The short answer is no, even in 2010 when the trigger was pulled on the M109s, there were 26 that would’ve had no problem in being brought back online, and sustained for a decade or two. Same for about 4 of the M578 ARVs. As mentioned above, the M109s didn’t necessarily need to be upgraded immediately either, possibly only a few would need a better gun eventually. The issue of the gun laying system still needs to be addressed for the 105 trg fleet used by the Arty School, and would be an opportunity to add on the M109s had some of them been kept
Trouble is not only were the M109s disposed, so were all the light tracked vehicles in those mech Bty’s. No project addressed that, and with only 37 M777 replacing a fleet of 76 M109s there are going to be gaps in capability, more so if you start taking loses. Which kind of circles back ‘round to this issue of what the capability deficiencies really are, and what kind of depth can be created to cover off any gaps emerging during a conflict. Very doubtful the C3 could cut it filling in those gaps, even in a desperate situation (talk about an old car needing replacement!), or the Reserves in any significant way given the way they and their training system is structured right now. Once indirect fire modernization actually gets considered for funding, my guess is all these issues being kicked around on this thread will be factors that'll drive some PD and PM to drink. Who knows when that’ll be, my guess is not until some crisis starts looming say overseas
