Weapon system acquisition management: a viable career program for the unrestricted line aviation officer

Abstract

The problem of obtaining unrestricted line aviation officers with the requisite experience and education to serve as Project Managers has plagued the Navy's Weapons Systems Acquisition Management Program since its inception. The research is directed at identifying the causes of this problem. The conflicts and constraints resulting from the integration of the Weapons System Acquisition Management subspecialty development program with the warfare specialty development program of the unrestricted line aviation officer are identified. Recommendations are made for the achievement of a viable career development program that will aid in the development of true professionalism in the area of weapon system development and acquisition.