Accelerating Implementation of Critical Joint Warfighting Concepts and Capabilities

Abstract

Mission engineering is a relatively new discipline born out of the need to support mission planners and strike authorities with emerging technologies and innovative solutions to achieve mission success in complex, multi-domain operating environments. Mission engineering combines the future operating environment and the strategic intent outlined in the National Defense Strategy with the rigor of system engineering, software engineering, digital engineering, and related disciplines, to identify critical operational gaps and architect the system of emerging materiel and non-materiel solutions required to reach the desired strategic or tactical objectives. The ultimate objective is to optimize mission accomplishment and outcomes by advancing the existing operation plans, kill-webs, mission threads, and vignettes with innovative technologies and capabilities to deter or defeat any adversary in the most complex engagements. This article discusses the challenges of mission engineering and proposes the integration of operational and live fire test and evaluation within this process to mitigate some of those challenges.