The Operational Test Command, the Army's independent operational tester, tests and assesses
Army, Joint, and Multi-service war-fighting systems in a realistic operational environment using
typical Soldiers to determine whether the systems are effective, suitable, and survivable. OTC remains true to its ultimate customer—the
American Soldier.
OTC is the Army's only independent
operational tester; it is required by public
law to test major systems before they are
fielded to the American Soldier.
OTC lives the Expeditionary Army ethos—readily
deployable test teams support the Army's
rapid acquisition initiatives and are
prepared to deploy on very short notice to
any location to gather information on Army
systems. OTC's objective is to conduct
operational tests where the Soldiers and
equipment are.
Since 2003 OTC has deployed ATEC Forward Operational Assessment (FOA) teams
in Iraq and Afghanistan to gather
information in support of our deployed
formations.
Located
with OTC Headquarters Command and staff at
Fort Cavazos, Texas, are four test directorates.
Four forward test directorates
are located at Fort Huachuca, Fort Sill, Fort Bliss, and Fort Liberty. A Test and
Evaluation Coordination Office (TECO) supports
the Army Maneuver Support Center (MANSCEN)
at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and an
Infantry Support Cell supports the Infantry
School and Center at Fort Benning, Georgia.
OTC becomes
involved in the Army's acquisition process
following the developmental tests that ensure
the product technically performs as the Army
expected it to do. That product is then
transitioned to OTC
professionals to test in the hands of the intended user—the
American Soldier.
OTC uses
highly sophisticated and state-of-the-art
technology. Rugged instrumentation
collects test data that will document
performance levels and operational suitability.
Modeling and simulation products work
independently or within a distributed simulation
environment to create a realistic operational
environment. Real-time casualty assessment
adds realism to tests and assists in collecting data to assess weapon capabilities and limitations.
Plan, conduct, and report operational tests and experiments for
the Army acquisition decision-making process.
Test or assess systems in a realistic
operational environment using typical Soldiers to determine whether systems are effective, suitable, and
survivable.
Capitalize on synergy with units and
acquisition organizations at Fort Cavazos and the
installations at which OTC's forward directorates are located.
Deploy test teams worldwide to accomplish operational
testing missions at Soldiers' locations.
Deploy FOA teams into combat and operational contingency
theaters to collect data on weapons and systems used in the
operational environment, including systems fielded through the
Army's rapid acquisition initiatives.
Plan high-priority operational testing on the
Army's Future Combat Systems (FCS).
