Battlefield Automation: Software Problems Hinder Development of the Army's Maneuver Control System.

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA330506 | Open PDF

Abstract:

The Army has spent over 765 million of the 1 billion estimated total cost for the Maneuver Control System MCS which is to provide battlefield information to maneuver commanders. Since 1980, the MCS program has experienced numerous problems, such as fielding inadequate computer software and canceling the development of one software version due to design flaws, cost growth, and schedule slips. Given the programs past difficulties and the important role of MCS in the Armys battlefleld automation efforts, we reviewed the Armys development and acquisition plans for MCS. Specifically, our objectives were to determine whether 1 the current MCS software development strategy is appropriate to overcome prior development problems and 2 207 new computers for MCS related training should be procured as planned.

Author(s):
No Author(s) Identified
Author Organization(s):
GENERAL ACCOUNTING OFFICE WASHINGTON DC NATIONAL SECURITY AND INTERNATIONAL A FFAIRS DIV
Pagination:
0021

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
GAO/NSIAD-98-15
Monitor Series:
XD
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation; JCA_1.2.1_Training; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_4.6_Engineering; JCA_5.4_Decide; JCA_4.6.1_General Engineering; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_6.1_Information Transport; JCA_8_Building Partnerships; JCA_8.2_Shape; JCA_1.2.7_Experimentation; JCA_6.4.1_Secure Information Exchange; JCA_8.2.3_Build the Capabilities and Capacities of Partners and Institutions
Modernization Areas:
Space
Communities of Interest:
Space
Descriptor(s):
*COMPUTER PROGRAMS, *SOFTWARE ENGINEERING, *ARMY, CONTROL SYSTEMS, AUTOMATION, STRATEGY, ACQUISITION, COSTS, MANEUVERS, MILITARY PLANNING
Field(s)/Group(s):
Computer Programming and Software
Keyword(s):
GAO REPORTS, MCS(MANUEVER CONTROL SYSTEM)
Report Date:
1997 Oct 16
Creation Date:
1997 Oct 29