Acquisition Triumvirate


Operational Testing and the


Te often-contentious environment of operational testing can be defused by implementing some common-sense approaches early in the process.


by MAJ Adrian N. Watts A


n operational test (OT) brings together the acquisition community in an environment where each has a common overall objective: to field the best possible products to Soldiers. However, the paths to such an achievement do not always take the same direction. Tus the test site often becomes the


stage where conflicts can play out between stakeholders in real time.


Te U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC) team, the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) capability manager (TCM) and the program manager (PM) each has a critical stake in the proceedings and outcome of an OT, leading to situations in which there can be a palpable tension among the three groups. Te OT environment is often a high-stakes, high-tempo setting where the stakeholders come together to execute months or years of planning and preparation, often at a high price tag, under considerable scrutiny from top-ranking officials and with the success of the program on the line.


TCM: THE REQUIREMENTS OWNER In an OT environment, the TCM is the end user’s ultimate champion. TCMs ensure that Soldiers have been trained to operate the equipment and that the ensuing test is representative of what is being fielded. A TCM also ensures the logical and realistic integration of doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership and education, per- sonnel and facilities (DOTMLPF) considerations into the capability area he or she represents.


ASC.ARMY.MIL


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ACQUISITION


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