Ammunition Peculiar Equipment

The Ammunition Peculiar Equipment (APE) program is a critical line item in the Army's FY 2026 budget, supporting the procurement, maintenance, and modernization of specialized equipment used in ammunition depot operations worldwide. The overarching goal of the APE program is to ensure the safe, efficient, and environmentally compliant handling of conventional ammunition throughout its lifecycle. This includes surveillance, maintenance, renovation, demilitarization, packaging, and preservation. The program is managed by the Single Manager for Conventional Ammunition, as directed by Department of Defense Instruction 5160.68, and is governed by Army Regulation 700-20.

APE equipment is specifically designed and fabricated to meet the unique requirements of ammunition operations, distinguishing it from standard production line equipment. Its primary objectives include the disassembly of ammunition into components, the sorting and removal of hazardous materials, and the reduction of human exposure to dangerous substances, thereby enhancing personnel safety. Maintenance APE is tasked with cleaning and renovating ammunition that has deteriorated due to rust, corrosion, or weathering. This ensures that stockpiled munitions remain reliable and ready for combat or training use.

Another key objective of the APE program is to support the Ammunition Stockpile Reliability Program and the Surveillance Program. APE assets are essential for stockpile sampling and functional testing, which help verify the quality and readiness of ammunition. By maintaining and verifying the condition of the stockpile, the Army can avoid unnecessary purchases of new ammunition. This results in significant cost savings and improved resource utilization.

Demilitarization is a major focus area for APE, with equipment designed to safely disassemble and destroy hazardous components of obsolete or excess ammunition. This process also includes sorting and reclaiming salvageable parts or metals, with an emphasis on recycling and re-utilization. The program's objectives in demilitarization are closely aligned with broader goals of ammunition sustainment, safety, and environmental compliance. Demilitarization activities are structured to minimize risks to personnel and the environment.

APE also plays a vital role in supporting Ammunition Supply Point (ASP) suites at global depot locations. By deploying APE within ASP suites, the Army aims to increase the efficiency of ammunition receipt, inspection, and issuance to warfighters. These suites reduce logistics burdens and operational risks, contributing to improved mission readiness and safer hazardous operations. The preservation capabilities of APE further reduce the need for ammunition retrograde and demilitarization, extending the useful life of ammunition assets.

The FY 2026 base procurement request will be used to procure and repair APE to support maintenance, surveillance, and demilitarization missions. Funding will also cover contractor logistics support, fielding costs, initial spares and repair parts, test and measurement equipment, product improvement for safety, recapitalization, and staging and transportation. These investments are justified by the need to recover equipment purchases and maintain operational capabilities at government-owned, contractor-operated plants, prepositioned ships, and worldwide depot locations.