This paper will present an approach to the conduct of the systems engineering process that can be applied to the development of both total training systems and training devices. The approach focuses on a team effort by the acquisition organization, the contractor and the ultimate using organization working together throughout the development cycle. Some of DOD's streamlining initiatives are applied to this process as well as the recently published DOD-STD-2167 and updated military standards.

The textbook systems engineering process must be adapted for training system development to coincide with the normally compressed acquisition phases of most large training systems. Several concepts found in DOD acquisition and systems engineering documentation are tailored for training systems programs and the development process, design reviews and testing discussed. This paper will show how a strong analytical process at the beginning of the contract effort can result in more objective testing at the end of the development phase. Recommendations for the conduct of major design reviews which emphasize the purpose of each review and utilize naturally evolving documentation will be made. An integrated process to improve the efficiency of training system development will be outlined using a team approach.

This approach, in order to be successful, will require all parties to adopt new methods of doing business with more freedom and flexibility for the contractor and less involvement in the design details by the acquisition organization. This also means some checks and balances must be defined and implemented. Throughout the paper several basic principles will be emphasized along with a proposed implementation.