Now the jobs are done primarily by civilians, for whom soldier safety is the primary concern. They're really conscientious people. Test engineers ensure that the equipment is as safe and comfortable as possible for the soldiers who have to use it in the field, and program managers work with Congress for the budget dollars to make it happen. The vehicles are put through rigorous tests on gravel, unpaved and paved courses. The tests include a 50-mile nonstop mission that stresses every part of a vehicle's capabilities.
Every part is tested, from navigation systems to weapons to power trains.
Our job isn't to baby-sit these vehicles. When something has passed here, soldiers receiving the equipment can be sure they're getting something good. Engineers often stay with certain types of systems for years. Rick Douglas, a YPG aviation systems test engineer, has been working with the Apache helicopter since 1980. Aviation ordnance testing is a small community, and most of us know each other well.