The U.S. Army Operational Test Command will host a conference for program executive officers today at West Fort Hood.

Program executives, under the direction of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology, are key acquisition officials responsible for directing major programs in areas that include aviation, communication, missiles, ammunition and integration, a news release stated.

They routinely work with the Army Test and Evaluation Command and its subordinate command, the Operational Test Command, in the conduct of developmental and operational testing.

"(Program executive officers) Day will provide an opportunity to share ideas, discuss strategies and institutionalize continuous process improvements within the Army and Office of the Secretary of Defense testing communities," said Lt. Gen. William Phillips, who is involved in the program.

According to Col. Joseph M. Martin, commander, Lt. Gen. Donald M. Campbell Jr., III Corps and Fort Hood commander, will open the conference, followed by remarks from Phillips and Maj. Gen. Genaro Dellarocco, Army Test and Evaluation Command.

"Our intent for this conference is to offer a venue designed to unify (program executives) across the Army in order to achieve efficiencies and effectiveness while showcasing OTC's and III Corps' footprint and diverse workforce."

Throughout the day, attendees will hear from speakers on a variety of topics, to include lessons learned from Network Integration Evaluation 12.2, the use of modeling and simulation in testing, what to expect from NIE 13.1, the importance of an integrated threat in test scenarios, and the integrated test and evaluation concept.

Face-to-face dialogue between the acquisition and test and evaluation communities is crucial to balancing future requirements to ensure affordability, Phillips said.