Operational suitability evaluation of defense systems

An examination is made of the current situation in the operational test and evaluation of suitability within the US Department of Defense initiatives that are required to improve the approach to these assessments. Operational suitability includes a host of elements (reliability, maintainability, logistics supportability, interoperability, compatibility, manpower, and others), that in combination result in the system's ability to operate within its intended operating environment. In early 1988, a program was initiated to place increased emphasis on the assessment of operational suitability. As part of this initiative, a task was started to produce a strategic plan for suitability assessment that would provide a framework for improvements in the many areas of suitability activity. A summary is also presented of the current status of suitability evaluations, and some recommendations for future improvements are discussed.<>