An Investigation into the Impacts of Alternative Maintenance Concepts on Research and Development

Historically, the Air Force has focused on three levels of maintenance organizational-level, intermediate-level, and depot level. This report recommends research and development efforts which have the potential for fostering the use of alternative maintenance approaches. Also identified are the current policies in the support areas which address how new programs should be structured. A major conclusion drawn is that the current Air Force policy, and management and analysis tools need to be updated to encourage the trend toward the use of alternative maintenance concepts which permit reductions in manpower and equipment requirements. From this hypothesis, recommendations are provided on policy changes. These policy changes must be coupled with a focused research and development program. This synergism can result in further use of more efficient alternative maintenance approaches. Cost models, Logistics planning, Maintenance levels, Maintenance management, Maintenance personnel.