workarounds and explore alternatives that reduce the need for new and modified facilities. While these also apply to nonrapid programs, greater innovation may be needed. And, to state the obvious, the PSM should prepare for greater or longer term use of ICS and/or CLS for peculiar support equipment repairs and parts support. For manpower and personnel as well as training, speed-imposed limit- ations may include using maintenance specialties in nontraditional roles and insufficient time to establish in-house training or procure training devices (e.g., simulators). Potential mitigations include help- ing the Warfighter prepare for a short- term greater level of cross-training or expansion of specialty code, op- erational specialty, or enlisted code duties. FSRs can effectively mitigate enlisted maintainer skill shortfalls through point-of-need training. Fi- nally, the PSM should prepare for greater and prolonged reliance on Type 1 “factory training” and use of expedient devices and digital system models for training. Parting Thoughts for PSMs Going fast doesn’t mean aban- doning tried and true practices. It
may mean deferring them to the next phase or pathway or taking a stream- lined approach to field capability with “minimum viable sustainment”—par- ticularly for UCA programs. Going fast will require triaging what is most critical for product support and for determining, with the PM, where the program can take risk. Finally, consider the following practices: • Partner with the PM, chief engi- neer, and other senior functionals as a trusted and value-added col- league—developing solutions with a “yes, if” mindset. • Stay closely connected to the War- fighter, particularly field mainte- nance SMEs, during design (e.g., reliability and maintainability work- ing groups), testing, and fielding. They are the ultimate customer of the product support package and can provide invaluable feedback on potential gaps and needed im- provements. Consider making site visits where possible. • In executing job number one— rapid fielding of the product sup- port package—carve out time for critical thinking about options, on/ off-ramps, and alternatives to en- able timely changes if needed.
HARRISON is the DAU learning director for Product Support 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. Har- rison holds a B.S.E.E. degree from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and an M.S. in Man- agement 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 Defense. Reproduction or reposting of articles from Defense Acquisition magazine should credit the authors and the magazine.
DAU Resources • Adaptive Acquisition Framework • LOG 3530, UCA and Logistics online course • LOG 3540, MTA and Logistics online course • Hidden Value: The Under- appreciated Role of Product Support in Rapid Acquisition
MDAP PROGRAM MANAGER CHANGES With the assistance of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, 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 February through March 2025. ARMY
NAVY/MARINE CORPS Capt. Sarah E. Abbott relieved Capt. Richard M. Gensley as Program Manager for the Precision Strike Weapons Program (PMA 201) on February 27, 2025. Capt. Roger A. Davis relieved Capt. Adam T. Scott as Program Manager for the E-6 Airborne Strategic Command, Control and Communications Program (PMA 271) on March 21, 2025. Col. Jason T. Duke relieved Col. Vasilios E. Pappas as Program Manager for the H-1 Program (PMA 276) on March 20, 2025.
Lt. David Daniels relieved Lt. Nicholas Yerby as Product Man- ager for Apache Development and Modernization effective February 2025. AIR FORCE None FOURTH ESTATE SES Ms. Virginia W. Perkins replaced Acting Chief Engineer Mr. David O’Neil , to become the Chief Engineer of the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) on January 31, 2025
May-June 2025 | DEFENSE ACQUISITION | 17
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