Weapon system reliability and maintainability: increasing their visibility with decision makers

The enhancement of the visibility of system R&M (reliability and maintainability) characteristics with senior executives at the top of the decision-making process is examined. It is shown that possible conflict with other documents used by decision makers poses a drawback. Cost and operational effectiveness analyses (COEAs) are one example, since they are the official, validated cost reference for US Army weapon systems. Further investigation is needed to refine approaches for communicating R&M information.<>