TEST AND EVALUATION IN THE 1980s — A WISH LIST

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn 1970, the Department of Defense issued new policies that revolutionized the management of weapons acquisition programs. As an integral part of the changes that ensued, the function of Test and Evaluation (T&E) came to play a critical role in the weapons acquisition process. T&E results have become a key determinant in the process of program approvals. The Navy had a very difficult challenge to meet in establishing its own policies and procedures to meet the intent of these “try before buy” requirements. It was five yean before the first programs fully structured according to these requirements achieved initial operational capability. It has been, therefore, only within the last three years that our experience base has provided sufficient feedback to allow us to refine our procedures. One lesson learned has been very clear — the new T&E policies have a significant impact on every facet of naval engineering.It is appropriate at this time to assess the results of the new T&E policies and the effectiveness of our practices in implementing them. As could be expected, such a revolutionary change in the way we did business introduced its own inherent problems. This paper traces the T&E policies from the role it played in weapons acquisitions during the 1960s to that of the 1970s. Experience gained to date is used to identify several prime areas where improvements are needed. A “Wish List” of four candidates is presented which, in the view of the Author, offer the most potential for effecting these improvements and maximizing the value of the substantial resources being spent on T&E.