Effectiveness of U.S. Forces Can Be Increased Through Improved Weapon System Design

Gao ID: PSAD-81-17 January 29, 1981

A review was undertaken in an effort to identify changes which are needed in the acquisition process to minimize problems with future weapon systems.

Many of today's weapon systems cannot be adequately operated, maintained, or supported because the Department of Defense (DOD) does not pay enough attention to logistic support, human factors, and quality assurance during the design phase of the acquisition process. These problems deter the systems' effectiveness to defend the country in case of war. It was found that DOD has made changes to direct more attention to these three factors, but GAO believes that several additional actions need to be taken if these considerations are to receive adequate emphasis in the design of military systems and equipment.

Recommendations

Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.

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