Next Phase

Layoffs a blow, but there is hope for RRAD’s future

It was a blow to the local economy and many area families when Red River Army Depot announced about 600 layoffs back in March.

The jobs were lost from the temporary and term government employee and contractor workforce. The layoffs began in May.

The proverbial “other shoe” dropped this week when a further 300-plus term and contractors layoffs were announced.

The reason is reduced workload. As RRAD said in a press release back in March, “The bottom line is that RRAD’s workload is directly related to DoD requirements to support our Soldiers. The potentially affected depot workers include employees supporting major production, inspection, and support areas across the depot. These personnel reductions are based on current workload projections and budget submissions. This situation is constantly being monitored for possible workload adjustments that can lead to modifications or changes to workforce requirements.”

In other words, welcome to the new reality of military spending in the year 2018.

RRAD has a long history of service in supporting the military. It’s played a vital role in our nation’s defense. But needs and the way military operations are conducted change. Nothing will change that. So RRAD must adapt to the changes.

Hopefully that means a new mission, new responsibilities for the new age. There aren’t any guarantees, but there is a chance RRAD takes on work repairing Armored MultiPurpose Vehicles.

We have some fine elected officials working toward that goal. Let’s hope they succeed.

This is not a new fight. For years now we have had to fight to keep RRAD alive. This is just the next phase. RRAD means a lot to the people of the Texarkana area. And it can still mean a lot to the mission of the U.S. military if given the chance.