This paper discusses some of the problems associated with the use of commercial off-the-shelf computer systems in aircrew training devices and offers some suggestions for improving the life cycle management of commercial computer systems in such military training devices. The impacts of commercial practices and computer capacity limitations are addressed as well as acquisition and logistics management considerations. Improved planning and management effectiveness will be needed in the 1980s to ensure that computer systems are supportable and/or replaced during the life cycle of training devices systems. Both acquisition and logistics support agencies will need to recognize that the life cycle of commercial computer systems may be limited by the lack of computer and peripheral vendor support and by the lack of expansion capability. Accordingly, training devices will need to be designed and developed to accommodate computer expansion or replacement. Computer system expansion or replacement will need to be anticipated to minimize training device to weapon system configuration differences caused by a lack of computer system supportability or capacity. This process could be termed "Pre-Planned Product Preservation (P⁴)".