STATEMENT OF 
THOMAS P. CHRISTIE
DIRECTOR, OPERATIONAL TEST AND EVALUATION

BEFORE THE HOUSE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE
MILITARY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AND MILITARY PROCUREMENT SUBCOMMITTEES

JUNE 27, 2002

Chairman Hunter, Chairman Weldon, members of the Subcommittees, I thank you for the opportunity to appear before you and discuss the responsibilities of the office of the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) in the current plans for the development of the Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS).

As Lieutenant General Kadish has described on several occasions, BMDS will be developed and acquired using a new strategy, incorporating a phased introduction of missile defense capability, based on evolving technology.  DOT&E's role in this process is to monitor the demonstration of these critical technologies, advise on Missile Defense Agency (MDA) goals and plans, and assess the adequacy of BMDS testing.  Traditional operational test (OT) oversight will apply once capabilities are transitioned to the Services for acquisition and fielding.

Statute requires that I review and approve test plans for both operational and live fire testing, as well as oversee and evaluate these test programs.  Live fire testing in particular requires early involvement in the system development phase.  Aside from live fire testing, my role in the development of BMDS elements is advisory in nature, and I will monitor and assess the results of the testing of new technologies.  In response to the FY02 Defense Authorization Act, I will provide a report to Congress each year by the 15^th of February, which details my assessment of the adequacy and sufficiency of the Missile Defense Agency's test program.  I will also report on the results of initial operational testing, which characterizes the operational capabilities of BMDS elements that are preparing for transition to Service acquisition programs.

In order to effectively execute these reporting responsibilities, I plan to remain engaged with BMDS development through the Missile Defense Support Group and staff interaction with MDA, at both system and element levels.  I have been working with General Kadish to improve our visibility into MDA programs and increase my staff's involvement in planning and working group activities.  This process has been the focus of considerable attention from Congress and the media.  General Kadish has assured me that DOT&E will have access to any data I need to fulfill my oversight responsibilities.  As our involvement increases at the working level, I am confident that appropriate access to detailed programmatic information will similarly improve.

Mr. Chairman, let me say that I am also confident I will be able perform meaningful and comprehensive assessments of MDA testing and system performance, and submit the required reports to Congress.  I also wish to express my concern that reductions to program funding levels have historically reduced the resources a program manager can devote to testing.  In the case of BMDS, I do not believe the Department can afford to compromise on either the scope or depth of testing needed to characterize the capabilities of the various missile defense elements against projected threats

I would be pleased to answer any questions you may have.