The Tri-Center Integration Summit and Accelerating Change in Test and Evaluation
Abstract
Within the Air Forces acquisition process, test and evaluation plays a crucial part. Developmental test and evaluation satisfies the question of whether a given aircraft/weapons system meets Department of Defense or Air Force requirements, while operational test and evaluation determines the utility of the aircraft, platform, or weapons system under realistic combat conditions. The Air Force conducts test in two phases: developmental test conducted largely by the Air Force Test Center (AFTC), and operational test conducted by the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center (AFOTEC), the USAF Warfare Center, or using Major Commands. The clarion call issued by Chief of Staff of the Air Force General Charles Q. Brown, Jr. in 2020 to accelerate change or lose to pacing competitors and peer-to-peer threats has intensified the drive toward change in the Air Force, including re-envisioning acquisition and test and evaluation. A tangible commitment within the test enterprise to accelerating change came about in mid-September 2021 with the first annual Tri-Center Test Integration Summit held at Edwards AFB. AFOTEC, the AFTC, and the USAFWC signed a Tri-Center Integrated Test and Evaluation Memorandum of Understanding committing to integrating test and evaluation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 25, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1176907
Entities
People
- Stephanie M. Smith
Organizations
- Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center