Weapon Performance: Operational Test and Evaluation Can Contribute More to Decisionmaking
NSIAD-87-57
Published: Dec 23, 1986. Publicly Released: Feb 04, 1987.
Skip to Highlights
Highlights
In response to a congressional request, GAO reported on operational test and evaluation (OT&E) as a means of testing weapon system performance, specifically: (1) its historical adequacy since 1970; and (2) its limitations concerning recently deployed major weapon systems.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should enforce the requirement that operational testing: (1) be done in as operationally realistic an environment as possible; and (2) not be performed unless there are clearly stated test objectives and criteria. |
In March 1990, GAO issued a report on the Department of Defense (DOD) OT&E Capability Improvement Program. GAO recommended that the services plan, program, and budget for test resources. By April 1991, GAO will issue a fact statement on the Central Test and Evaluation Investment Program. GAO will continue to evaluate DOD test resource needs in the future.
|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should improve the usefulness of OT&E results by the services' OT&E agencies by requiring the agencies to: (1) state whether OT&E demonstrated that the system met operational requirements; (2) discuss the operational effect of significant test limitations and adverse test results on system performance; and (3) clearly state whether a system is operationally suitable and effective. |
GAO has a continuing interest in the usefulness of OT&E results. In May 1990, GAO issued a report on the need for DOD to plan and conduct more timely OT&E. GAO will evaluate the DOD response to the May 1990 report.
|
Full Report
Public Inquiries
Topics
Evaluation methodsMilitary materielReporting requirementsSystems evaluationTestingWeapons systemsOperational testingMilitary forcesDevelopmental testingAircraft acquisition program