Enhancing Manpower, Personnel and Training Planning in the USAF Acquisition Process.
Abstract
The Department of Defense has a structured process to be followed in the acquisition of major weapon systems. A central criterion in the choice of alternative weapon systems is the total cost of the system over its economic life, i.e., its life-cycle cost. The cost of operating and maintaining (as opposed to procuring) the weapon systems is largely determined by the quantity and skill mix of manpower required for the successful performance of these functions over the life-cycle of the system. The recent dramatic increase in manpower, personnel and training (MPT) support costs has illuminated the fact that more attention must be given (and given earlier) in the Weapon System Acquisition Process (WSAP) to identify the manpower requirements and the associated MPT support of new weapon systems. Air Force planners have had a continuing concern about their capability to adequately anticipate the MPT needs associated with new systems, react to those needs, and to influence design decisions while the system is still in the conceptual or design phase. This report consolidates the results of two tasks. The first task consisted of an evaluation of the role of MPT in the WSAP, an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of current policies and practices, and recommendations for enhancements. The second task consisted of developing a detailed concept and an implementation plan for enhancing MPT participation in the WSAP by incorporating increased use of analytical methodologies to assess/project the impact on MPT resources.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 12, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA160626