Two recent events have occurred that alter the Army view of acceptance of earthmoving equipment. First, the Army was reorganized and second, a new materiel acquisition policy was published. The reorganization eliminated Continental Army Command and U.S. Army Combat Developments Command and formed Forces Command and Training and Doctrine Command. In addition, U.S. Army Materiel Command was reoriented and the responsibility for construction equipment shifted to U.S. Army Tank-Automotive Command. The new materiel acquisition policy's main points seek to minimize cost, shorten development, and assure adequate performance. To accomplish this, a 6-year development cycle was established with decision points following each phase of developmental testing and operational test. Since earthmoving equipment is considered a nonmajor item, the Test and Evaluation Command (TECOM), as part of the development test (DT III), will complete the Army's acceptance tests. The TECOM philosophy, mission, and organization are presented with the conclusion being that the Army must assure that the equipment will meet its requirements “on demand.”
