Operational Testing of Air Force Systems Requires Several Improvements

An operational test and evaluation is an assessment of mission performance in a system's intended environment when operated, maintained, and supported by personnel with qualifications similar to those who will perform these functions in the field. The Air Force Test and Evaluation Center (AFTEC), established in 1974, is responsible for managing operational test and evaluation and providing an independent assessment on test results to the Secretary of the Air Force and Air Force Chief of Staff.