Transforming Joint Test and Evaluation Mindsets and Processes: Acquisition II

Abstract

Over the past few decades, there have been numerous catchphrases describing visions for reform in the acquisition community. Commercial-off-the- Shelf Procurement; Cost as an Independent Variable, Situation-Based Acquisition, and Spiral Development are just a few. The latest such buzzword to hit the Department of Defense is Transformation. According to General Richard B. Myers, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, transformation deals more with mindsets and processes than technologies and hardware. Certainly there have been numerous celebrated transformational technologies over the years: the machine gun, the tank, and aircraft - especially stealth - are three prime examples. So how can we incorporate this latest buzzword into the acquisition world, and more specifically into test and evaluation? In this paper I'll offer some suggestions on how to apply transformation to test and evaluation mindsets and processes especially as they relate to the joint world. I'll tell some "test stories" about things I think need to be fixed based on my ten years as an F-16 test pilot. I'll also present some broader examples from the Department of Defense headlines to help support my points. Keep in mind that "the ultimate objective of the acquisition process IS to provide the best and most capable weapon systems to our operational forces." Although, the quote at the top of this page comes from the Blue Ribbon Defense Panel Report concluded over 30 years ago, unfortunately there is still some truth to it today. While we have an established Joint Test and Evaluation (JT&E) program, there are numerous intellectual and cultural obstacles that must be overcome in order to make it effective and efficient. But first a brief background on JT&E - is origin, set up, purpose, and current projects.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2003
Accession Number
ADA422168

Entities

People

  • Brian A. Simpson

Organizations

  • Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • C4I
  • Human Systems
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Air Force
  • Aircrafts
  • Anti-Radiation Missiles
  • Battle Damage Assessment
  • Combat Forces
  • Department Of Defense
  • Joint Test And Evaluation
  • Military Operations
  • Military Science
  • National Security
  • Schools
  • Students
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Test Methods
  • Tilt Rotor Aircraft
  • Weapons

Readers

  • Defense Acquisition Program Management
  • Educational Psychology
  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.