The previous methods used to acquire Air Force training systems and devices have been characterized by such descriptions as overly complex, too late to support the initial weapon system deployment, too expensive, and, most importantly, improperly designed or configured to support the training requirements of the eventual weapon system training program. In analyzing the management prerogatives available to institute solutions to these critical problems, the one area which offers to provide immediate positive solutions and acquisition alternatives is to institute a systematic training based front-end analysis process beginning as early as possible (pre-concept) in the acquisition cycle. This methodology takes a systems approach to defining the training requirements which will evolve into a fully integrated and costed training system development effort and provide all of the management strategies needed to provide operational and maintenance training and training support anywhere in the Weapon System Acquisition Process.

The Deputy for Simulators is establishing such a capability for instituting training system front-end analysis (FEA) in the earliest possible stages of weapon system acquisition. The Deputy has developed a process that defines FEA in terms of the specific tasks involvedin the process. These tasks can then be selectively applied to weapon system programs to augment or complete front-end analysis as required. The primary emphasis is to use existing weapon system manpower, personnel, and training presecessor data to create a notional training system baseline. Then, in the early acquisition phases, as the weapon system design develops, the training system baseline will be concurrently evolved into a new weapon system specific training system requirement and the Air Force will have the information required for total training system acquisition. This will permit the delivery of the training system and its elements, including the support needed to maintain and operate the training system, early enough to meet the training requirements of the user.

The model is a management tool that provides strategy for acquisition and structure to follow-on technologies and methodologies such as Logisitcs Support Analysis (LSA) and Instructional Systems Development (ISD). EArly comprehensive MPT considerations and their impacts are the primary benefits. The model can provide a life cycle audit trail, supporting maintenance, aircrew, and support training need in evolving or existing weapon system programs. Most importantly, it provides the critical funding estimates and impact analyses needed throughout the acquisition cycle. It will also providemanagers with the timely research and systems data needed to pursue acquisition milestones in a fully coordinated and timely manner.

This paper setails the front-end analysis process that will be instituted by the Deputy for Simulators. It desrcibes the tasks which comprise the process and how these tasks will solve the training acquisition problems described above as well as identify several other factors which directly and indirectly affect the timely, cost effective, and accurate acquisition of state-of-the-art training systems in the Air Force.