PRODUCT SUPPORT
IT systems continuous support. The DEE, including PLM, enables ef - fective and efficient configuration management of the ASoT and efficient workflows and collaboration. In gen - eral, every DEE is unique and includes myriad software tools and applica - tions, some of which are enterprise- funded and some program-funded. A program’s Systems Integration Lab and Software Development Lab directly benefit from the program’s modeling and simulation capabilities. To learn more about how digital product support can potentially im - prove your program’s sustainment outcomes, check out the offerings in Related Resources. HARRISON is the Warfighting Acquisition Uni- versity’s learning director for Product Sup- port Integration and a professor of Life Cycle Logistics. He previously was the T-7A jet trainer’s product support manager. His other program office experience includes working with jet fighters, helicopters, aerial refueling, and special mission aircraft. Harrison holds a B.S.E.E. degree from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and an M.S. in Management from Troy University. He is a former RAND Air Force Fellow and is certified in Life Cycle Logistics and Engineering. The author can be contacted at shawn.harrison@dau.edu . The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone and not the Department of War.
ventory) may be submitted in 3D PDF format for efficient review by equip - ment specialists. Support equipment may accrue all the same benefits as the prime system. Training and training support. Model-based virtual reality (VR), aug - mented reality (AR), and MR train - ing are based directly on the system model and CAD; little or no need ex - ists for separate model creation by the simulator or training device OEM. This reduces currency gaps and the need for “difference” or “top-off” training. In conjunction with tele - maintenance, VR/AR/MR can provide just-in-time training on nonroutine or nonstandard tasks. Manpower and personnel. DES can be used to optimize mainte - nance manpower and conduct what- if drills— for example, use of different specialty and skill mixes. Facilities and infrastructure. Sys - tem models inform facility require - ments, including sizing, utility inter - faces, and safety zones. Critical facility condition monitoring can be accom - plished by CBM+ and digital twin technologies, as demonstrated at the modernized, rebuilt Tyndall Air Force Base and as planned in Service depot and shipyard optimization strategies.
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Related Resources
– (LOG 0590) Digital Product Support Fundamentals An online course for practitioners at all levels. – (CLCL 016) Digital Product Support Credential Join the fictional “Demolisher” program office in solving realistic problems using digital principles. – Digital Product Support Article Includes links to DoW policy and guidance; military department DE strategies, visions, plans, and directives; credentials; courses; workshops; webinars; articles; and more!
MDAP Program Manager Changes With the assistance of the Office of the Secretary of War, Defense Acquisition magazine publishes the names of incoming and outgoing program managers for major defense acquisition programs (MDAPs). This announcement lists such changes of leadership for both civilian and military program managers for the months of October through December 2025. NAVY/MARINE CORPS Capt. Robert J. McMillan was selected as Program Manager for Airborne Electronic Attack Systems (PMA 234) on Oct. 1, 2025.
ARMY None AIR FORCE None FOURTH ESTATE None
Capt. Dean B. Farmer was selected as Program Manager for Future Advanced Ca - pability Team (FACT) and Collaborative Combat Aircraft Program Office (PMA 228) on Dec. 12, 2025. Capt. Christopher Causee was selected as Program Manager for Amphibious Assault and Connectors Program Office (PMS 317) on Dec. 18, 2025.
JANUARY FEBRUARY 2026 | DEFENSE ACQUISITION MAGAZINE 31 –
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