The purpose of this research is to analyze the potential advantages, disadvantages, and risks to cost, schedule, and performance of shifting the role of operational test and evaluation (OT&E) of the Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band (NGJ-MB) program from a dedicated OT&E squadron at Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Nine (AIRTEVRON NINE; VX-9) to a fleet aviation electronic attack squadron. The operational constraints of the modern Naval Aviation Enterprise (NAE) squadron to deploy as part of the warfighting force against a peer adversary is examined to identify the risks to the successful OT&E of the NGJ-MB program. My methodology includes examining fleet operational tempo and the Navy’s Optimized Fleet Response Plan scheduling, resourcing, training, proficiency, tactical expertise, and administration. A strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis, followed by a cost-effective analysis, are used to analyze the risks to test execution and reporting compared to VX-9. In the research conclusion, I recommend the more beneficial, efficient, and effective path to execute OT&E for the NGJ-MB program. The consequences to cost, schedule, and performance to the NGJ-MB program give high confidence that fleet aviation squadrons should not be tasked to perform OT&E. VX-9 should be properly resourced, funded, and supported by the Navy to assess the operational effectiveness and suitability of the NGJ-MB pod.Lieutenant Commander, United States NavyApproved for public release. Distribution is unlimited
