Kicking Brass
Qualified Recycling Program minimizes waste and generates funds for troops
Story by Sgt. Marla Ogden
California Military Department Public Affairs
April 22, 2024
LOS ANGELES – Amidst the training range, the crackling sound of gunfire pierces the air as service members unleash rounds, sending expended small arms cartridge casings, or ESACC, into the dirt. With final shots ringing out, shooters swiftly transition to scavengers, collecting the brass casings that litter the ground.
This is standard practice for those who attend training at one of Camp Roberts' many ranges, showing respect for their service weapon, the resources it consumes, and the environment it operates within. Living by the motto, "Leave it better than you found it," is typically the last time service members think about the expended ammo again.
But, through the California Military Department's innovative Qualified Recycling Program, these seemingly discarded casings are transformed into valuable assets.
In late 2023, the Cal Guard reached a significant milestone by removing a decade-long accumulation of ESACC, totaling 832 barrels. Through a partnership with the Utah Army National Guard, 13 tractor-trailers full of brass journeyed from California to Utah for recycling.
"Clearing the brass backlog is projected to earn the California Military Department over $1 million in QRP proceeds and an additional $200K to $300K annually as it recycles ESACC generated by units training on Camp Roberts," said Andrew Pate, Deputy of United States Property and Fiscal Office for the California Military Department.
By harnessing the power of recycling, the multifaceted initiative reduces environmental impacts across the state while contributing to the well-being of service members.
"This process is a huge success because it clears out a First Army Inspection repeat finding, but more importantly, it's now generating revenue for the Cal Guard to utilize for recycling, waste management, and clean energy programs," said U.S. Air Force Col. Jonathan Cartwright, Director of USPFO for the CMD.
The advantages of recycling such materials include conserving resources, preventing emissions of greenhouse gasses and water pollutants, reducing the need for new landfills and incinerators and supplying the industry with valuable materials.
Given California's leading role in environmental consciousness, the backlog of ESACC posed a potential concern.
"We recognized a problem, modernized what we do, didn’t accept past practices as good enough and did the hard work,” Pate said.
At the Camp Roberts Ammunition Supply Point, Army Staff Sgt. Clayton Peaker reflects on the QRP as a welcomed relief.
"It varies with how busy the units that come out and get the ammo issues are," Peaker said, "But we'll probably end up doing one semi-truck a year with about 64 barrels."
“Through coordination and partnership across the staff, we were able to resolve a problem 10 years in the making," Pate said. "In just 197 days, we went from stacks of deteriorating barrels at the Camp Roberts ASP to supporting a unit holiday party using MWR [Morale, Welfare, and Recreation] funds."
"With the team's help on the ground at the ASP, we were able to get everything sorted, loaded, and hauled off for recycling," said Arnold Andersen, USPFO Supply and Service Division Chief at Camp Roberts. " Their job is to now maintain it, stay on top of it and make sure as things fill up, we order trucks."
"It'll be a routine process and with a little bit of extra staff work, we're able to use the proceeds to go right back to Soldiers and support them," Andersen added.
Looking forward to an even more sustainable California, the team hopes to expand on the categories of recyclable materials and set a precedent for National Guard QRPs across the nation.
First Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) funded unit holiday party for the 49th Personnel Company, Dec. 3, 2023. Looking ahead, proceeds generated from Cal Guard's Qualified Recycling Program will be channeled into initiatives like MWR, directly benefiting service members.
First Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) funded unit holiday party for the 49th Personnel Company, Dec. 3, 2023. Looking ahead, proceeds generated from Cal Guard's Qualified Recycling Program will be channeled into initiatives like MWR, directly benefiting service members.
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