scope:

INTRODUCTION

An often discussed aspect of the acquisition process in the Department of Defense is the length of time it takes to develop and deploy weapon systems. Although there have been numerous attempts to shorten this cycle, relatively little has been accomplished. The cycle has grown longer and the criticism stronger.

The reasons for shortening the cycle are directed mainly toward cost, and to some extent - though not enough - toward readiness. However, in the past few years, the issue of readiness has rightfully gained visibility and importance. Although the long acquisition cycle certainly is not a desirable situation, it might be tolerable if the process yielded satisfactory results. But most new weapon systems are less than satisfactory and require burdensome maintenance and logistics efforts. Even with the best of efforts, resultant low readiness often requires additional equipment in order to meet the needs of the Military Services. This is due primarily to a lack of discipline in addressing logistics requirements during design and development.