It’s not clear what other options might be considered or how any recommendations might be dealt with.

Since the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, the JMTC has won praise up the Army chain of command for its work on making armor kits and other products to support soldiers. It also has boosted its work force significantly since the conflicts began.

But it also is beginning to face financial challenges as the American troop presence overseas is set to wind down. Some major product lines are being completed, and JMTC projected last month its 2012 revenues would dip to $201 million, down from $350 million last year. That prompted officials to seek permission to offer early retirement and separation incentives and to try to broaden its customer base.

In addition to seeking meetings, Braley invited McHugh to visit the island. Both the secretary and Dunwoody have been here. It was just two years ago that McHugh toured Arsenal Island and said the installation’s “future is bright.”

In addition to the JMTC, the Arsenal is headquarters for the Army Sustainment Command and, soon, it will be the home for the 1st Army headquarters. More than 8,000 people work on the island, including contractors. It is the area’s largest employer.

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