Manpower Cost Reduction in Electronics Maintenance

In response to rising manpower costs of electronics maintenance, this paper presents a framework for evaluating maintenance policies and specific recommendations for demonstrations and experiments which can be undertaken to evaluate alternative policies dealing with manning, training, and the use of job performance aids (JPAs). The framework for analysis emphasizes that, in the long run at least, the types of weapon systems procured and their operational ready rates may be varied just as the methods of performing a given level of maintenance on a pre-specified weapon system may be varied. Recommendations include suggestions for study of: (1) a variety of types of JPAs, (2) integration of JPAs into weapon systems procurement, (3) substituting on-the-job training for technical school, (4) the benefits of a more senior force of electronic technicians, and (5) modifications in the definition of certain military occupational specialties.