Early Consideration of Human Factors in Military System Design

Abstract

The goal of this symposium is to present the status and future directions of programs aimed at consideration of human factors early in military system design. Military initiatives of this nature are not new, but in the past they have not become integral parts of the military system acquisition process. Recent programs in each service, however, reflect more serious and in-depth attempts to use human factors data to influence and evaluate system design than has been the case in the past. The Army now requires MANPRINT analyses, Navy HARDMAN analyses are mandated, and the Air Force is now pilot testing its own program called MPTIS. This symposium consists of introductory remarks by Dr. Joseph Peters of Science Applications International Corporation, and papers from LTC William 0. Blackwood, HQ Department of the Army, CDR George S. Council, Jr., Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, and COL AI Grieshaber, HQ, U. S. Air Force.

Dr. Peters' paper, “Human Factors Issues in Military System Design,” defines “human factors” as a combination of human factors engineering, biomedical engineering, manpower/personnel, and training elements. The paper presents three measures of success of human factors programs early in system acquisition: long-lasting policy, committed management, and availability of scientific technology for program Implementation and evaluation.

LTC Blackwood's paper discusses the importance the Army places on its MANPRINT program. MANPRINT program history, status, and possible program evolution are addressed.

CDR Council's paper addresses the potential for the addition of human factors to the Navy HARDMAN program which addresses manpower, personnel, and training. CDR Council suggests that human factors advocates present a human factors program which is clearly defined and limited in scope to render it easily appreciated by Navy management, and that advocates can benefit from lessons learned during the institutionalization of HARDMAN.

COL Grieshaber's paper “MPT in the Air Force” describes a pilot MPT (manpower, personnel, training) program at Aeronautical Systems Division, Wright Patterson AFB. This program will analyze aircraft system designs for their MPT requirements, suggest design changes where requirements exceed Air Force availabilities, and assess design changes for their MPT impact.