Manpower, personnel, and training in future systems [weapons systems]

An increased emphasis on manpower, personnel, and training in the weapons-system acquisition process resulted in the initiation of the Manpower, Personnel, and Training (MPT) Directorate in the Aeronautical Systems Division (ASD) of the US Air Force Systems Command. The author describes a variety of efforts underway to enhance early consideration of manpower, personnel, training, safety, and human factors in the acquisition process. She argues that such efforts at this stage in the development process could have a decided impact on the overall life-cycle cost of a new weapon system, helping to ensure that operating and support costs are reasonable and positively effect the overall military capability