Overview

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the methodology, planning, execution and evaluation of operational tests (OT&E) in a military context. It is designed for military and industry professionals involved in the assessment, development or fielding of complex military systems. The focus is on deriving user-centered requirements, evaluating mission effectiveness and applying OT&E-relevant standards and procedures in line with national and European regulatory frameworks.

Course Topics

Participants will explore international OT&E terminology and processes, placing particular emphasis on military-specific processes, especially those shaped by defense procurement guidelines and budgetary planning. The curriculum includes:

• development of operational concepts and mission scenarios
• derivation of operational user requirements
• planning and execution of operational test campaigns
• structured analysis of human-machine interaction
• qualitative and quantitative assessment of test results
• military effectiveness and cost-performance analysis
• safety and risk assessment for operational testing
• preparation and execution of operational suitability evaluations (Einsatzprüfung)
• assessment of technical-logistical robustness
• standardized reporting procedures for OT&E

Practical Training

Hands-on exercises are integrated throughout the course and include:

• development of user requirements and evaluation criteria
• planning and analysis of operational test scenarios
• simulator-based assessment of human-machine interaction
• OT&E report generation
• final capstone exercise: planning, execution and assessment of a complete OT&E test mission