Operational Testing: From Basics To System-Of-Systems Capabilities

This article examines the need to develop and implement a System of Systems SoS operational test methodology and supporting infrastructure in the U.S. Air Force USAF. It discusses impacts on the acquisition and decision authority communities at large, with emphasis on operational testing in particular. Beginning with the fundamental requirements for testing, the article presents the realities of the effect of the Information Age on those requirements. The current progress in developing the acquisition business model and the technical capabilities to facilitate SoS test are reviewed. The authors then provide a plausible way ahead that will leverage training and testing capabilities through integrated venues.