Using the Systems Engineering Process to Balance the Interdependence of Mission Capability, Operations and Support Costs, and System Utility Rates "What is T&E's Role"?

Abstract

This research project defines the interdependent relationship between a weapon system's mission capabilities, O&S costs, operational utility rate, and their impacts on overall mission effectiveness of an operational combat unit. By analyzing the sub-elements of both operational effectiveness and operational suitability it can be shown how operational effectiveness is a dependent element of operation suitability. Additionally, it will be demonstrated how support costs influence operational suitability parameters of a weapon system, which then impacts a combat unit's overall mission effectiveness. Since support costs have such a critical relationship with operational suitability factors, the project also defines the current relationships between Service Cost and T&E communities to question whether or not there is the requisite level of integration of effort between the two organizations to accurately assess weapon system costs and capability prior to production.