veteran who has his own website. He told my mom that he was honored to see that I recognize the importance of Veterans. We left the Air Force Memorial after we finished talking to the Vet-eran and we went over to the National Mall.

Our first stop at the National Mall was the Jef-ferson Memorial and then to the Washington Monu-ment. This is one of my favorite memorials because there are fountains everywhere and lots of lights. It just looks really nice and respectful.

From there we walked down to the Vietnam Memorial. The wall was really long and had a lot more names on it than I expected. I can’t believe how many people have died for our country. We left that memorial and walked over to the Lincoln Memorial where we stopped to see President Abe Lincoln. He is one of my favorite Presidents because he was always honest.

Monday was our last day in Washington, D.C., and we had to wake up early and head over to the Pentagon for our tour. When it was time for our tour something really weird happened. Our tour guide was a member of the Army Honor Guard and he walked backwards the entire tour and never let us out of his sight. The first thing that I learned from our tour was

that any plane that the President is in is considered Air Force One and any helicopter he is in is considered Marine 1.

We then walked to where the airplane crashed into the building on 9/11. The guide told us that at the time of impact that specific side of the Pentagon was under construction and that they had just completed reinforcing all the walls of the rings with rebar. That side of the Pentagon was supposed to reopen a week after the crash. If that was open during the time the plane crashed a lot more people would have died.

After we left the Pentagon we went over to the Supreme Court. I was so excited as this was one of the places my class will be visiting, if I get selected for Law Day at Shaker Junior High School. When we got inside the building, I learned that the first female Jus-tice was Sandra Day O’Connor. When we got upstairs there it was right in front of me, the Supreme Court-room. I couldn’t believe my eyes. We got to walk right up to the back of it and take pictures of the inside of the courtroom. I just wanted the chance to sit in the courtroom so I could tell my social studies teacher.

All in all, it was an awesome visit to our na-tion's Capitol district and I learned a lot about our his-tory and what makes our country great. My favorite parts of vacation were seeing the inside of the White House, the Pentagon and the Supreme Court. I can’t wait to go back again!

Micah Cont.

From time to time, stories of per-sonal travel or hobbies have been covered in this newsletter. The key to story acceptance by the editor is does the story have a message that could be universally applied to the arsenal workforce. Micah's story is the first story accepted from one of the arsenal's children. Given that it is kind of cool hearing a 7th-grade student get excited about how our government works and about our great military, the Salvo will always try to save room for today's youth who are inspirational.

Page 12: U.S. Army newsletter from the Watervliet Arsenal - November 2016

Hmmm…Precision vs. Accuracy?

Is something “right” if it’s accurate or “right” if it’s precise? Does it have to be both or can it be either? (Hint: you should always strive for both!) Often confused, the two words have distinct meanings. Accuracy can be defined as the “degree of conformity and correctness of a measure to a standard or a true value.” Precision is defined as “a state of strict exactness — how consistently something is strictly exact.” The distinction between the two is most commonly illustrated using the bullseye target example:

(a) A grouping that is neither precise nor accurate.(b) A grouping that is accurate, but not precise.(c) A grouping that is precise, but not accurate.(d) A grouping that is both precise and accurate.

Have you ever spent a day baking Christmas cookies? How did the first batch of sugar cookies compare to the eighth? How did the results compare in color, size and tex-

ture to what you expected? Inconsistent results are an effect of poor accuracy and precision. Start with the color. Were they too light? Too dark? How do you know the temperature displayed by your oven is right? A $10 thermometer told me that my oven temperature was off by over 25 degrees. A second thermometer confirmed the same result. The two thermom-eters precisely told me the level of inaccuracy of my oven’s thermostat – and explained why my cookies were burnt. How much heat were you losing each time you opened the oven door to peak at, rotate, or remove cookies? As the day went on, how precisely were you monitor-ing oven temp? Size and texture variables can be explained through differences in ingredient ratios and serving measurements. My “spoonful” of dough varies from my daughter’s “spoonful”. I’ve been watching a lot of the “Great British Baking Show” lately. Ignoring cricket and curling for a moment, the United Kingdom may be onto something by measuring in weight (grams) in-stead of volume (cups). It turns out that measuring by weight is more accurate and consistent than measuring solely by volume. Baking is finicky. Quality of the end product is heavily dependent on the elimination or control of numerous process variables. Customer requirements will tell the baker the level of precision and accuracy required from their equipment, tools and standardized processes to consistently produce an acceptable product. The costs of poor accuracy and precision are time and money. The master baker determines which edible defects will never see the inside of a cookie tin. The extreme outliers are unceremoniously discarded, while those cookies on the fringe of acceptability are consumed for “quality control” purposes. If only every defect was so easily eaten.

Page 12 Salvo Nov. 30, 2016

LEAN Corner...By Josh O'Leary

Page 13: U.S. Army newsletter from the Watervliet Arsenal - November 2016

Page 13 Salvo Nov. 30, 2016

Veterans Day Parade

Photos by John B. Snyder

Page 14: U.S. Army newsletter from the Watervliet Arsenal - November 2016

Page 14 Salvo Nov. 30, 2016

Veterans Day Parade