Product Support Manager: Achieving Success in Executing Life Cycle Management Responsibilities

摘要

In October 2009, President Barack Obama signed the Fiscal Year 2010 National Defense Authorization Act. The legislation (Pub. L. 111-84) contained a provision in Section 805 entitled, 'Life Cycle Management and Product Support' requiring: (1) that the Secretary of Defense issue comprehensive guidance on Life Cycle Management (LCM), and the development and implementation of product support strategies for major weapon systems; (2) that each major weapon system be supported by a Product Support Manager (PSM); and (3) that each PSM position be performed by a properly qualified member of the armed forces or full-time employee of the Department of Defense. This article examines the intent, importance, and implications of this provision, and offers recommendations for implementation.