Product support development processes begin one the system is fielded.

Product support development processes begin one the system is fielded.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. During early design phases
• D. Only for combat systems

Answer: (B)

Product support planning and development should be built into the system from the very beginning of its life cycle. Decisions about maintainability, reliability, spare parts, training, maintenance concepts, and the overall support structure need to be worked out during design and development, not after fielding. When a system is fielded, you’re deploying it; the sustainment work to keep it ready and affordable has already been set in motion earlier, and you continue to evolve it then. Starting support processes in the early design phases helps ensure the system is designed for ease of maintenance, has a realistic and available supply chain, and achieves the desired readiness and life-cycle costs.

Product support planning and development should be built into the system from the very beginning of its life cycle. Decisions about maintainability, reliability, spare parts, training, maintenance concepts, and the overall support structure need to be worked out during design and development, not after fielding. When a system is fielded, you’re deploying it; the sustainment work to keep it ready and affordable has already been set in motion earlier, and you continue to evolve it then. Starting support processes in the early design phases helps ensure the system is designed for ease of maintenance, has a realistic and available supply chain, and achieves the desired readiness and life-cycle costs.